A technology that gets a lot of hype–and federal US dollars–but produced only about 0.1% of the world’s electricity in 2010, solar has become the planting ground for young entrepreneurs hoping to make the technology more affordable and more attractive to consumers.

Some have devised unique financing plans, while others have simply attached panels to personal devices like motorcycles and boats.

While not necessarily the most profitable according to the New York Stock Exchange, these five projects may have the potential to bring solar to a whole new level.