Quantum of fear!

While on fuel cells, does anyone know how inflammable these are? The fear seems palpable wherever there is talk of new technology like this. Storage batteries that pack a solid amount of energy throw out questions of explosions. Just check some of the well-read sites and blogs. There is so much lack of information or misinformation.

Those who have seen Bond in action in Quantum of Solace will not forget too soon the picture of exploding fuel cells that power a green building in the climax. The film did bring fuel cells to popular notice but did it do damage to the image of fuel cells? Remember, the baddie Green is a environmental poser in the film!

Anyone who can tell us if hydrogen powered cells explode, and if so, under what circumstances?

Regarding another fast developing field, thin film solar, IBM has predicted very thin solar film cells which could be easily printed and pasted on walls, roofs, embedded into clothing, anywhere.

And now, going steps closer to the prediction, researchers at MIT have unveiled a new type of silicon solar cell that could be much more efficient and cost less than currently used solar cells. Their prototype solar cell is 15 percent more efficient at converting light into electricity than commercial thin-film solar cells. Thin-film silicon solar cells could be cheaper than conventional devices because they use hundreds of times less material.

OK, these are really, really thin and apparently cheap (or cheaper?). But how long will they last? Will they weather the rain? Any answers?