Researchers at Ohio State University have developed the world's first aqueous solar flow battery, which achieves a 20% energy savings over traditional lithium-iodine batteries. The new design combines a solar cell and a battery into a single device using a water-based electrolyte and a solid sheet solar panel.
A team of chemists at UC Riverside has found a way to use the infrared region of the sun's spectrum to generate more power in solar cells. By combining inorganic semiconductor nanocrystals with organic molecules, they have created a hybrid material that can 'upconvert' photons, effectively reshaping the solar spectrum to boost efficien...
A new study by Northwestern University and the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory found that perovskite solar modules have a significantly shorter energy payback time than existing options, with some models returning energy investment in just two to three months. The researchers also analyzed the environmental impa...
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed a novel solar fuel cell that produces hydrogen gas from liquid water using gallium phosphide nanowires. The yield is increased by a factor of ten, and the material usage is reduced to 10,000 times less.
Astronomers observed a record-setting flare from the blazar galaxy 3C 279, which became four times brighter than the brightest persistent source in the gamma-ray sky. The rapid fading of the flare was detected by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and other satellites.
The study explores how retail rate design affects PV deployment, finding dramatic impacts from -14% to -61%. Increased solar deployment can lead to changes in compensation levels that accelerate or dampen further deployment.
The UT Arlington team has developed an all-vanadium photo-electrochemical flow cell that enables large-scale solar energy storage even at night. This innovation overcomes a major limitation of current solar technology, allowing for uninterrupted energy storage around the clock.
EPFL scientists have developed a simple and inexpensive method to fabricate high-quality, efficient solar panels for direct solar hydrogen production. The innovative technique uses the boundary between two non-mixing liquids to produce an even dispersion of 2-D flakes, resulting in superior efficiency compared to other methods.
A mid-level solar flare was observed by NASA's SDO on June 25, 2015, reaching a magnitude of M7.9. The event has the potential to disturb the atmosphere, affecting GPS and communications signals.
A mid-level solar flare, peaking at M6.6, was emitted by the sun on June 22, 2015. This event may disturb the atmosphere and affect GPS and communications signals.
Two studies show ultrasound can identify RA patients in clinical remission with active subclinical synovitis, highlighting the risk of progressive joint damage. High-resolution ultrasound diagnoses active subclinical synovitis identifies patients who benefit from more intensive treatment.
A NREL report finds that shared solar programs can expand access to renewable energy, reaching 32-49% of the US distributed photovoltaic market in 2020. The program's structure and regulation impact its potential for deployment.
Scientists capture first high-res images of flaring magnetic structures known as solar flux ropes, providing insights into massive eruptions on the Sun's surface. The images were taken with NJIT's newly commissioned 1.6m New Solar Telescope at Big Bear Observatory.
Scientists have discovered a nearly-annual cycle of solar activity that can drive space weather events, including solar storms at Earth. This discovery could improve forecasts of space weather by understanding the interaction between magnetic field bands on the sun.
Researchers have developed tandem photovoltaics that combine perovskite and silicon solar cells to achieve higher energy conversion efficiencies. This innovative design could give a boost to industrial solar cell efficiencies and provide a promising alternative to traditional silicon solar cells.
Researchers propose that a second generation of planets, including super-Earths, existed in the inner solar system before being destroyed by Jupiter's massive migration. This scenario helps explain why Earth and other terrestrial planets have relatively low masses compared to exoplanets orbiting other sun-like stars.
A new study suggests that integrating solar facilities into urban and suburban environments can generate up to 15,000 terawatt-hours of energy per year. The research found that California has millions of acres of land compatible for photovoltaic and concentrating solar power construction with minimal environmental impact.
A significant solar flare was emitted by the sun on March 11, 2015, peaking at 12:22 p.m. EDT. The X2.2-class flare may cause disturbances in the atmosphere where GPS and communications signals travel.
A mid-level solar flare occurred on March 7, 2015, peaking at 5:22 pm EST, as captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. The event was classified as an M9.2-class flare, which is twice as intense as the next largest category, M8.
Two NREL reports analyze the economic options for financing commercial and residential solar energy systems. Analyzing banking opportunities in the US distributed photovoltaic market and examining commercial retailers' decisions on PV-financing strategies, the reports found that businesses can save up to 30% by using low-cost financing...
