Time to solar charge your golf cart

Keep your greens green!

If you're a big time golfer, or maybe you live in a community where your golf cart is a significant means of transportation, then its time to go green.

Helios offers some great solar-charging options for golf carts that can provide up to ten miles per day of clean solar power. Likewise, Helios's flexible solar panels can be placed on top of just about any golf cart about as easy as applying a sticker to your golf cart.

Check out more from Helios.

Do it yourself solar power at Lowes

Install it yourself and save thousands

So, you're a pretty smart guy or gal. Even better, you're handy with tools, and you can even change an electrical outlet box.

Heck, why not install your own solar array?

Lowes stores in California, and soon the rest of the nation, will offer solar supplies for those seeking to add a solar array to their home.

More important, Lowes will also provide information on how to apply for permits and tax credits - probably the most important aspect of any solar power installation.

Yingli margins killing stock?

Just not the time to play the solar trade?

When President Obama took office many believed it would be a boon for green investors, as the President has made green energy a marquee of his Presidential platform. However, most green stocks, such as those in solar companies, have mostly been a bust, and many analysts believe they will remain a bust, at least until higher energy prices return.

One solar stock that has done well recently, however, has been Yingli Green (YGE). Yesterday, however, the stock was hit hard due to poor margins according to Fast Money's Pete Najarian.

Unfortunately, Najarian didn't comment on when the margin problem would improve.

Suntech Power called out on Fast Money

A good great green investment?

Today on Fast Money, Tim Seymour called out Suntech Power as hist last trade of the day. Apparently, he and Jim Cramer have some different opinions on solar power investments.

Cramer still likes First Solar

Still likes, but didn't recommend

During the 'Am I diversified' segment of Mad Money, Jim Cramer stated that First Solar was still his favorite, non-Chinese solar company because they are the only major solar company thats business isn't dependent upon government subsidies.

Now, he didn't recommned buying First Solar stock, he just called it his favorite, non-Chinese solar company.

In the recent past, Cramer, essentially, called solar stucks a bust despite the Obama Administration and cap and trade. Until energy prices increase, solar power just isn't profitable Cramer has claimed.

Chinese demand to drive solar stocks?

It's all about China?

Today, the Fast Money crew were discussing Applied Materials when the issue of solar stocks came up. Ultimately, Chinese demand could provide some interesting results for a few solar stocks - which the gang really didn't consider to be a core business of Applied.

Overall, however, the crew thinks that solar stocks won't really get rolling until 2010.

Is solar power a good cap and trade play?

The darling of the green revolution?

Yesterday, a MadMoney caller asked Jim Cramer why most solar stocks have been tanking recently, even as cap and trade moves closer and closer to becoming law. Because solar power simply isn't viable without massive government incentives, even if cap and trade becomes law, replied Cramer.

I don't know if Cramer is right, but I was pretty shocked to hear Cramer's response. Kind of makes one wonder if solar power is really a good green investment, or whether solar power is just a good hedge against oil prices.

Are the Chinese set to eclipse the US on solar power?

A Suntech Solar installation in Manitoba

When it comes to high efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells SunPower is about as good as it gets, but according to Greentech, Suntech's monocrystalline Pluto cells are catching up, and could soon even catch SunPower.

Now, I'm not calling Suntech the next big green investment; however, Suntech does have me wondering if US labor costs can compete with the labor costs China will be able to bring to the solar power space.

Certainly, US solar companies are years away from such worries. Nonetheless, green jobs are being purported to be the next big thing for skilled, high wage jobs in the US, but is that feasible in the long term?

Solyndra finding greater yield in its solar thin-film

It's in the tubes

Solyndra has found it is able to boost the average power output of its thin-film solar panels from 157 watts to "close to 200 watts," according to reports. This increase yield should help the company increase production at its second 500 megawatt manufacturing plant that is being built with the help of $535 million Federal Loan guarantee - the first of its kind - from the Department of Energy.

Does Chromasum have the key to multifunction solar power?

75 percent efficient?

Chromasun is hoping that a its new solar device, which uses both a PV and a solar thermal system to achieve 75 percent efficiency, will entice green investors. Likewise, the company is defining a very specific niche for itself as it gets started: air conditioning.

While air conditioning systems only account for about 16 percent of US power, during the summer AC power can account for almost 50 percent of grid demand in California.

