Solar energy technologies?

[SagaLore]

I know some company had come up with a thin plastic based solar energy converter, but it had very low efficiency.

Some solar technologies are actually sterling engines, but I'm looking for direct solar->electric production.

Anything new come up lately? What is the max efficiency so far?

 

[Hoober]

I'd be interested to know, too, specifically for residential power. I'm really tired of paying the utility company for energy when the sun shines 300+ days a year.