[Video] Japan's solar city

[Video] Japan's solar city
A solar-powered city offers a model for future self-sufficient energy communities, producing electricity with rooftop panels. Solar panels glisten across Ota City's tiny Pal Town neighbourhood, nestled among strawberry fields in one of Japan's sunniest spots, a testament to the allure of renewable energy in this resource-poor country.

Source: Gaijin Robo

The Dutchtub - Portable, Wood-Fired Hot Tub

The Dutchtub (via MAKE)

Solar Power Vs. Trees

Well it looks like trees come second to solar power in California. I'm still not sure if this a good thing or not.

[Video] Powering up with the sun

Twenty universities from Canada, Germany, Spain and the United States are competing here in the 2007 Solar Decathlon to design and build the most livable, energy-efficient solar-powered house. An AFPTV voiced report.

Affordable Film Thin Solar Strips

Popular Mechanics has published their 2005 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.

Link from Popular Mechanics (via House Hacker)