Energy efficienct tax credits

Need a new water heater or air conditioner?

So you aren't going to qualify for any bailout money or a mortgage modification? You could still find yourself claiming some bailout cash if you plan to upgrade your home with any of a number of products that enable increases in energy efficiency. For example, if you are replacing windows, adding a new AC unit or a water heater, for instance, you could claim a 30 percent tax credit up to $1500 for your effort.

Have bigger plans, such as adding solar panels to your roof? The credits are even far greater (more).

Can "sexy" plug-and-play solar power sell?

Would you buy it for your apartment window?

Veranda Solar wants to make solar power "sexy" by providing easy to use plug-and-play solar items that can be used even by those with only the smallest of apartment windows. Still, $400 for 60 watts, Veranda isn't exactly cheap.

Are plastic substrates worthy of the sun?

Make it plastic?

Today, most solar companies use metal or glass for substrate material. Ascent Solar Technologies believes its new solar substrates will be as durable as current substrates, but cheaper reports Greentech Media.

Can batteries store solar and wind power?

Same technology as car batteries?

Read an interesting story this morning on wind turbines and using batteries to store excess power, as well as some other technologies. One company, A123Systems, is considering making batteries for wind turbines directly for this purpose.

Currently, A123Systems makes lithium batteries for plug-in hybrid vehicles and electric cars, and I cannot help but wonder if A123, and others, are contemplating lithium for this purpose.

If so, could it help cause a shortage of lithium quicker than expected?

Solar power cheaper than coal by 2012

A play for green fast money?

The crew of Fast Money gave a shout out to solar power today, speaking to the point that Cypress Semiconductor, for instance, believes it's on a path to cost-effective solar power. By 2012, according to Pete Najarian, Cypress believes that solar power will be cheaper than coal.

In addition to Cypress, Fast Money also called out First Solar, which had a big run up in its stock price today.

Nonetheless, the gang didn't suggest buying any of these stocks at this point, but they do seem to believe in the potential of solar power. Maybe a good time to start buying on dips, or to pick up some shares of a solar fund so you don't have to pick winners?

NanoGram hopes SilFoil next big thing in solar power

On the way to $1.00 per watt?

NanoGram's "SilFoil" isn't exactly thin film technology, but it is thin and it uses much less silicon than crystalline solar cells, yet it is still as efficient.

That's right, the same efficiency with less silicon. That means cheaper solar power. In fact, NanoGram believes it can produce SilFoil for less than $1.00 per watt when the startup's plant opens in late 2009.

Thus far, NanoGram has secured almost $70 million in funding.

OPEC conspiring to kill alternative energy?

Killing alternative energy

Today on the Lightning Round of Jim Cramer's Mad Money, a caller questioned Cramer about solar plays under Obama. Cramer essentially responded that cheap gas is killing solar power and stated that OPEC had helped push oil prices lower to help offset interest in alternative energy.

Obviously, there are many out there espousing similar beliefs, but not many with the pulpit and Street cred of Cramer. While some consider Cramer a crackpot, it's still a pretty interesting statement.

SoCal Edison finishes first step of major solar plan

First project delivered 33,700 solar panels

"Southern California Edison (SCE) today announced completion of the first of its proposed 150 solar photovoltaic installations on Southern California commercial rooftops. The project could eventually cover two square miles of existing commercial roofs with 250 million watts of peak generating capacity – equivalent to building several utility-scale solar power plants."

Green: Sixth Technology Revolution

Solar has a bright future

"Energy concerns will not disappear despite the falling price of oil, so investors can expect significant long-term opportunities in the cleantech space, according to a new thematic report published by Steven Milunovich, Merrill Lynch cleantech strategist."

Particularly in focus are energy efficiency-increasing technologies, electric cars, solar and wind power, distributed energy and microgrids, as well as biofuels and geothermal power.

Today, many alternative energy stocks have been hammered. However, strong alternative energy companies should rebound if green technology is the future. In fact, green investments might be the only growth story heading into the future, and with stock prices so low, there might never be a better buying opportunity.

2 Obama Energy Plays - Barclays

Despite recent setbacks, solar still a good long term investment

Just caught Vishal Shah of Barclays speaking about alternative energy plays under Barack Obama. According to Shah, alternative energy is still a great investment under an Obama presidency. In particular, he liked SunPower and FirstSolar as long term plays.

Despite oil prices under $50 per barrel, green investing might still make sense, but you have to think long term.

