Researchers at KAUST have developed a synthetic approach to generate homogeneous and defect-free crystals that could fast-track the commercialization of perovskite solar cells. The new single-crystal films exhibit lower defect density and higher charge-carrier diffusion lengths, leading to high-quality solar cells with a maximum power-...
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateJul 11, 2019
A recent study by the University of California, Davis, reveals 20 overlooked advantages of distributed solar energy, such as carbon sequestration and improvements for pollinator habitats. The study provides a framework for analyzing solar projects and highlights the potential of rooftop solar to benefit both humans and wildlife.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 9, 2019
A newly developed aerogel material can passively capture solar heat, reaching temperatures of up to 220°C in tests. This could enable lower-cost and simpler solar heat collection systems for various industrial and domestic uses.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 2, 2019
The SULIS mission aims to understand the nature of solar eruptions and track magnetic clouds of charged gas. It will also demonstrate new technologies in space and precision alignment of small satellites flying in formation.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Scientists at the University of Delaware and Georgia Tech have won a grant to develop a new approach for improving the efficiency of PERC cells, which are designed to increase electricity generation in solar panels. The team aims to use sulfur and selenium to create more efficient silicon solar cells with improved voltage.
Scientists from Tokyo Institute of Technology used computer simulations and observations of trans-Neptunian objects to understand how they may have formed. The study found that the size and orbit of satellite systems around large TNOs are best explained by impacts of molten progenitors.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 25, 2019
Researchers at University of Surrey have developed a tin-based perovskite solar cell with 50% less lead, improving efficiency and reducing toxicity. The technology allows for affordable, flexible, and thin solar panels using low-cost materials.
SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateJun 24, 2019
Researchers developed a simpler approach to creating multi-junction solar cells using intermetallic bonding, avoiding significant expense and complexity. The technique enables the creation of high-efficiency solar cells with lower production costs.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Research into phosphorene nanosheets has improved the potential of perovskite solar cells by increasing their electricity production efficiency by 2-3%. This breakthrough is significant as it could lead to more efficient and potentially cheaper solar cells, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
SourceFlinders University·JournalSmall Methods·DateJun 21, 2019
The new software can simulate a year's worth of grid interactions in under five minutes, making it easier for utility companies to install rooftop solar panels. This is faster than previous models that took days or even weeks to run a single scenario.
Researchers at Rice University developed a method to increase the efficiency of solar-powered desalination systems by concentrating sunlight into 'hot spots' using inexpensive plastic lenses. This approach boosts output by more than 50% and increases purified water production, addressing global water scarcity issues.
SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2019
Researchers discovered that adding cesium and rubidium to the synthesis process makes the resulting solar cell more chemically homogeneous and facilitates its formation. This understanding will illuminate future work in developing more efficient halide perovskite solar cells.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJoule·DateJun 6, 2019
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a way to combine perovskite crystals and quantum dots to create a stable hybrid material that can increase the efficiency of solar cells. The resulting material remains stable under ambient conditions for six months, significantly longer than similar materials without stabilization.
SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers from the University of Münster find that the Moon's collision with Earth brought large quantities of water, essential for life. The discovery sheds light on the Moon's origin and its role in making Earth a habitable planet.
SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 21, 2019
A breakthrough in a new material called a tandem perovskite solar cell has been achieved, bringing efficiency to about 23%, compared to silicon panels at 18% efficient. The goal is to make cheaper and more efficient solar cells that could replace silicon photovoltaic technology.
Researchers discovered that adding fluoride to perovskite leaves a protective layer, increasing its stability and solar cells' efficiency. The study achieved an efficiency of 21.3%, exceeding previous records by up to 24%.
SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNature Energy·DateMay 13, 2019
Researchers mapped aluminum monoxide around a distant young star, clarifying details about our solar system's formation. The findings suggest that AlO gas rapidly condenses into solid grains, similar to calcium and aluminum-rich inclusions found in asteroids.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 10, 2019
Researchers at EPFL's LRESE have developed an enhanced photo-electrochemical system that can efficiently produce hydrogen using concentrated solar irradiation. The device has achieved a 17% conversion rate and is stable, with the ability to handle stochastic dynamics of daily solar irradiation.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 29, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A study by University of Kent researchers found a direct correlation between increasing solar panel demand and rising silver prices, with the latter accounting for 6.1% of solar panel cost.
SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateApr 17, 2019
A collaboration of researchers from ICIQ and ICMAB-CSIC investigated the impact of changing Hole Transport Materials in perovskite solar cells. They found that the surfaces and interfaces created in the solar cell stack have a crucial role in functional device performances.
SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateApr 12, 2019
Researchers found a slowdown of the Walker cell during solar-cycle maxima, shifting trade winds and precipitation patterns in the tropical Pacific. The study suggests that global hydrology and ocean-atmosphere coupling amplify the solar signal.
SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2019
Researchers found a fine haze of cosmic dust over Mercury's orbit, forming a ring some 9.3 million miles wide. They also identified the likely source of dust at Venus' orbit: a group of never-before-detected asteroids co-orbiting with the planet.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 12, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
A new study using ice cores and tree rings reveals a third massive solar storm in history, occurring in 660 BCE, with others in 775 CE and 994 CE. These rare events pose a risk to electrical grids, communication systems, and air traffic.
SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019
A team of scientists used LOFAR data to study a massive solar storm on September 10, 2017, revealing that particles accelerate simultaneously in multiple locations. This discovery may help improve space weather forecasting and mitigate potential effects on communication, navigation, and power grids.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 19, 2019
Researchers at ASRC developed self-assembling nanomaterials that produce singlet fission reactions to create more usable charges, increasing theoretical solar cell efficiency up to 44%. The new materials could shorten the time for creating commercially viable solar cells and prove more affordable than current fabrication methods.
SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJan 24, 2019
A team of scientists developed a single, cohesive computer model to simulate the entire life cycle of a solar flare, from energy buildup to explosive release. The comprehensive model captures the formation of tangled magnetic field lines and roiling sunspots, which can impact Earth's power grids, communications networks, and astronauts.
SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 16, 2019
A study by Tufts University researchers found that African-American and Hispanic-dominant neighborhoods have installed significantly fewer rooftop solar photovoltaics than white-dominant neighborhoods, even after controlling for household income and home ownership. This disparity affects the deployment of solar energy across the US.
SourceTufts University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 10, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A new tool, DeepSolar, scans high-resolution images of the US for solar panels, registering their locations and sizes. Researchers found 1.47 million individual installations nationwide, correlating them with factors like income, education, and incoming solar radiation.
The Stanford team's analysis found 1.47 million solar panel installations in the US, significantly higher than previous estimates, and identified factors leading to adoption, such as household income and geographic location. The machine learning program DeepSolar was able to correctly identify images with solar panels 93% of the time a...
Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB) developed a novel approach to form selective contact layers in perovskite solar cells using self-assembling monolayers. This method achieves extremely low material consumption and high efficiency, outperforming traditional methods.
SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateDec 11, 2018
Researchers developed a new technique to visualize historic solar data, providing context for understanding the Sun's past and future. The study suggests that changes in solar activity may impact Earth's surface, with possible connections to climate change.
SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 10, 2018
Scientists propose a new model, magnetic pumping, to explain the solar wind's heat persistence as it streams out of the sun and towards Earth. The research shows that particles in the solar wind are affected by magnetic pumping, including high-energy particles.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
The National Solar Observatory (NSO) has received a supplemental grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enhance its scientific output and foster collaboration in the field of solar physics. The new funding will support the development of advanced data products, engage graduate students, and nurture international expertise.
SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·DateSep 28, 2018
Scientists at OIST have developed a method to fabricate low-cost high-efficiency perovskite solar cells, boasting an efficiency comparable to crystalline silicon cells. The technique uses a gas-solid reaction-based method to produce uniform panels with improved stability and production costs.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 28, 2018
Scientists have developed a solar flow battery that can store sunlight as chemical energy for later use. The device can be used to provide electricity in remote regions, making it an attractive solution for off-grid electrification.
Researchers created an algorithm using physics of panel degradation to analyze solar farm data, providing a portable EKG for solar farms. The approach can inform better panel designs, prolong lifespan, and cut electrical bills, ultimately transforming the industry's diagnosis and decision-making processes.
SourcePurdue University·JournalProgress in Photovoltaics Research and Applications·DateSep 5, 2018
Researchers find way to reduce production costs of solar cells by more than 10 percent through nano-texturing silicon and atomic layer deposition. The cost per unit power drops, making solar energy comparable to conventional electricity.
SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalEnergies·DateSep 4, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A research team at UNIST introduced a novel method to solve issues associated with the thickness of photoactive layers in OSCs, achieving an efficiency of 12.01% using a non-fullerene acceptor.
SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateAug 30, 2018
Researchers at UCLA Samueli School of Engineering created a highly efficient thin-film solar cell that generates more energy from sunlight than typical solar panels. The device converts 22.4 percent of incoming energy, surpassing the previous record set in 2015.
