New solar energy technologies that will make clean electricity more affordable are drawing attention and praise from industry colleagues.

In fact, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory announced recently that two of its technologies have been named among the year's most significant innovations by Research & Development Magazine.

One of the technologies will help make photovoltaic panels more effective with a black silicon chemical etching technique that will reduce the amount of sunlight that is wasted by being reflected away.

The other technology highlighted by the magazine is the Amonix 7700 Solar Power Generator, which is a bulk power generator that can produce electricity 40 percent more effectively than conventional photovoltaic panels.

"These two technologies will play an important part in advancing solar energy's competitiveness and enhancing the availability of solar power in the United States and around the world," said NREL Director Dan Arvizu.

Many other companies are making contributions each day to the solar industry that in the long term will translate into new and more efficient products that will help consumers save money while benefiting the environment.