Solyndra signs new $320 million dollar deal

It's all in the tubes

Solyndra has signed a contract worth up to $320 million with Carlisle Energy Services to supply 100 megawatts worth of panels over a 5-year period.

Solyndra produces tubular copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS) thin film that is rolled into tubes - 40 tubes per panel. Thanks to the curvature of the tubes, the panels are able to absorb more indirect light, converting 12 to 14 percent of that sunlight into electricity.

Coupled with Carlisle's white thermoplastic polyolefin roofing membrane, output could be increased by 20 percent.

It's tubular, dude!

Solar factories in a box. Is it sustainable?

Will turnkey solar fabrication survive

Just finished reading about how Oerlikon Solar raised its Amorph High Performance line's capacity by 50 percent using zinc oxide. According to GreentechMedia that means "along with an improvement in the speed of production, should bring the cost of making solar panels on this fabrication system from about $1.50 per watt to about $1.20 per watt for customers, he said. The company's goal is to get to the magic $1 per watt or less figure in "the next couple of years."

Like Applied Materials, Oerlikon is a turnkey provider of a solar factory in a box, where customers buy everything to produce their own solar cells. Both are a competitor with thin-film leader, First Solar. Yet, First Solar isn't as reliant on others to produce its technology.

While I don't have any answers, the viability of turnkey solar factories is a very interesting phenomenon. Will it be the dominant model in the future?

Regardless, amongst these three players, isn't consolidation inevitable?

SolFocus efficiency on the rise

25 percent efficiency

California startup SolFocus has achieved new efficiencies with their concentrated solar systems. By redesigning many optical components, the new SolFocus system improved its efficiency from 18 percent to 25 percent.

According to GreenTechMedia, "A SolFocus system is composed of a giant panel mounted on a tracker that tilts the panel to follow the sun's movement. On the panel are rows of curved mirrors that can concentrate 500 times the sunlight onto optical rods, which then lead the light into solar cells made with germanium substrate and gallium-arsenide and other compounds in the same class of semiconductors."

Is SolFocus, worth a green investment? SolFocus is picking up contracts. However, the company uses expensive Gallium-arsenide cells. Additionally, tracking systems, some solar experts believe, are a dying solar technology, as new cell technologies make tracking systems irrelevant. Removing tracking systems would make solar power cheaper.

Bloo! It's 3-D solar cells

Can tiny, efficient 3-D solar cells scare solar opponents?

Tiny nano-scale bristles could be the key to efficient, cost-effective solar power, according to Bloo Solar, because these bristles enable better light absorption.

GreenTech reports, "The 3-D nature of the bristles also means that it can harvest light during the early and late hours of the day, something planar solar cells can struggle with. Bloo in some ways is combining a number of trends into a single product: the popularity of cad tel, reducing the cost of thin-film solar cells, using 3D structures to extend the active time of solar cells like Solyndra and better light trapping."

Pete Najarian continues to like ECD's solar play

OptionMonster plugging ECD again

I'm a CNBC junkie, and one of my favorite shows on the channel is Fast Money. Dylan Ratigan has done an excellent job of bringing a Mainstreet view and ethos to the Wall Street arena. Pete Najarian, a regular contributor on the show, has been a fan of Electronic Conversion Devices for some time. Today, he again cited the company as a stock he's interested in for its solar division.

Ionic fluid the key to plastic solar cells?

Ready for prime time?

Imagine the ability to print out cheap solar cells. Well, you might not have to imagine much longer according Technology Review.

Dye-sensitized solar cells, or Grätzel cells, have been making huge strides in the latest lab testing thanks to new electrolytes and dyes. In particular, iconic fluid - a non-volatile electrolyte - is achieving efficiencies of 9 - 10 percent in an incredibly flexible cell that could be utilized for cars and even clothing.

GS4 Innovations and Dyesol are already developing commercialized forms of this technology.

Solar coating breakthrough brightens solar potential

Utilizes the entire solar spectrum

There is interesting research coming out of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute that has the potential to make solar power significantly more cost-effective and efficient.

By covering solar cells with a new nanoengineered antireflective coating, "the amount of sunlight captured by solar panels to near-perfect levels (>96%) and allows those panels to absorb the entire solar spectrum from nearly any angle," according to GreenCarCongress.

