Researchers have discovered a process called singlet fission that can increase solar cell efficiency by as much as 30 percent. This breakthrough has the potential to make solar cells more energy-efficient and widely adoptable.
A mid-level solar flare peaked at 12:20 p.m. EDT on July 8, 2014, and was captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. The event had an M6.5-class rating and may have affected Earth's atmosphere, potentially disturbing GPS and communications signals.
Scientists have discovered the corona extends far beyond previous observations, with implications for NASA's Solar Probe Plus mission. Direct measurements of the heliosphere's inner boundary provide new insights into solar particle behavior and the origin of the solar wind.
A NASA model can predict and visualize the interaction between solar wind, solar radiation, and asteroid surfaces in unprecedented detail. The model adapts to complex activities and provides highly efficient simulations, potentially identifying hazards for human explorers.
The GOES-R satellite's solar array provides a stable platform to track the sun's movement, powering critical instruments like EXIS and ABI. The advanced spacecraft will result in more timely and accurate weather forecasts, enhancing public safety and economic health.
The sun experienced three X-class flares in two days, with the third flare peaking at 5:06 a.m. EDT on June 11, 2014. The solar activity was captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory and originated from an active region on the sun.
A powerful solar flare with a peak intensity of an X2.2 classification was observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on June 10, 2014. The flare caused disturbances in the atmosphere layer affecting GPS and communications signals.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have designed a new class of solar-sensitive nanoparticles that can improve solar cell efficiency and air stability. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper and more flexible solar cells, as well as better gas sensors and other optoelectronic devices.
The Endocrine Society recognizes the achievements of early career investigators and provides training opportunities for underrepresented minority students through its Early Investigators Awards and Future Leaders Advancing Research in Endocrinology (FLARE) Internship Program.
A recent study reveals significant resonance cycles between solar activity and Earth's surface temperature, providing a possible explanation for recent global warming. The research uses wavelet analysis and cross-correlation methods to investigate the periodicities of solar activity and its correlations with the Earth's temperature dur...
Researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology have made a groundbreaking discovery about the structure and activity of the Sun. They found that buoyant magnetic-flux ropes on the solar surface can trigger powerful plasma eruptions in the atmosphere, leading to intense heating and rapid acceleration of plasma.
Researchers at NIST have created a new laser-based instrument that simulates sunlight across a broad spectrum, allowing for accurate testing of solar cell properties and potential efficiency boosts. The instrument uses optical-fiber amplifier technology to boost power and a photonic crystal fiber to broaden the spectrum.
A new study found that solar panels made in China have a higher overall carbon footprint and require more energy during manufacturing compared to those made in Europe. The difference is largely due to China's lower environmental and efficiency standards, as well as its reliance on coal-based electricity.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are gathering data on consumer motivations to develop sophisticated computer models for predicting solar purchase dynamics. The project aims to increase the nation's share of solar energy in the electricity market by 2030.
Installing state-of-the-art solar panels on a quarter of a million roofs could meet one-sixth of Scotland's electricity demands, easing the plight of one in three households. The report reveals that harnessing energy from the sun on south-facing buildings could have significant economic, environmental and social impacts.
A large multicenter clinical trial led by Dr. Gerard J. Criner found that statin drugs do not reduce the number and severity of flare-ups from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study tested the hypothesis that statins may be beneficial in persons with COPD due to their anti-inflammatory effect.
The Solar Wind Ion Analyzer will measure solar wind ions and density to understand Mars' atmospheric loss. Scientists believe interactions between solar wind ions and Martian particles are key to escape, leading to a barren planet.
The Banking on Solar working group aims to standardize contracts and underwriting processes, educating banks about the risks and rewards of solar assets. This effort has already begun developing standardized loan documents and underwriting criteria in residential and commercial markets.
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured a mid-level solar flare on May 8, 2014. The M5.2-class flare is considered weaker than intense X-class flares, but can still disturb the atmosphere and impact GPS and communications signals.
A record-breaking X-class flare was observed by four NASA spacecraft and one ground-based observatory on March 29, 2014. The coordinated efforts provided the most comprehensive data set ever collected, shedding light on the origins of solar eruptions and their effects on space weather near Earth.
