Engineers from the University of Rhode Island are delving into methods of capitalizing on solar energy radiating off roadways, according to published reports.

Melting ice, powering streetlights, illuminating signs, heating buildings, establishing recharging stations for electric cars and numerous other uses are under consideration.

"We have mile after mile of asphalt pavement around the country, and in the summer it absorbs a great deal of heat, warming the roads up to 140 degrees or more," said K. Wayne Lee, URI professor of civil and environmental engineering. "If we can harvest that heat, we can use it for our daily use, save on fossil fuels, and reduce global warming."

One idea proposes wrapping photovoltaic cells around Jersey barriers' tops to illuminate streetlights and signs on the road. Another suggests embedding the cells between rumble strips and the barriers.

"This is a project that could be implemented today because the technology already exists," Lee said. "Since the new generation of solar cells are so flexible, they can be installed so that regardless of the angle of the sun, it will be shining on the cells and generating electricity.