I have been hearing rumors about new PV technology that reduces silicon usage. Today, I saw this ecogeek article that tells the story. Wow is the word that comes to mind.

From the article:

The cells are made of micron-sized silicon wires that are encased in a flexible polymer that can be rolled or bent. The researchers at Cal Tech who developed the cells eventually see them being used in clothing, but, for now, the cells could create cheaper and easier-to-install solar panels.

No wonder the nuke industry seems desperate to get something in process. With current retail prices of conventional PV panels down to $2/watt already, this should pretty make solar and wind the two technologies that make sense from now on.