Via PhotonsBlog, I read an article about a new company called Konarka Technologies that is developing flexible solor panels and coated fibers that generate DC electricity from ambient or sunlight. Their first applications seem to be an obvious folding power plastic sheet panel to recharge laptops and cellphones. But their more advanced work is for the military building tents that generate their own power. Imagine in a couple years wearing a jacket or vest that converts light to recharge an iPod, PDA or phone while it's in your pocket. That'll be one juicy jacket!

- mike lee - baltimore