Researchers at Lund University successfully tracked supersonic electrons through a light-converting molecule, finding that the conversion of light to chemical energy happens rapidly without energy loss as heat. The study provides insights into constructing molecules for artificial photosynthesis, paving the way for solar fuel production.
The $344 million Daniel K Inouye Solar Telescope will utilize cameras designed by a UK university consortium led by Queen's University Belfast to observe the Sun's surface in unprecedented detail. The telescope aims to address fundamental questions in contemporary solar physics.
The NOAA DSCOVR satellite is launching to study the solar wind and forecast space weather at Earth. It will measure the movement of positively-charged particles, negatively-charged electrons, and magnetic fields to determine what heats the solar wind.
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have discovered that a co-solvent added during production increases the efficiency of plastic solar cells, comparable to the role of baking powder in dough mixture. The new understanding will enable more effective development of plastic solar cells.
Farms in Indiana have a high chance of saving money by using solar energy, thanks to the ability to depreciate their investment. In contrast, homeowners face uncertainty and lower chances of saving. The analysis suggests that putting solar on a level playing field with coal power would give homes more incentive to adopt solar.
Researchers developed a microscale solar concentration technology that enables ultra-high efficiency solar cells to be used on rooftops. The system consists of miniaturized photovoltaic cells, 3D-printed lens arrays and a moveable focusing mechanism, reducing size, weight and cost while increasing power generation.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a physical model explaining electron transport in nanocrystal solar cells, which could lead to improved efficiency. The model reveals that nanocrystal size can be controlled to optimize absorption of sunlight, enabling the creation of flexible and thin solar cells with higher performance.
The reports analyze consumer and commercial loan products available for financing solar in the US, showing that solar loans can be more affordable than third-party financing. Businesses can benefit from owning a PV system by saving on energy bills, but also assume risks associated with ownership.
A mid-level M5.6-class solar flare occurred on January 12, 2015, emitting powerful bursts of radiation. The flare's intense energy affected Earth's atmosphere in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel.
A significant solar flare, peaking at X1.8-class, occurred on Dec 19, 2014, as observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The event may disturb the atmosphere in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel, potentially affecting Earth.
A mid-level flare with a magnitude of M6.9-class occurred on December 18, 2014, emitting powerful bursts of radiation. The Solar Dynamics Observatory captured the event, which may affect Earth's atmosphere and GPS/communications signals.
A mid-level solar flare occurred on Dec. 16, 2014, as observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, emitting powerful bursts of radiation. The flare's intensity was classified as M8.7-class, causing disturbance in the atmosphere layer where GPS and communications signals travel.
A combination of foundational policies and localized strategies can increase solar photovoltaic installations in any state. States with matching policy suites to their unique context have excelled, while economic factors must also be favorable for third-party ownership models.
Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich develop a new method to examine light trapping in solar cells using near-field optical microscopy. They discover that the nature of nanostructures directly affects absorption rates and solar cell efficiency.
A mid-level solar flare, peaking at M6.1-class, was emitted by the sun on Dec. 4, 2014, potentially disturbing Earth's atmosphere. The Solar Dynamics Observatory captured the event, which is classified as a less intense flare compared to X-class flares.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that vitamin D supplements can significantly reduce the risk of COPD flare-ups in patients with a vitamin D deficiency. The trial, which included 240 patients, showed a 40% reduction in flare-ups among those who received vitamin D supplements.
Antonio Luque will receive the Karl W. Börner Solar Energy Medal of Merit at a ceremony on March 13, 2015. Luque is being recognized for his work in developing high-efficiency solar cells and stimulating the adoption of renewable energy in Spain.
A mid-level solar flare was detected by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on Nov 16, 2014, emerging from an active region that previously rotated across the front of the sun in October. The M5.7-class flare is a tenth the size of X-class flares and may disturb GPS and communications signals.
A mid-level solar flare was observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) on November 3, 2014, peaking at an M6.5 classification. This event is significant because it can disturb the atmosphere in layers where GPS and communications signals travel.
Sandia National Laboratories has received a $1.2 million award to develop a technique combining metal-organic framework (MOF) materials with dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) to improve photovoltaic efficiency. MOFs' structure, versatility, and porosity help overcome DSSC limitations.
