http://www.househacker.com/ househacker/tags/alternative Breakthrough Awards, in which they showcase some of today's most promising and interesting scientific innovations (yeah, they shill, but still interesting). One of the more interesting entries is flexible photovoltaic plastic. The ultra-thin energy producers are being developed by the 2000 Nobel Prize winner in chemistry, Alan Heeger. The more interesting part: the actual energy harnessing chemistry occurs within the solution of semiconducting polymers that can be painted onto surfaces such as roofs, tents, clothing and pets whatnot. It doesn't hurt that the stuff is easier to mass produce and cheaper than big grandpa solar panel. From the article: 'Solar energy is going to happen,' says Heeger. 'It will happen sooner and on a larger scale if we can provide a lower-cost technology.'

I hope he's right. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Affordable-Film-Thin-Solar-Strips
Perhaps the most fascinating feature of this new design is the fact that it not only gathers energy from the push on the front side, but actually is pulled forward on the back side through a lift effect, similar to the principle that causes lift on a wing. "The back pressure creates a vortex that pulls it around, turning drag into lift," says Taylor.

The result is that the turbine spins just slightly faster than the wind speed -- 1/100ths faster on average, beginning with winds of about 5 miles per hour.

This facet is the "technology breakthrough" that makes it unique, according to Taylor.

Very cool.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/New-Wind-Power-Design