Most solar farms align their solar arrays in rows and columns to form a grid. A new solar power plant in Datong China, decided to have a little fun with its design. China Merchants New Energy Group, one of the country's largest clean energy operators, built a 248-acre solar farm in the shape of a giant panda. The project is part of a larger effort to raise awareness among young people in China about clean energy. http://www.businessinsider.com/china-panda-solar-power-plant-2017-7

Rather than selling your solar power to the grid cheap and buying it back at a higher price, Redflow ZCell batteries let you store your own solar energy for when you need it. It gives you greater energy independence and keeps your lights on when grid power blacks out. Australia is the ideal place for energy storage in the home or business, with high energy costs, widespread solar panel deployment and rapidly disappearing government solar feed-in tariffs, and this tech was developed in Australia. www.redflow.com

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first drug in the country that is embedded with a digital ingestion tracking system. Abilify MyCite features an ingestible sensor that records the fact the medication has been consumed. The pill has been approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, and for depression in adults. https://www.springwise.com/fda-approves-first-drug-embedded-digital-tracker/

Brisbane City Council's Open Innovation Process uses the collective wisdom of individuals, businesses (small and large), entrepreneurs, students, academics and council representatives to solve problems. This year participants were asked how they would power the iconic King George Square Christmas tree in Brisbane using sustainable, innovative technology for both the star and the decorations. Previously only the star was powered with solar. The solution by Lit-Pix uses 8000 programmed LED lights powered using solar panels on the new Santa Hut, allowing programmed lighting displays for all to enjoy. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/governance-strategy/business-bri

Instead of plastic, these straws are made with a durable, seaweed-based material that's naturally neutral-tasting but can be flavored. Loliware, the company behind the straws, say they're helping solve the plastic rubbish crisis by offering a sustainable product that's fun to use. www.loliware.com

The HexHog is an off-road wheelchair offering unprecedented access to extreme terrain including hills, mud, snow and shallow water. This battery powered machine offers the freedom to go places you wouldn?t have dreamed possible. It allows wheelchair users or those with limited dexterity to enjoy the countryside and back country wilderness. www.hexhog.com