The largest sunspot of the solar cycle, AR 12192, was tracked by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. The active region produced six X-class flares and four strong M-class flares, with the largest flare reaching X3.1 intensity. Despite the intense activity, no coronal mass ejections were observed.
A large active region on the sun erupted with an X-class flare on October 27, 2014, its fourth since October 24. The flare was part of a week-long series of substantial flares beginning on October 19.
A substantial X1.6 class solar flare occurred on October 22, 2014, peaking at 10:28 a.m. EDT, as observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. This is the third significant flare from the same region of the sun since October 19, indicating increased solar activity.
The University of Houston researcher aims to produce high-efficiency, inexpensive thin film photovoltaics with a goal of achieving 24% efficiency and 20 cents per watt. His innovative approach utilizes roll-to-roll manufacturing technology to create solar cells on low-cost metal substrates.
A UNL researcher has received a $1.2 million grant to improve the efficiency of solar cells using perovskite technology, aiming for at least 30% efficiency. The project seeks to refine silicon-based cells by overlaying them with perovskite, taking advantage of the material's natural abundance and properties.
The study provides five key findings on the sun's atmosphere, including heat pockets of 200,000 degrees Fahrenheit and structures resembling mini-tornadoes. These discoveries help researchers better understand the sun's energy transfer and dynamic solar activity that impacts technological infrastructure in space and on Earth.
Researchers at Ohio State University have created a solar cell that can store its own power, reducing the cost of renewable energy. The 'solar battery' combines a mesh solar panel with a battery, allowing for efficient charging and discharging using light and oxygen.
Researchers have developed a model that uses self-organised criticality and fluid dynamics to predict the occurrence of solar flares. The model has shown to be consistent with observations in a quantitative sense, enabling scientists to better understand and prepare for these powerful events.
Researchers at UChicago and Argonne National Lab developed a new polymer that enhances the efficiency of solar cells. The addition of PID2 improved the production of electricity by allowing charges to move more easily throughout the cell.
The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) mission has captured a unique perspective on an X-class solar flare, highlighting the transition region and corona. The observations provide insight into the dynamics of these powerful flares, which can have significant effects on Earth's magnetic field and radiation environment.
Dr. Petrus Martens is developing a system to predict solar cycles, aiming to forecast events such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections up to a decade in advance. This could help protect the power grid and inform satellite replacement decisions.
A powerful solar flare was detected by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on Sept. 10, 2014, peaking at X1.6 intensity. The flare disturbed the atmosphere in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel.
Scientists from DTU have created a new technique to produce cheap, flexible and versatile double solar cells using roll-to-roll processing. The method uses 3D ptychography to image the layer structure of the tandem solar cell, which converts 2.67% of incoming sunlight into electric energy.
A Northwestern University research team has created a new type of CNT solar cell that absorbs more sunlight, increasing efficiency by a significant margin. The polychiral CNT mixture is able to capture a broader range of solar-spectrum wavelengths, including near-infrared light.
Researchers at Georgia State University have been awarded $1.5 million to develop software tools that can process large sets of solar astronomy data, enabling scientists to perform analyses on unprecedented scales and detail levels. The software improvements will allow the solar community to pursue a wide range of research projects and...
Researchers have reconstructed solar activity at the end of the last ice age, showing a persistent link between solar activity and Greenland climate. The study suggests that reduced solar activity could lead to colder winters in Northern Europe, while warmer winters are seen in Greenland with greater snowfall.
Scientists warn of imminent 'solar super-storms' that could cripple critical services like power supplies, transport, and medicine. A predicted Carrington-level event every 150 years poses a significant threat to human health and infrastructure.
Researchers have developed a self-cooling method for solar cells using silica glass to reduce overheating, improving efficiency and lifespan. The design enhances infrared 'window' through Earth's atmosphere to redirect excess heat away from the solar cell.
A team of scientists in China has developed a new type of perovskite solar cell that does not use a hole-transportation layer, showing high efficiency and stability. The innovation reduces production costs and paves the way for a cost-effective branch of development in this type of solar cell.
Researchers used MESSENGER data to detect solar neutrons created in solar flares, providing a direct link to the flare process. The combined use of NASA mission data from MESSENGER and STEREO spacecraft offers new information about particle acceleration in solar flares.