Japanese researchers develop ultra-thin solar cells

We've been hearing about thin, flexible
solar panels for a while, and have even taken a look at some of the clothing made with what passes for lightweight solar cells today, but have yet to see anything that we might actually wear. However,
researchers at Gifu University and Gunze Ltd. in Japan have created what they say is an ultra-thin solar cell that can be applied to fabrics. They're showing off a prototype solar-cell blouse that they say can charge a cellphone. If it actually works, we hope they'll hand the reins over to actual fashion designers before marketing this. We like the idea a lot, but like we said, we still haven't seen anything that we might actually wear.