OK, this has nothing to do with open source software. But I thought it was cool. A researcher at MIT (who also apparently owns an architectural firm) is working “photovoltaic” fabrics. Fabric that can harness energy.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/07/01/solar.textiles/index.html

In the UK they will subsidise the cost of installing solar panels on your home to harness energy and reduce the strain on the power grid. I wonder if that offer would extend to this type of technology.