IBM researchers have achieved a breakthrough in photovoltaics technology that could significantly reduce the cost of harnessing the Sun's power for electricity.

IBM researchers have achieved a breakthrough in photovoltaics technology that could significantly reduce the cost of harnessing the Sun's power for electricity.

This photo illustrates the patented process of converting IBM built wafers to solar panels. From left, defective wafers are scraped of their proprietary information, resulting in bare, grey silicon wafers. Instead of going to the landfill, they are sold to manufacturers who square them off for reuse as solar panels.

IBM Cool Blue -- Thermal and conventional images of three IBM server racks demonstrate the capabilities of the water cooling device, IBM's "Cool Blue" Rear Door Heat Exchanger. The server in the middle gives off virtually no heat, lowering energy consumption by reducing cooling requirements.