Articles tagged with Solar Energy
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The £6 million grant will advance organic and perovskite solar cells into new applications, including 5G, the Internet of Things, and zero-carbon buildings. The project aims to develop low-cost manufacturing methods and prototypes to showcase their potential in these areas.
Researchers at USTC developed a hydrothermal deposition method for synthesizing antimony selenosulfide, which enables the creation of compact and flat films with high efficiency and stability. The material's tunable band gap and high extinction coefficient make it suitable for light-weight and portable electricity generation devices.
A new membrane distillation process that uses solar heat to produce drinking water from seawater or wastewater has been developed. The technology can double the production of drinking water compared to existing methods, making it a promising solution for isolated areas without access to potable water.
A study by UC Davis finds that ground-mounted solar energy development in the Mojave Desert harms native plants, including cacti and Mojave yucca, culturally significant to indigenous tribes. Management options like 'halos' can conserve these species, but developing solar energy on undeveloped lands is more sustainable.
Scientists developed a customizable smart window prototype that maximizes design across various criteria, balancing energy usage with lighting and temperature preferences. The approach uses comprehensive physical models and advanced computational techniques to optimize window designs for optimal energy efficiency.
Researchers have designed a solar flow battery that combines energy conversion and storage in one unit, potentially expediting electrification in remote locations. The technology integrates photoelectrochemical solar cells with aqueous organic redox flow batteries to produce high voltage and stable cycling.
Researchers have developed a highly efficient solar-flow battery that can store and redeliver renewable electricity from the sun. The device achieved a record efficiency of 20 percent conversion, outperforming previous records by 40%. This breakthrough could potentially yield a new way to harness, store and use the sun's energy for sol...
Swansea University researchers have reported a record efficiency of 12.2% for four layers of roll-to-roll printed perovskite solar cells (PSCs), marking a significant step towards commercialization. This achievement utilizes the advantages of slot-die coating, which provides controlled wet film thickness and efficient material usage.
Researchers developed a deep learning method that enhances global climate models' ability to predict wind velocity and solar irradiance data, leading to more accurate renewable energy prospects. The approach results in high-resolution modeling under various climate scenarios.
The study demonstrates that solar assisted heating networks can reduce environmental impact by up to 89.3% compared to traditional heat generation methods, while also providing economic benefits through cost reduction of up to 66%. The system is most effective in larger communities, with a return on investment within 13.7 years.
Researchers at Skoltech have developed a non-invasive technique for measuring the thickness of single-walled carbon nanotube films, which may have applications in solar energy, smart textiles, and more. The method uses spectroscopic ellipsometry to determine film parameters with high accuracy.
Researchers fabricated a visible light-activated photocatalytic film by doping nitrogen into TiO2 on commercial ceramic membranes. The N-TiO2 coating enhances stability under solar irradiation through redox reactions and increased surface hydrophilicity.
A new mathematical model for solar irradiance prediction has been developed at Uppsala University and proved highly reliable. The MCM model provides accurate forecasts of solar power production fluctuations, enabling greater control over solar energy use.
A new study in Nature reveals a process that allows molecules to guide scientists on how to modify them for better solar energy absorption and conversion. By mimicking the energy conversion systems found in nature, researchers aim to develop more abundant, scalable materials for solar energy technology.
Scientists have designed a gold nanoparticle conjugate that can be used as a platform for developing a light-driven, water-splitting nanodevice for generating hydrogen. The PSI-GNP-PSII conjugate mimics photosynthesis to convert solar energy into chemical energy, offering a potential solution to the current energy crisis.
Researchers found that double-sided solar panels combined with single-axis tracking technology are the most cost-effective solution, producing almost 35% more energy than traditional systems. This combination reduces electricity costs by an average of 16%.
A study by Jacek Kapica identifies three indicators to help find the perfect size for renewable wind and solar energy storage facilities while optimizing energy harvesting. Increasing power reliability influences the nominal power of energy generation units at a given size of storage.
Australian scientists have developed a new generation of experimental solar energy cells that pass strict International Electrotechnical Commission testing standards for heat and humidity. The research, published in Science, uses perovskite crystals to convert sunlight into electricity, outperforming silicon-based cells.
A novel gel-based cooling system developed at KAUST has improved the efficiency of a prototype solar panel up to 20 percent, consuming no external energy. The technology taps into the natural properties of the Earth's climate, utilizing atmospheric water generation to reduce temperatures and enhance heat transfer.
Researchers at RMIT University designed a solar chimney that optimises energy saving and fire safety, increasing evacuation time from two minutes to over 14 minutes. The design maximises ventilation for cooling and sucks smoke out of the building in case of fire.
Researchers at the University of Arkansas will lead a multi-institutional project to protect solar technologies from cyberattack. The project aims to develop cybersecurity systems for photovoltaic energy technology and devices, including solar PV inverters.
A Bristol team has developed a new photosynthetic protein system that enables an enhanced and more sustainable approach to solar-powered technological devices. The system uses both chlorophyll and bacteriochlorophyll, demonstrating poly-chromatic solar energy harvesting for the first time.
The Korea Institute of Energy Research has successfully developed a lightweight and flexible CIGS thin-film solar cell on polymer substrate with an efficiency of 20.4%, surpassing the existing highest efficiency of 20.8%. The researchers introduced a new low-temperature film formation technology to enhance device efficiencies.
Researchers developed a new material technology to create high-efficiency perovskite solar cells using eco-friendly organic materials dissolved in peppermint oil or walnut aroma. The new polymers overcame the instability issue of conventional perovskite solar cells, maintaining 88% efficiency after 30 days.