Northwestern University researchers have developed a new solar cell with good efficiency that uses tin instead of lead perovskite. The low-cost, environmentally friendly solar cell can be made easily using 'bench' chemistry.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed multilayer, microscale solar cells that can operate across the entire solar spectrum at exceptionally high efficiency. The technology enables quadruple-junction four-terminal solar cells with individually measured efficiencies of 43.9 percent.
A mid-level solar flare, peaking at M7-class, was emitted by the sun on April 18, 2014. The radiation burst did not affect humans on Earth but may disturb communications signals and GPS.
Clemson professor Rajendra Singh is recognized for his efforts to expand solar deployment across the US, driving policy changes and creating jobs in the industry. He has played a key role in increasing new solar installations, enough to power over 2.2 million American homes.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory and University of Milano-Bicocca have developed large-area luminescent solar concentrators using 'Stokes-shift-engineered' quantum dots. These concentrated solar cells can generate significant power from sunlight, enabling the creation of transparent photovoltaic windows.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a method to produce solar energy materials directly from sunlight, reducing production costs and time. This process uses a continuous flow microreactor to synthesize nanoparticle inks that make solar cells by printing.
On April 2, 2014, NASA captured imagery of an M6.5 solar flare, which is ten times less powerful than X-class flares. The event may impact Earth's atmosphere and disrupt GPS signals.
A significant solar flare was captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on March 29, 2014, peaking at an X1.1-class intensity. The event disturbed the atmosphere in layers where GPS and communications signals travel.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a next-generation solar cell material that can also emit light, doubling its potential applications. The material, made from Perovskite, has been found to be highly luminescent and suitable for both solar energy conversion and light emission.
A Stanford University study finds that wind farms can afford lots of grid-scale storage to support up to three days of uninterrupted power. In contrast, the solar industry can only afford about 24 hours of energy storage due to the high energy required for manufacturing solar panels.
A mid-level solar flare, classified as an M9.3 flare, was captured by NASA's SDO on March 12, 2014. The flare was emitted by an active region on the sun's surface and may have disturbed Earth's atmosphere and affected GPS signals.
The report analyzes state demographics and policy characteristics to contextualize the impact of various solar policies on photovoltaic installations. Four peer groups reveal different policy effectiveness based on demographic factors such as median household income and community interest in renewable energy.
University of Cincinnati researchers have made a breakthrough in boosting the efficiency of polymer solar cells by adding graphene nanoflakes, increasing performance threefold. The new method aims to make solar-powered panels lighter, less expensive and more flexible.
Researchers at NC State University developed a 'superabsorbing' design that improves light absorption efficiency of thin film solar cells by decreasing semiconductor material thickness. The design, which looks like an onion, can absorb up to 90% of available solar energy using just a 10nm thick layer of amorphous silicon.
A powerful solar flare peaked at X4.9-class on Feb. 24, 2014, as observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The flare emitted giant flashes of light and caused disturbing effects in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel.
On January 28, 2014, NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) witnessed a strong solar flare, emitting x-rays and light into space. The IRIS mission offers unprecedented resolution to study the sun's lower atmosphere, providing valuable insights into solar flares.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin identify microvoids as a source of 10-15% degradation in amorphous silicon thin film solar cells. The discovery is part of the EPR-Solar network funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research.
A mid-level solar flare was emitted by the sun on February 3, 2014, reaching its peak at midnight EST. The NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured images of the event.
Researchers at the University of Houston and Universite de Montréal have developed a new theoretical model that may improve the efficiency of solar cells. The model explores quantum-mechanical effects in polymeric semiconductors, which could lead to more efficient materials with blends of semiconducting polymers and fullerenes.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a high-efficiency, scalable method for creating solar-powered water splitting devices using molybdenum sulfide and copper(I) oxide. The new catalyst preserves optical transparency, stability under acidic conditions, and reduces maintenance costs.
A team of researchers from North Carolina State University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences has found an easy way to modify a commonly used polymer in solar cells to increase efficiency. The modification resulted in a significant boost in energy harvesting, with some solar cells showing a 36% improvement over similar polymers.
