Governments and businesses around the world are continuing to innovate new and creative ways to utilize solar power. The government of North Holland is planning to install solar panels on a bicycle path near the town of Krommenie in 2012, according to an article on SpringWise.Com.

The TNO Research Institute developed the Solaroad project with the Province of North Holland, the Ooms Avenhorn Group, and Imtech.

The basis of the design will be thick concrete blocks covered in a 1 cm thick layer of crystalline silicon solar cells protected by toughened glass.

The solar bike path is expected to generate 50 kWh per square meter per year, which will be used to power street lights, traffic systems, and households.

According to TNO, an average Dutch household uses about 3,500 kWh per year of electricity.

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