What if you could easily convert the sun's rays into power in your home? That's the idea behind Clarian Power, a Seattle startup which has created what it calls a SmartBox Solar Module. The technology was recently chosen as a winner of the Consumer Innovation Award in the GE Ecomagination Challenge, a global competition which brought together more than 3,000 clean tech ideas. The module -- which can generate up to 30kWh and is expected to cost under $1,000 -- plugs into an existing power outlet in the home. The company says the system can be installed in less than two hours, and provide payback in energy savings to the homeowner in four to five years. Take a look at how it works in this video.

Clarian Power founder Chad Maglaque, a former Microsoft and RealNetworks employee, called the award from GE a "huge validation."

“The win brings additional financial and engineering endorsements to the support we’ve already received and increases our current momentum," he said. "GE’s financial and technical support will allow us to bring affordable, easy-to-install solar power to consumers.”

Clarian is currently being evaluated for funding from GE and the Ecomagination Challenge venture capital sponsors. GE will provide the startup with business consulting, distribution opportunities and product development help. The company --one of 10 honorees -- received $10,000 as part of the challenge.