That makes solar cells significantly more efficient and effective. It also means no solar tracking equipment is required. Since installation is a huge part of solar costs, simplifying - while making more efficient - the installation process could also help bring down solar costs.

Solar stocks moving this morning

Investors preparing for green revolution?

Wall Street believes that an Obama Presidency is inevitable. If elected Barack Obama has indicated that he would create a green revolution in energy. Thus, this morning, solar stocks are up about 6 - 10 percent.

Great Lakes wind could power 1/3 of America

Will we ever get serious about alternative energy

According to some research being reported by MSNBC 100,000 wind turbines in the Great Lakes area could provide enough electricity to power 1/3 of America.

Add the 20 percent that could be produced in the wind belt, and it's obvious that wind power can cost-effectively provide clean and green electricity for more than 50 percent of America within just the next decade. Add in solar power and alternative energy can provide the majority of America's electricity needs.

So, what are we waiting for?

If the next President has vision, America can completely change its energy paradigm in a way that develops jobs, cleans the environment and makes America stronger. Will our next leader be strong enough?

Alternative energy recession

Great potential, but can it survive the economic downturn?

When oil prices surged over $100.00 per barrel, investment in alternative technologies started to skyrocket. Solar and wind stocks, for instance, saw huge gains. The financial crisis, however, has brought those stocks down to reality.

So, will the recession stymie alternative energy?

Today, on CNBC, the feelings are mixed. Some, such as Jim Cramer, believe that with cheap oil, alternative energy can't compete without serious government intervention. Unfortunately, with the government bailing out banks, insurance companies, Fannie Freddie, the auto industry, etc., Cramer believes that military and alternative energy spending is going to decline.

Others, however, claim that many contracts have already been inked. Thus, solar and wind can survive another year without much new investment. Of course, if this recession hits deeper and harder than most seem to be expecting, then alternative energy could gravely suffer.

Ausra ready to take solar thermal power to next level

It's not all photovoltaics

Today Ausra opened ground on a solar thermal demonstration project in Bakersfield, CA that will be replicated for a much larger project in San Luis Obispo, CA in 2010.

Using mirrors to concentrate solar energy to heat water into steam that drives turbines, Ausra believes its San Luis Obispo project will generate 177 megawatts of electricity, or enough to power 120,000 homes. More from MSNBC.

Yesterday, I caught the CEO of Ausra on CNBC claiming that today, solar technology - both thermal and photovoltaic - was ready today to replace up to 30 percent of today's electricity demand.

Cramer - solar stocks are finished right now

Great technology, not-so great stocks

The stock market isn't always fair, and it certainly isn't altruistic. Thus, as America heads deep into recession, solar stocks are losing value, and Jim Cramer was just on CNBC's Street Signs, where he said solar stocks are done for now.

Oregon becoming a solar hub thanks to tax credits

More and more made in Oregon

On Friday SolarWorld opened the doors to North America's largest solar cell manufacturer in Hillsboro, Oregon. Thanks to the state's Business Energy Tax Credit, Solar World has so far received $20 million in state tax credits, an important incentive in SolarWorld's decision to build in Oregon.

And, a number of other solar companies, according to MSNBC, are preparing to follow SolarWorld's lead into Oregon thanks to the state's business climate, especially the Business Energy Tax Credits.

Not long ago, it was state government incentives, particularly California, that helped hybrid cars penetrate the American consciousness. Is alternative energy next?

Bailout bill should be good for solar sector

Road to solar future looking good?

According to MarketWatch, the outlook for solar power looks good thanks to the bailout bill which also included an 8 year extension of the solar tax credit. More interesting, the tax credit, for the first time, is also open to utilities, which should entice bigger players into the solar field.

Bozena Jankowska, manager of Allianz RCM Global EcoTrends Fund says this, "Changes the paradigm for the alternative energy space. Once utilities go large-scale into solar power, it will create economies of scale and more opportunities for the industry."

Can Semprius change the face of solar power?

Unroll your way to solar power

Imagine solar cells that are super thin, flexible, very efficient and transparent enough to be used as a tint for windows of every kind, such as cars and buildings.

And, instead of expensive installation, you'd simply roll it on your intended surface with a little adhesive.

That's the hope of a new solar technology developed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and licensed to Semprius Inc.

RoofRay gets you excited about home solar power

Does solar power make sense for you?

