In their quest to inch America closer to a practical fuel cell commuter, Honda recently unveiled this solar stunner.  Half hydrogen fueling station, half solar power generator, the “station” is envisioned for home use, allowing drivers to plug in overnight and replenish their fuel cell vehicle during off-peak hours.  According to Honda, it increases efficiency by 25 percent over currently available prototypes.

During the day, the Honda Solar Hydrogen Station (as it’s called) will export renewable electricity to the Smart Grid, thanks to the aesthetically pleasing swoop of a 48-panel, 6.0kW solar array.

You can find this station at the Los Angeles Center of Honda R&D Americas, where the company first debuted a hydrogen storage system in 2001.  Chances are you’ll see the Honda FCX Clarity electric vehicle parked in front of it — a complementary concept car that the West Coast automaker hopes will help lead the U.S. in becoming a hydrogen society based on renewable energy.  It’s a new lifestyle, in Honda’s eyes.  One that emphasizes “convenient, clean, energy-efficient and sustainable home refueling.”  That, and some serious curb-appeal.