Japanese construction company Shimizu and Sharp electronics plan to build a transparent office complex that's tricked out with thin solar panels and LEDs. The structure is planned for Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, in southeast Japan. From New Scientist:
Sections of the office's walls look transparent, but actually contain incredibly thin solar panels and as many as 320 light-emitting diodes that release whitish-blue light at night. According to NikkeiNet Interactive (paid psubscription required), the walls can convert 7% of solar energy into electricity and illuminate the building for an average of 4.6 hours every night.