That's the question that RoofRay tries to help potential solar power consumers help answer. Find your house via satellite, draw out some potential solar arrays on your roof, add in some utility data, and find out how solar power can work for you.

Now I'm not only developing my potential solar plans, I've been envisioning a new solar-covered patio, for instance. How much power could such a covering provide? Well, now I have an idea.

If you've thought about solar power, but don't really know how to start, and you aren't really interested in yet dealing with a salesperson, RoofRay is an addictive tool to get you started.

Can green jobs power a new America?

Can it power America's 'new' economy

According to a study released by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, by 2038 America could create 4.2 million new green jobs if American makes a bold commitment to green power, such as solar, wind, and biofuels.

Others, such as Barack Obama claim we could create 5 million new green jobs in just 10 years if we committed to green technology to power our economy.

While the later is probably just political hype to be expected in an election year, it does demonstrate the potential of the alternative energy sector.

Can America commit to the future and embrace alternative energy, even if it means some extra taxes and costs up front?

Solar credits set to pass?

One of the best parts of the bailout

If the Wall Street bailout passes the House tomorrow, solar power fans could also have a little to cheer about. If the bailout bill looks the same as that in the Senate, then there sure be some tax incentives for solar power, or at least an extension of the old solar tax incentives program.

Google and GE to partner on smart grid

Some day search might mean nothing to Google?

Space, solar power, plug-in hybrid vehicles, these are a just a few of the things in which Google is investing.

Together with GE, Google will develop a "policy partnership" to lobby Congress towards "tomorrow's power generation, transmission and distribution."

Ultimately, Google and GE are hoping their lobbying effort can bring smart grid technology to market quicker, a key technology to required for the electrification of the automobile. Obviously, a smart grid would also increase the efficiency of the power grid.

Warming a little to Pickens Plan

Not just selling his book?

Boone Pickens is an oil man that has made a lot of money off investing in oil. Lately, he's put a lot of money in natural gas. At the same time, Pickens is trying to lobby America to offset some of its foreign oil dependency with natural gas.

So, is he just trying to sell his book?

Now, I have to admit, I haven't thoroughly researched the Pickens plan on my own, but I now intend to do just that, particularly after hearing Mr. Pickens talk on CNBC today.

Today, Pickens implied that natural gas isn't the solution to America's foreign oil dependence, but it can be part of the mix. In particular and especially, Pickens believes that natural gas would be great for heavy duty vehicles, such as buses and the large trucks carrying goods from our ports all throughout the country. These commercial transport vehicles account for about 30 percent of America's fuel consumption, and Pickens believes that natural gas infrastructure could be developed for such vehicles within just five years.

This isn't about converting all of America's cars to natural gas, but heavy duty trucks - vehicles that are light years away from the electrification of the automobile.

Combined with his ideas for wind and solar power, the Pickens plan does seem to have some merits, simply because it is realistic. It's not pie in the sky. It's a mix of today's technology and tomorrow's technology. Most important, it achieves results in a realistic time frame.

Anyway, I'll be talking more about the Pickens Plan, after I do some more thorough research. Until then, I'm not saying I support the Pickens Plan, but, without doubt, I support the call for a comprehensive energy plan.

Kudos to Pickens for lighting a fire on this issue. Can America get real? Or is it purely about drill, drill versus solar and wind and no compromises?

Are utilities dropping solar rebates?

Utility rebates dwindling?

So, I'm investigating a new solar installation for my home, and a couple of potential contractors have told me that time was of the essence as utilities have been dropping rebates and more drops were expected. Now, I haven't verified this fact with my utility, and this could be just a desperation ploy by my contractor.

Likewise, however, even Democratically-controlled Congress can't even extend federal solar tax credits.

On the other hand, solar technology is advancing and making important breakthroughs. Thus, shouldn't there be more rebates? Isn't this the time to push solar over the compared-to-hydrocarbon efficiency threshold?

Do utility companies, for example, truly embrace roof top solar panels, or would they prefer huge solar farms of which they have complete control?

Lazards loves Suntech Power

A good buy despite declining oil prices

Solar stocks overall enjoyed a huge run-up in prices as oil prices surged over $100.00. Conventional wisdom claimed the entire run-up was completely driven by oil prices and that solar stocks would drop as oil prices dropped. Thus far, SunTech has been defying that trend, and it has been mentioned by a bunch of various stock pickers in recent weeks as an example of the decoupling of quality solar stocks and the price of oil.

