Wednesday, October 07, 2009 at 4:19:35 PM - by Danny Vo

An Idaho company is developing an advanced solar energy technology that could change the way Americans drive in the coming years.

A recent announcement from Solar Roadways says that it is using a $100,000 grant from the Department of Transportation to develop a prototype for the solar road panel.

The panels would allow clean energy to be generated for nearby businesses and homes even as vehicles drive over them. The applications would also be usable for parking lots and would replace the current asphalt surfaces that are currently used.

The company also noted that its solar road panels will include embedded LED lights that "paint" road lines, potentially making night driving safer and also providing information to drivers about detours and other conditions, such as wildlife in the road.

According to Solar Roadways, the development could lead to the development of an "intelligent highway" that provides various functions while also greatly reducing the nationwide use of fossil fuels.

A number of other advanced technology ideas are incorporating solar energy features that could result in unprecedented new developments and products in the coming years.