A number of towns, especially in densely populated East Coast regions, have been looking to bring some new life and commercial potential to lands containing old landfills. And in many cases, solar energy is turning out to be an ideal match.

One of the latest examples comes from the town of Scituate on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. A report from local radio station WATD-FM says that the town is currently accepting bids on a 15-acre solar array that will be located on top of its capped landfill.

The radio station added that when complete, the solar array could generate as much of 30 percent of the town's electricity needs - and that in conjunction with a nearby large wind turbine, Scituate residents could eventually derive some 80 percent of their energy needs from renewable resources.

Other towns in Massachusetts, particularly in the western part of the state, have been working on plans that would see solar resources developed on their own landfill properties.

Trends such as this also illustrate how individuals and businesses don't need to live in sunny and warm states in order to enjoy the benefits of solar power.