Solar Technology have announced plans to improve Freeloader’s solar panel by halving the charge time. Although we can see that its panel is also slightly bigger, the major part will be played by a new type of photovoltaic cells, which are rated at 1.5 Watts.

The two modifications should translate to a four hours charge time for the Freeloader, and can be done in any weather conditions due to the panel’s weather proofing. Of course, the charge time differs from a type of weather to another, but the 210 x 159mm panel can safely be left outside.

The new mini solar panel comes with a Velcro strap that allows you to attach it to backpacks, tents or bicycle panniers. If you are interesting in some free energy, you can buy the supercharger for around $40, or the whole set that includes a Freeloader along with it for less than $100.

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Based on the same principle as the large plants that can extract hydrogen from a fluid, Innovatek succeeded to compact all this technology in a palm size microreactor able to continuously produce hydrogen from any hydrocarbon source. This might have a positive impact on hydrogen based vehicles, because offers a more viable solution than storing and transporting highly pressurized hydrogen. This minireactor could use most any liquid fuel to provide a greener one. Innovatek specialist developed the alternative of linking more of these devices to obtain interconnected systems able to produce up to 160 gallons H/min. Innovatek hopes to integrate this new automotive technology by 2010.

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Konarka Specialists developed a new material able to convert light to energy called Power Plastic®, which might successfully be used in fabricating of highly efficient solar energy cells. They used Diamatix Inkjet Technology to actually print organic solar cells offering the possibility to use solar cells at a larger scale, including low power indoor sensors or applications. Although Power Plastic is able to convert only 5% of light into electricity comparing to 16-20% for silicon, this new generation of photovoltaic cells can use even small sources of light and are not affected by low angle of light. Howard Berke said that this new generation of photovoltaic cells might be found “wherever plastic occurs”.

“As the leading developer of polymer photovoltaic technology providing renewable power for commercial, industrial, government and consumer applications, Konarka is delighted to be recognized by AlwaysOn as leading the way in renewable energy,” commented Rick Hess, president and CEO at Konarka.

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We have been hearing of organic LEDs (OLEDs) for quite some time now, as they are supposed to be a new way to produce light with very little energy and can last for years before being replaced. Although there wouldn’t be much point in releasing to the market a lamp using this technology, because of the high price it would have, OSRAM has just announced their new product, which is exactly this lamp.

The desk lamp is called ‘Early Future’ and includes ten different OLED tiles of 132 X 33 mm each. OSRAM didn’t offer informations about how much energy they save or how much it would cost, but I’m sure no one minds, as we wouldn’t have reasons for buying such a thing. At least for now, it’s much cheaper to use regular light bulbs.

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Solio is an unfolding solar panel that can charge up cellphones, iPods and almost any other portable device. It can come in very handy when you’re going on a field trip for several days and there won’t be any sources of electricity around.

The Solio Magnesium Edition is, as its manufacturer company states, “the most powerful and versatile hybrid charger ever made”. And honestly, you simply can’t argue with that when you take a look at its features: the energy it stocks in one hour of sunlight exposure provides you 25 minutes of phone talking, it can charge all sorts of gadgets, from mobile phones, iPhones and Bluetooth headsets to PDAs, MP3 players, digital cameras and many others. It has the most efficient technology for solar panels and the highest capacity battery to store power, being able to hold its charge for a year.

The device has a compact design, including folding solar panels, has a weight of only 179g and it costs $200.

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