Researchers have created a new ceramic material that can harness energy from visible and infrared light, not just ultraviolet light. The material has shown significant improvement over today's classic ferroelectric material, absorbing six times more energy and transferring a photocurrent 50 times denser.
IRIS has captured detailed images of the interface region between the sun's surface and corona, revealing more violent and turbulent phenomena than previously understood. The mission's observations also provide new insights into solar eruptive events and the dynamics of the low solar atmosphere.
Researchers at DESY's PETRA III facility watched organic solar cells degrade in real time, revealing a mechanism of degradation that involves growth and receding of active domains. The study could lead to new approaches for increasing the stability of this promising type of solar cell.
The Total Solar Irradiance Calibration Transfer Experiment (TCTE) mission aims to provide accurate measurements of the sun's energy impact on Earth. The new instrument, deployed in November 2013, will overlap with the existing TIM instrument to ensure continuous data flow and improve accuracy.
Comet ISON, a time capsule from the solar system's formation, will be observed by NASA's solar observing fleet as it approaches the sun. The comet's journey will provide valuable insights into the solar wind and atmosphere.
A significant X-class solar flare occurred on Nov. 19, 2013, peaking at 5:26 a.m. EST, causing disturbances in the atmosphere where GPS and communications signals travel. The flare was classified as an X1.0 class, indicating its intensity.
Two large sunspots, AR1890 and AR1897, are active on the sun, with AR1890 producing significant flares and AR1897 nearing its appearance on Earth-side of the sun. The sun's 11-year activity cycle is increasing towards solar maximum conditions, leading to an uptick in flares.
The SAPC working group has developed three standard contract templates for residential and commercial solar power projects, with the goal of increasing consumer transparency and private-sector investment. The contracts cover residential leases and commercial power purchase agreements, allowing developers to increase business opportunit...
A significant solar flare peaked at 12:14 a.m. EST on Nov. 10, 2013, emitting harmful radiation that disturbed the atmosphere and impacted GPS signals. This X1.1 class flare is part of an active period in the sun's 11-year activity cycle, which has seen several flares since October 23, 2013.
The sun recently emitted a powerful X1.1 flare, disturbing the layer where GPS and communications signals travel. Increased flares are common during the sun's peak activity cycle, which is currently ramping up toward solar maximum conditions.
A significant solar flare peaked at X3.3 on Nov. 5, 2013, affecting GPS and communications signals. The event is part of the sun's 11-year activity cycle ramping up towards solar maximum conditions.
The sun emitted its fourth X-class flare since October 23, 2013, peaking at 5:54 p.m. on October 29, 2013. The X2.3 class flare may disrupt radio signals for hours due to its intense radiation.
The sun continues to produce mid-level and significant solar flares, including an X1.0 flare on Oct. 27 and an M5.1 flare on Oct. 28, potentially impacting Earth's atmosphere and electronic systems. The recent activity is part of the sun's normal 11-year activity cycle.
Researchers replicate formation of first silicate dust and find matching oxygen isotopes in stony meteorites, solving long-standing solar system formation puzzle. The discovery suggests a simple physical chemistry principle governed the early solar system.
A mid-level solar flare, classified as an M9.4 event, was observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) on October 23, 2013. This flare had a significant impact on Earth's atmosphere, causing disruptions to radio signals and potentially affecting GPS communications.
NTU scientists have made a breakthrough in solar technology by developing a new material that is five times cheaper to produce and generates almost as much power as current thin film solar cells. The material, called perovskite, converts up to 15% of sunlight to electricity, close to the efficiency of current solar cells.
Scientists have developed a new solar panel design that improves efficiency by up to 22% using aluminum studs, which bend and trap light inside the absorbing layer. This technology has the potential to make thin and flexible solar panels available at competitive prices, powering everything from domestic appliances to portable electronics.
The study finds that high levels of wind and solar power reduce fossil fuel costs by $7 billion per year, while incurring cycling costs of $35 million to $157 million. Cycling increases operations and maintenance costs by $0.47 to $1.28 per megawatt-hour of generation.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new connection between stacked solar cells that can handle high-intensity solar energies without losing voltage. This breakthrough could improve the overall efficiency of solar energy devices and reduce production costs.