Nanotech solar panels that regenerate

Scientists at MIT have engineered synthetic molecules that self-assemble themselves into a pattern that can turn light into electricity by mimicking a key aspect of how plants convert sunlight into stored energy. Basically, the molecules disassemble and re-assemble themselves by the addition or removal of a certain chemical.  The assembled 'phospholipids' form disks that offer support to protein molecules that respond to light and release electrons. The disks in turn are attached spontaneously to carbon nanotubes inside a solution which act like wires to collect and channel the flow of electrons.

Theoretically, the efficiency of the structures could be close to 100 percent. Modern solar energy systems tend to degrade rapidly and efficiencies often fall to 10 percent after a short time in use. This new nanotechnology will allow for a solar system that has very high efficiency and which can replenish itself through the disassembly and reassembly process.
The implication is that the technology can in future be mixed with polymers or other materials (hopefully done in an environmentally friendly, non toxic way) and then used as a organic compound coating for anything imaginable such as your car, house or even your iPod touch.
Source: MIT News