Solar Skins

I have always had a thing for solar power. When I was a kid I heard about the a yearly race where participants would invent their own solar powered race car. I've been waiting since for solar power to really take off. I was beginning to think it would never happen.
Thanks again to Socratoad for this find

But it's here now and it rocks!

clipped from www.treehugger.com Taiwan's new Taichung Convention Center will be covered in solar-powered skin that naturally ventilates the structure reducing energy consumption. The skin--a pleated smocking-esque envelope--provides a natural air flow to the building minimizing air conditioning usage. It also uses a high-tech double photovoltaic glass to reduce the remaining energy consumption. Part of the pleat is also transparent so that natural light can permeate the interior. Commissioned by the Taiwanese government, the design was completed by Beijing-based MAD Architects. The structure--which looks like volcanoes wrapped in venetian blinds--is intended to blur the line between landscape and topology. They hope the center will become a new local landmark inspiring future sustainable development. More Solar to Get Under Your Skin: Inflatable Solar Panels Zip Together To Power Most Anything Solar Powered Skins for iPhones and iPod Touch Solar Powered Car to Hit Streets in Taiwan