Like the story of a fictional movie, but Japanese space agency plan so serious: In 2030 they will capture solar energy in space and sends it to Earth via laser or microwave.

The Japanese government recently chose a group of companies and research teams who are assigned to achieve this ambition, a dream worth billions of dollars, to produce clean energy in an unlimited amount in the next few decades. With few sources of energy they have and a high dependence on imports, Japan has long wanted to be a leader in solar energy and other renewable energy. This year Japan has set an ambitious target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

But Japan’s most daring plan today is the development of Space Solar Power System (SSPS), which form a series of Photovoltaic panels measuring several square kilometers of floating geostationary orbit, far above the earth’s atmosphere.

Solar panels to capture solar energy, which at least five times stronger in space than on earth, and radiate it to earth through a laser beam or microwave. This energy will be collected by a giant parabolic antenna, which placed a particular location at sea or in the dam.

Researcher hopes to one gigawatt system, equivalent to a nuclear power plant medium size, which will produce electricity at a price of eight cents per Kwh, six times cheaper than rates in Japan now.

Various challenges, including bringing the components into space, can appear enormous, but the Japanese have been running this project since 1998, with 130 researchers who conduct research under the supervision of JAXA.

A few months ago, Minister of Economy and Trade with the Minister of Science and Technology, made a step forward toward the realization of the project by selecting some of Japan’s leading technology companies to implement the project. This consortium named the Institute for Unmanned Space Experiment Free Flyer, consisting of Mitsubishi Electric, NEC, Fujitsu and Sharp.

Roadmap project consists of several steps that must be done before a full launch in 2030.

The next step, expected to occur around 2020, will launch a large structure Photovoltaic with a capacity of ten megawatts, followed by a 250 megawatt-sized prototype.

This step will help evaluate the financial capacity of the project, where the end result is to produce cheap electricity that can compete with other alternative technologies.

JAXA says the technology is safe but acknowledged the transmission must first convince the public, which is often linked picture will be fired laser beams from outer space, roasting birds or cutting planes in flight.

According to research by JAXA in 2004, the word “laser” and “microwave”, was most attention among the 1000 respondents.

French mobile phone company, Sagem, in collaboration with Puma, one of the famous brands in the world of sport. They made solar-powered 3G smartphone that feels suitable for sports lovers.

Like most other smartphones, this device has a resolution of 240×320 pixels. Puma Phone features solar cells located at the back of the phone. Uniquely, users will get points when ‘hanging out’ of this phone. Accumulated points can then be converted into prizes at Puma Store.

As a phone aimed to sports lovers, Puma Phone has features such as: Analog Stopwatch, Pedometer, Yachting Compass, GPS run tracker and GPS bike Speedo. As a result, this phone will be very compatible when paired with an athlete.

In addition to solar energy, Puma Phone also has a Li-Ion Battery 880 mAh, with 3G connectivity. This product will be marketed starting next April. Unfortunately, Puma had not yet published the price. [Via]

Underwear maker Triumph Japan launched the Solar Power Bra show that solar panels can produce enough energy to charge your phone or iPod and can display small messages because it is wired to a mini electric bulletin board.  The bra padding can be used to store water and to drink it by using a straw that you insert into the brasserie cup. The Solar Power Bra requires solar panels to be worn around the abdomen to collect direct sunlight. Green-colored bra should not be washed or used in the rain. “Very comfortable and I can really feel involved in eco-friendly efforts as well,” model Yuko Ishida said. [Via]

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This digital solar watch owns two windows: one shows the time by a digital display, while others exposes the solar cell. Thinking about a regular solar watch, solar cells are frequently disguised or hidden from view. But at this solar power watch that designed by Shin Azumi, the focus put on solar cells as a design feature to show its importance. The design shows respect for solar power as technology that produces clean energy sources.

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Seating is the main purpose of a bench. However, modern people do something more on the bench. Waiting for someone to become one of the new functions. Design of bench freed itself from tradition. This is a new approach of thinking what the bench is. While the traditional role, this bench becomes WiFi hot-spots and night-lighting with a thin film solar battery. In addition, made of aluminum and recycling plastic considered eco-issues.

Designer : Sean Park, Olbae Woo, and Owen Song. [Via]

Dexim has launched five new accessories for use with iPod, iPhone and the BlackBerry at CES 2010. One of the more intelligent offers are solar P-Flip. It can be flipped vertically or horizontally for hands-free viewing and can extend talk time up to eight hours.

Unique design of P-flip allows it easy to fold, carry and charge and it provides efficient charging capabilities using green solar power. It owns a 2000mAh lithium polymer battery that provides for eight hours of talk time, 15 hours for video or games, or 60 hours of music. Holders of this desktop also allows you to charge and sync and can be used as a back-up battery for games and video.

Solar P-Flip is expected to be released in a few months and should retail for USD79.90.

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Solar power is harnessed and applied in ever more interesting and creative ways, and Renu personal power generation and storage system is certainly no exception. Device features a free-standing modular solar panels which, when filled, can be put into a number of extensions to take advantage of the energy collected, including an iPod dock and LED table lamp.

This rough camera bag is a roomy way to tote digital cameras and equipment. This is also a versatile power source suitable for remote locations! Integrated flexible solar panel 1.5W trickle charge to a 12V outlet for charging equipment. Inside, a large compartment is adjusted by adjusting the separator organizes still and / or video cameras and all the extras, while the side pockets with internal matting secure batteries, memory card and more. Features super-tough, 1680-denier nylon fabric withstands rough shoots, soft rope, and grabbed the handle, and it will charge and protect other electronics, too! The average charging time is approximately 5 hours for 2 AA batteries. [Via]

If you are among the more modest supporters of green energy and no plan to replace the entire roof with solar glass, you can still save the planet on a smaller scale thanks to the new Sun Drive. Created by Zyrus Korea, a small USB device solar charger that can easily be used to recharge the mobile phone, digital camera or MP3 player.

Despite the small footprint, Sun Drive can supply most portable devices with up to 35 hours of power, and can charge your phone with up to 100 minutes talk time. Unit comes in black or white and a variety of packaging the memory capacity of 2,4,8, and 16 gigabytes. Although the type of solar charger is still in its early stages in terms of dependence, since only ? 29,000 ($ 23) are in the front will be relatively affordable.

Kinesis’ K2 device incorporating wind turbines, solar panels and an internal 3800mAh battery to create a smart charger for all handheld gadgets. This device can be left in a sunny or windy all day and can charge the internal battery through a 20-hour wind alone or 8 hours through the solar (direct sunlight) or may be less than 8 hours by both simultaneously. There is a USB port that is used to transfer power from the internal battery to the phone, music player, etc. Further information about prices and availability are available on the Kinesis Industries site.