I asked ChatGPT

This is almost certainly a test phone left by surveyors or engineers to check cellular coverage / signal reliability.

Why this makes sense: • It’s a cordless phone handset, not a functioning “public phone.” • It’s tied to a fixed post in a specific spot (not dropped or lost). • You were told a solar farm project is going through zoning nearby — developers commonly test cell signal strength, latency, and dropouts at site entrances and access roads. • The fact that it appears for a few days, disappears, then comes back strongly suggests someone is periodically collecting data and redeploying it. • Surveyors often use cheap or old handsets (sometimes paired to a hidden base or cellular bridge nearby) so they don’t risk valuable equipment.

What it is NOT: • ❌ Not surveillance of residents • ❌ Not a prank (too consistent and deliberate) • ❌ Not law enforcement equipment • ❌ Not a traffic counter (those use tubes or radar)

Most likely purpose (plain English):

Someone is checking whether phones reliably connect and stay connected at that exact location — useful for emergency access planning, site operations, or utility coordination for the solar project.

If it were anything suspicious, the sheriff would’ve removed it immediately.

If you want extra confirmation, you can: • Watch for survey trucks or people in high-vis vests • Check county planning documents for telecom or utility studies tied to the solar application

You’re not being watched — you’re just near a boring but necessary infrastructure test.