Emerging solar energy technologies are in the spotlight this week as participants gear up for the annual Solar Challenge race.

Starting on Saturday, June 19, a group of solar-powered vehicles will set out from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma with a goal of finishing in Naperville, Illinois. Along the way, drivers will be required to reach specified checkpoints by certain times.

For example, day three of the race will require drivers to start in Topeka, Kansas at 9 a.m. and proceed to a checkpoint in Jefferson City, Missouri before moving along to Rolla, Missouri.

A look at the Solar Challenge website finds that many of the teams participating in the race come from universities. For example, institutions such as Stanford, Northwestern and Oregon State University will be sending teams, along with groups from Germany, Taiwan and Canada. A total of 17 teams are involved in this year’s race.

Researchers have been incorporating solar energy technology into a broader range of vehicles, from boats to automobiles and even airplanes. For example, the 2010 Toyota Prius even uses a small photovoltaic panel to help provide power for its interior.