Solar pod?

(what a cool a genius design. from DIYdishsystem.pdf)

I am not much of a DIYer (yet), although I have made a few things. Mostly, it just takes time to make stuff and I know the bought ones are 99 / 100 times a better job than I could ever do.

But, this post is about solar, DUH, and what is the deal with all the different kinds of panels and what is best for me.. without costing me an arm and a leg..

back in the day.. and it's still a very cool and interesting thing.. people knew there was awesome power to be had by harnessing the free energy given by the sun. Check out this pic of a giant glass container that would boil due to the sun's rays and then the steam produced powered a steam engine. so cool!

(also from DIYdish)

So there are basically two types of pannels. (that i know of right now) Those are the ones that can generate the most absorbtion from DIRECT sunlight, or those that absord less, but can absord pretty much any light.. even UV?? (not sure on that one) For me, in the philippines (soon), I will most likely stick to the direct sunlight ones since it it so sunny there most of the time. I do, however, appreciate the flexibility of the other panels so might end up using those as well. As far as I know.. there is no solar paint yet available for the public, but I'd bet they are already working on this and it will be out soon. and anyone know any billionares whose company can make a good looking solar roof tile??

(pic from google search)