[Izzy Dunne]

I don’t understand what’s novel about what they’ve done

That was my question, too.

Apparently, it's this:
Sol Chip claims that there has been no known company in the semiconductor industry that has successfully integrated solar cells within the standard chip manufacturing process in a cost effective way.

Heretofore, SOLAR CELLS and LOGIC CHIPS have been two distinct beasts. They've figured out how to make ONE chip that is both.

[ROCKLOBSTER]

So, does it take less energy to produce than they will ever produce?