SourceUCLA Samueli School of Engineering·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2018
Research reveals that air pollution can reduce solar panel output by up to 17% in some cities, leading to significant financial losses. The study found that urban areas like Delhi and Beijing could lose tens of millions of dollars annually due to haze-related reductions in solar power.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateAug 29, 2018
Scientists have discovered a repeatable pattern in how space weather activity changes with the solar cycle, enabling better understanding and planning for space weather. The breakthrough allows for more accurate forecasting of potential threats to Earth from solar flares and extreme space weather.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalSpace Weather·DateAug 13, 2018
Parker Solar Probe will make its journey to the Sun's atmosphere, closer than any spacecraft in history, with a highly elliptical orbit and speeds of up to 430,000 miles per hour. The spacecraft will observe the acceleration of the solar wind and study extreme events on the Sun, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A new study suggests that organic materials found in ancient meteorites formed through basic chemical reactions during the Solar System's infancy. The research provides insights into the potential habitability of other planetary systems.
SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2018
New solar energy research from Arizona State University demonstrates that silicon-based tandem photovoltaic modules can become increasingly attractive in the US market, with potential to reduce costs and increase efficiency. The study found that 32% efficient anticipated tandem modules can cost more than three times that of projected 2...
SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Energy·DateJul 30, 2018
The Parker Solar Probe will directly sample solar particles and magnetic fields to resolve the origin and acceleration of the solar wind. It aims to understand how the solar wind is accelerated to speeds of up to 1.8 million miles per hour.
Scientists have long been puzzled by the Sun's hot corona, with temperatures up to 2 million degrees Fahrenheit. The Parker Solar Probe will sample just-heated particles in the corona, providing the most pristine measurements ever recorded.
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
An international team of materials scientists developed a way to boost the efficiency of organic solar cells by incorporating fluorine atoms in polymers. This process increased cell efficiency from 3.7% to 10.2%, making polymer-based cells a promising technology for power generation.
SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateJul 25, 2018
Scientists at the University of Washington have developed a method to improve the performance of perovskite solar cells by surface passivation, which significantly boosts their efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to thinner and more flexible solar cells with higher power conversion efficiency.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 25, 2018
Parker Solar Probe aims to study the Sun's dynamic and magnetically active star, focusing on the acceleration of solar wind, corona's high temperatures, and solar energetic particles. The mission uses four suites of instruments to gather data remotely and in situ.
The Parker Solar Probe will travel closer to the Sun than any mission before it, providing unprecedented observations of the corona. Despite temperatures exceeding a million degrees Fahrenheit, the spacecraft will withstand due to its custom heat shield and autonomous system.
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
A team of scientists led by Craig DeForest used advanced algorithms and data-cleaning techniques to analyze images taken by NASA's STEREO spacecraft. They discovered fine-grained structures in the outer corona, which is the source of the solar wind. The study provides new insights into the Sun's million-degree atmosphere.
Researchers at Linköping University have formulated design rules to minimize energy losses in organic solar cells, achieving low energy losses and high power conversion efficiencies. The new theory challenges previous beliefs and agrees with experimental results.
SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 16, 2018
Longer solar contracts can leverage free fuel in solar power, reducing operating expenses (O&M costs) by up to 2 cents per kWh. This can lead to lower price bids for utility-scale renewable energy projects, making them more competitive.
SourceSolarPACES·JournalRenewable Energy Focus·DateJul 12, 2018
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a cheap and sustainable way to build solar cells using bacteria that convert light to energy. The cell generated a current stronger than any previously recorded and worked efficiently in dim light, offering a promising solution for regions with frequent overcast skies.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalSmall·DateJul 5, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
The University of Surrey's Advanced Technology Institute has created a new technique to reduce energy loss in perovskite solar cells, increasing voltage and efficiency. The Solution-Process Secondary growth (SSG) method achieved a PCE of 20.9%, the highest certified for inverted cells.
Researchers at FAU and ANSER Center investigate singlet fission mechanism, gaining insights into its potential for increasing solar cell efficiency. They find that SF efficiency correlates with the coupling of molecular sub-units, providing a promising approach to boost performance.
SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalChem·DateJun 27, 2018
The study found that solar irradiance strengthens the Siberian high and low-level East Asian winter circulation, resulting in lower surface air temperatures in East Asia. This mechanism helps explain the variability of the East Asian winter monsoon at decadal and longer time scales.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 27, 2018
Researchers have developed a prototype for calibrating an entire solar field in a single night, shaving months off the current process. The innovation integrates digital cameras into heliostats to achieve pixel point accuracy, enabling precise calibration and reducing costs per square meter.
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Liu's research aims to develop a fundamental understanding of corrosion mechanisms in molten salts, guiding the selection of salts and containment materials for CSP systems. Her work will focus on developing innovative approaches to study molten salt properties and corrosion kinetics using state-of-the-art technologies.
Scientists from FAU are investigating a novel approach to storing solar energy in a single molecule, enabling the creation of an 'energy-storing solar cell'. The research focuses on the use of norbornadiene-quadricyclane storage system and intramolecular reactions to store and release electrical energy efficiently.
SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateJun 14, 2018