An American company named Solar Roadways is preparing to replace bitumen and asphalt with solar panelled roads.

Scott Brusaw, American scientist and founder of Solar Roadways, has been granted a large sum from the US Department of Transportation to progress further with the project.

Considering the energy generation of millions of square miles incorporating solar panels throughout the nation of the USA would create, Brusaw says they can supply America's electricity requirements three times over, the Solar Road Panels will also incorporate LEDs.

Instant traffic updates could be provided along with road signage, however in cooler climates, they are able to generate heat, minimising the amount of snow and ice on the road.

One of the concerns aout the Solar Road Panels was the surfacing as the top layer is a glass finish and traction may be affected.  Brusaw states this will not be the case as the glass is contoured "to the point that it provides at least the traction that current asphalt roads offer, even in the rain."

The method of solar-powered roads could de-centralise the power grid and minimise the requirement for overhead power lines.

Solar Roadway's Scott Brusaw states he will dedicate his whole life to the technology and winning a grant from the US Department of Transportation lends support to the project, it is possible one day to be driving on solar roads.