CNET

Global Solar rolls out stick-on solar panels

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Glue may be the magic ingredient to making solar power cheaper.

Solar company Global Solar on Tuesday introduced a line of flexible solar modules that are designed for flat commercial rooftop buildings.

Thinking about solar? It's easier to start small

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Residential solar power is becoming more like a box lunch than a seven-course gourmet meal.

A number of companies are taking advantage of technical advances, notably microinverters, to make buying a handful of solar panels, rather than a roof full, a viable option. That doesn't mean that everyone can install their own electric panels, but it can lower the cost of entry for solar.

Spray-on film turns glass into solar panels

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If the very idea of a spray-on film that can turn windows into solar collectors sounds too good to be true, think again. After all, Japan's University of Tokyo did come up with a Wi-Fi-blocking paint, while a number of companies including Konarka have developed solar cells that sit within the window.

Cree sells efficient LED downlight through Home Depot

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LED lighting company Cree on Wednesday is expected to announce it is supplying downlights to Home Depot for sale online, adding another LED to the retailer's lighting offerings.

The downlights, which fit into a six-inch recessed lighting can on ceilings, use 10.5 watts and put out as much light as a 65-watt incandescent bulb. The price for the lights, available under Home Depot's EcoSmart brand, is $49.95.

Solar power plant plans move ahead in California

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After a long drought, large-scale solar power is getting closer to returning to the U.S. desert.

The California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday gave the green light to power purchase agreements which two utilities have with solar power project developers, a key step toward beginning actual construction.

LED bulb for general lighting priced below $20

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Is it time to make a move to LED bulbs?

The Home Depot is now offering a 40-watt equivalent LED bulb online for under $20. Spotted by The New York Times, the bulb--made by Lighting Sciences Group and sold under the EcoSmart label--will be available in stores in September.

A123 Systems ramps up, spins off battery start-up

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Despite all the attention that Tesla Motors gets, lithium ion battery maker A123 Systems is just as much a bellwether for public green-technology companies.

A123 Systems on Tuesday reported its second-quarter results which appeared to disappoint investors; its stock was down more than 10 percent Wednesday morning.

Mitsubishi i-Miev in the city

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The U.S. version of the Mitsubishi i-Miev electric car won't be here until next year, but we got to spend a week with the Japanese version to test out the power train and find out what life will be like with an electric car.

Solar structures offer self-sufficiency in disaster

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San Diego-based Envision Solar, a manufacturer best known for its solar carports, announced two new products Wednesday that expand on the company's idea to utilize solar energy in unusual places.

The LifeVillage is a series of prefab structures framed with light-gauge steel that employ solar panel roofs and can be deployed quickly to disaster areas to provide temporary shelter and electricity, as well as purified water.

Can China Turn EV Infrastructure Startup, Better Place Into a Success?

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Electric vehicle infrastructure startup Better Place has a compelling business model:  Better Place-branded EV charging stations allow drivers to juice up at home and at work, while gas station-like battery switch stations let users take long trips without stopping to charge--all for a monthly subscription fee. But if Better Place ultimately succeeds, it will be because carmakers decide to go along with the battery switch model.

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