Photo via MinnPost

We rely on the sun for everything from powering up our electronics to basic heat and warmth for survival, but this massive star does more than just send light our way: It's a huge nuclear reactor with explosions, eruptions, storms, and magnetic fields that affect both itself and Earth.

Images: Decker Yeadon LLC

Contrary to popular belief, green energy doesn't have to be ugly, so it's encouraging when we see architects, landscape designers, artists, engineers and scientists working together to transform large projects that could be potential eyesores into works of wonder.

Credit: First Solar.

Enbridge, the Canadian company behind the recent oil spill in Michigan's Calhoun County near Marshall, just happens to also be behind construction of the largest photovoltaic solar energy facility in North America.

Here we go again... a pipeline owned by Enbridge Energy Partners has leaked 800,000-840,000 gallons of oil into a creek flowing into the Kalamazoo River near Battle Creek, Michigan. On a more positive note, the Zephyr solar plane finally landed this week at the US Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona after 14 days and 24 minutes, setting a new record.

The graphene organic photovoltaic manufacturing process.

Image credit: Green Power Science

It's been a long time since we checked in on Dan and Denise Rojas of Green Power Science—the folks who previously brought us videos on how to make a homemade solar collector from a satellite dish; a

Michelle Kaufmann Studio

Like most architects, Michelle Kaufmann has not been alone in having her ups and downs in the current recession, but there is no up like seeing a satisfying project get completed.

Credit: University of Maryland

Look out Bob Vila. University of Maryland students have turned "This Old House" on its head, and created a home that features an edible wall, and runs on sun, wind, rain and wastes. Let's hope the wastes are no where near the edible part.

Credit: Renee V via Flickr.

When you go camping, you're supposed to get away from it all. Put away the cell phone and laptop. Hang out by the campfire. Take a long walk or bike ride.

Credit: Reis Robotics

Can robots make a better, more affordable solar panel? Michigan-based silicones giant Dow Corning is betting on it, and has forged a partnership with Reis Robotics of Germany.