Self-cleaning solar cells

One of the issues with traditional solar panels is that, in order to maintain maximum efficiency, they need to be cleaned to remove dust and other buildup.

A new three-dimensional design of solar cells promises to be somewhat self-cleaning.

Bumps and peaks on the photovoltaic surface help wisk away water, carrying with it dust and dirt.

The new innovation comes from the Georgia Tech School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

Read more here.

A perpetual motion car? Show me.

From California comes a new car design that relies solely on alternative energy.

The car would go 155 mph, do zero to 60 in four seconds and cost about $170,000.

Solar cells on its skin would charge the battery in 1.5 hours and after reaching speed-here's where I become skeptical-a set of strategically placed mini wind turbines would recharge the battery, enabling the car to go 200 miles, or about an hour if you're gunning it around a racetrack.

The car, dubbed the Formula AE, is being designed by Rory Handel and Maxx Bricklinas from Beverly Hills, California. Read how the car will use alternative energy here.

Here's a link to RorMaxx's sponsors and affiliates. One of the affiliates is the X Prize Foundation, which seeks "revolution through competition."

Typically, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I'm from Missouri, so RorMaxx will have to show me.

Aussie PhD makes low-tech solar cells

A 23-year-old Australian PhD student has patented a way to make solar cells using an inkjet printer, nail varnish-like material and a pizza oven. See the article here.

Maybe soon we'll see Papa Murphy's take n bake solar cells.

Silicon chip manufacturers slowly switching to solar cell production

Adaptability is the key to longevity in business.

Looks like some Silicon Valley chip makers are seeing that they can segue their business into solar cell production, according to earth2tech.com.

Seems like a natural transition.