Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Mitsubishi, and Tokki Corporation have come up with a clever way to integrate solar cells into our lives, making them a little more eye-friendly. Meet the new leaves on a techy version of the houseplant.

The plant-like unit is a core branch, with thin-film solar cells in the shape and greenish color of leaves covering it. It is even potted! The cells are coated with a protective film to keep out water and oxygen and the unit is being tested for durability against the elements. With all the complaints about the f-ugly factor of solar panels, here is one of many upcoming solutions to get the energy without the eye sore. Okay, so this probably won't do much to pretty-fy the towers, but I think it'd be fun to have those fake pine tree cell phone towers covered in these leaves! Might as well make them do double duty since they're dorkey looking in the first place.

At any rate, look to AIST for more unique ideas coming soon, including thin-film solar cell integration in walls, windows, even clothing.

Via Engadget

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