Monday, October 19, 2009 at 3:06:37 PM - by Danny Vo

U.S. government officials are continuing to highlight solar energy companies that have the potential to change the way Americans get their electricity in the coming years.

According to the Department of Energy, Secretary Steven Chu recently joined Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and North Carolina Senator Kay Hagan for a visit to a clean power company in that state, Southern Energy Management.

The company is said to be developing one of the largest photovoltaic projects in the Southeast, which will generate at least one megawatt of electricity. The project is said to involve 5,040 panels on about five acres of land, with a large solar water heating system also included.

"By moving to clean sources of energy, we can create jobs and ensure America's competitiveness, while reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Projects like the one we saw today are vital for the future of both our country and our planet," said Chu.

A number of other companies around the country are involved in utility-scale solar energy projects, some of which involve panels scattered on rooftops and other structures in a given area, while others feature a large number of panels deployed in a more compact space.