Today, Lazards added to this new decoupling thinking by picking SunTech Power as one of its Top 5 Stock Picks on CNBC this morning.

Have you tried the Eclipse solar messenger bag?

No laptop charging?

I'm in the market for a new laptop tote, but I was disappointed to learn that the Eclipse solar messenger bag isn't designed for laptop charging. Yes, you can still carry a laptop in the bag while charging items, such as cell phones, iPods and mobile game players.

Has anyone tried the Eclipse Solar Messenger? For just a little less than $200.00, is the Eclipse solar charger worth the cost?

Solar investment independent of oil?

Is solar still a good investment

Yesterday, Suntech Power posted a 58 percent rise in quarterly earnings. Like many solar power plays, Suntech has not yet been harmed by the drop in oil prices. This has caused some solar analysts to speculate that solar power has been decoupled from oil. Has solar power finally taken that next step?

Likewise, considering the underinvestment in America's electric grid and power plants that is going to push electricity prices higher over the next few decades, hasn't solar power become a smart move for consumers?

NYC's plan for wind power on skycrapers and bridges

Worth a New York City skyline facelift?

New York City's Mayor, Michael Bloomberg is proposing windmills for the city's buildings and bridges, turbines for local rivers, and solar power to make New York City the nation's cleanest and greenest cities. Already the plan is attracting dissent from those worried about harming New York's famous skyline.

I say its a great idea and a great way to embrace new architecturally beautiful wind power.

Congress missing solar breakthroughs?

A Honda fuel cell car filling up with solar generated hydrogen

I watched MIT scientist Daniel Nocera on CNBC this morning discussing new breakthroughs in solar storage. Essentially, new catalysts in fuel cell technology enable excess solar power to be stored as hydrogen very cheaply. Nocera indicated that the technological breakthroughs now occurring in these types of technologies are happening extremely fast. More important, Nocera expressed serious concerns regarding how out of touch Congress is with such science.

Does solar make sense for you?

Solar inverter what?

In theory, you would love a solar installation on your house, but you just aren't sure where to begin, right? How much solar power do you need? Does your state offer any incentives? What about a good solar contractor?

No worries, my friend. Even though I've followed solar technology news for a number of news, when it came to an actual installation, I realized even I was a bit confused, until I found FindSolar.com, which is just an incredible solar power resource, particularly for those contemplating a solar installation for their home or business.

With an excellent solar estimator and an extensive list of solar contractors, FindSolar.com is definitely a great first step for anyone seriously considering a solar project.

Help make Congress renew solar credits

Why is the Senate holding up solar credits?

Perhaps if Republicans were in control of Congress, it wouldn't be much of a surprise that solar credits were being stalled in the US Senate, but it's green-talking Democrats that are in control. Anyway, if you want to lobby your representatives check out SEIA.org or call the Congressional switchboard and tell them to pass HR6049 NOW!

Solar concentrators continue to impress

Increase solar cell efficiency by a factor of 40

New research on solar collectors might finally achieve what no other breakthrough in solar power has been able to accomplish: make solar power cheaply and easily cost-effective. By adding some solar cells around the edge of glass, mixing in a few dyes and light can be gathered and concentrated in a way that increases the electricity gathered by a traditional solar cell by a factor of 40 according to LiveScience. More important, because of its simplistic design such solar concentrators could be mass-produced and widely available within 3 years.

GM to build world's largest rooftop solar array

A solar rooftop installation

GM will build the world's largest rooftop solar installation at its Zaragoza factory in Spain according to Yahoo. If the 10 megawatt plant proceeds as planned, it will be followed by similar installations at all of GM's European plants.

"US firm Clairvoyant Energy and France's Veolia Environment will build, own and operate the rooftop solar installation at Zaragoza."

Solar inefficiency: Just add a little Solar Magic?

Recover up to 50 percent of lost energy?

Figuring out how to make today's solar technology more efficient is the key to creating cost-effective solar power. For this purpose, National Semiconductor is currently developing its SolarMagic Technology, which promises to "increase the effectiveness of solar panels under variable light conditions. National's SolarMagic™ technology recoups up to 50 percent of the lost energy, dramatically improving the economics in shaded and other real-world conditions."

While not yet commercially available, Solar Magic could go on sale in early 2009. If successful and cost-effective, SolarMagic could become a must have for any solar installation. More on green investing.