Evacuated tube solar thermal systems are a break through in the efficiency of hot water production for residential and commercial uses. They allow the concept of adsorption chilling to drop the energy consumption of AC cooling systems. The tubes, similar to the inside of a thermos, are placed in the sun. Being round gives them maximum sun exposure at every sun angle during the day.   Demand created by supply is the best of the best  bringing high temperatures from hot summer sun to drive the cooling process .  Solar cooling systems will first show up in commercial cooling products. www.solarserver.com/solarmagazin/artikeljuni2002-e.html  Systems for residential cooling are not far behind.  solar-air-conditioning/

Additionally, the idea of Passive Solar Furniture has been incubating for 15 years. Solar Interior Design's concept is rooted in artfully concealing thermal mass - using water as the 'mass' - to absorb and store incoming solar radiation. We  use a variety of materials to create stunning, eye-catching tables, furniture bases, art walls, and more - that both beautify and warm the home.  Often, passive solar design employs a masonry or concrete floor a solar mass. Because comfort is tied to the amount of sunlight striking this mass, traditional interior furnishings compromise the process by shading the floor. Some folks solve this problem by erecting a massTrombe wall, north of south facing windows where it absorbs daily sun. Its function is unaffected by furniture, but few homeowners want a floor-to-ceiling concrete wall in their great room. Light-filtering, energy-absorbing, eye candy is another matter. Passive solar furniture turns the tables. Beautiful light-filtering, energy-absorbing, passive solar furnishings work in harmony with your passive solar design.