Scientists have developed a technique to sequester lead in perovskite solar cells, minimizing potential toxic leakage by applying lead-absorbing films to the front and back of the solar cell. The new approach has been shown to capture 96% of lead leakage under severe damage conditions.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel technology to measure thermal energy conversion efficiency. This innovation can shed light on the processes of energy-converting systems like leaves during photosynthesis, improving the understanding of energy transfer in plants and solar cells.
A new study models the potential of semitransparent organic solar cells to power greenhouses, finding that many can become energy neutral in warm or temperate climates. The technology allows greenhouses to generate energy from unused light while minimizing impact on plant growth.
Scientists at the University of Rochester develop a new material that selectively absorbs light only at solar wavelengths, increasing efficiency by 130%. This innovation enhances solar power generation and has potential applications for thermal energy harvesting devices.
The EU Sharc25 project optimized conversion efficiency of CIGSe thin film technology through theoretical modeling, experimental characterization, and technological expertise sharing. The efficiency rose from 21.7 to 22.6 percent, thanks to post-processing with alkali elements.
The CSU team aims to improve the performance of cadmium telluride solar cells by tackling efficiency problems associated with the back contact layer, currently a bottleneck in widespread adoption. They hope to achieve a 25% light-to-energy efficiency with an improved back contact architecture.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab demonstrate a 'photo-thermal' solar umbrella that can double evaporation rates in polluted wastewater, reducing the environmental impact of settling ponds. The device uses mid-infrared light to absorb and retain heat, enhancing evaporation rates by more than 100%.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a way to prolong hot carrier lifetime in 2D perovskite solar materials, potentially increasing solar energy efficiency. The approach involves tuning the structure of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites to suppress hot carrier cooling mechanisms.
A new material synthesized by Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) Lithuanian scientists can form a molecular-thick electrode layer, enabling highly efficient perovskite single-junction and tandem solar cells. The material is cheap, scalable, and forms good contact with perovskite material.
The Graphene Flagship has launched eleven Spearhead Projects to catalyse commercialisation of graphene-enabled products. These projects combine innovative research with industrial ambitions, aiming to boost technology readiness levels and bring graphene-based technologies to market.
Engineers at Lehigh University have mapped the energy transport mechanism of chalcogenide perovskite, a promising material for solar energy generation. The research demonstrates tunability, essential for its potential applications.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new hybrid device that can capture and store solar energy, offering promise for applications from power generation to distillation and desalination. The device achieves high efficiency harvesting and storage, with up to 90% efficiency and 80% recovered energy at night.
Arizona State University received five prestigious Department of Energy awards totaling $9.8 million to advance solar energy research and development. The funding will support projects to lower solar electricity costs, boost manufacturing, and make solar systems more resilient.
Magnetic reconnection near the solar surface generates solar spicules, which channel hot plasma into the corona. The study reveals that energy released from magnetic field realignment triggers enhanced spicular activity, causing local heating of the upper atmosphere.
A new study finds that increasing solar and wind energy in California can enhance drought resilience and benefit groundwater sustainability. The researchers developed a trade-off frontier framework to quantify the water sustainability value of solar and wind energy.
A Swansea-led project aims to provide clean, affordable and reliable power to local communities in developing countries using perovskite solar cells. The £800,000 funding will support the construction of demonstrator buildings and collaboration with experts from five countries.
Researchers from Tokyo Tech and Kanazawa University develop an eco-friendly device using solar cells to catalyze electrochemical oxidation reactions. The device, which uses organic materials, achieves high efficiency by directly utilizing photogenerated holes in chemical reactions.
Researchers have created a two-species microbial consortium to improve the performance of biophotovoltaics, generating a power density of 150 mW·m-2. The system can stably operate for over 40 days, setting a new record for BPV longevity and power output per device.
Researchers at UTSA will develop a solar tracking system to optimize solar energy collection and regulate energy flow between indoor and outdoor environments. They will also work on a prototype of a clean energy technology for steam turbines using supercritical carbon dioxide, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce water usage.
Researchers create standardized way to quantify and compare solar power variations influenced by cloud coverage, time of day, and dust particles. This method may help optimize photovoltaic farms and inform engineering and policy for more efficient solar power production.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed organic solar cells that can harness indoor light to produce electricity. The cells achieve high energy efficiency, with some variants converting up to 26.1% of ambient light into electricity.
Researchers designed a quinoxaline-based acceptor that enables efficient organic solar cells with low energy losses. The devices achieved high power conversion efficiencies and improved short-circuit current, fill factor, and open-circuit voltage.
A new study finds that California's rooftop-solar adoption is closely correlated with socioeconomic status and health indicators in disadvantaged communities. The study suggests that state programs must target these communities to improve access to clean energy, rather than relying on broad income classifications.
Agricultural lands are the most productive places for solar power, according to an Oregon State University study. The researchers found that converting less than 1% of land to solar panels would be sufficient to fulfill global electric energy demand.
A team of researchers from UMass Amherst has developed a data-driven approach called DeepRoof that uses machine learning techniques and satellite images to identify rooftops with high solar potential, achieving accuracy of 91%. This method can speed up the process of rooftop installations by analyzing satellite images of entire cities.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered UK-size photospheric plasma swirls generating short-lived Alfvén pulses in the solar atmosphere. These pulses are estimated to carry more than 10 times higher energy flux than needed for heating the local upper solar chromosphere.
Researchers at Siberian Federal University and Royal Institute of Technology discover palladium diselenide, a promising material for more efficient solar cells. The material can absorb solar energy more efficiently than silicon-based materials, increasing the efficiency of solar cells.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a way to produce butanol, a fourth-generation biofuel, using solar energy, water, and CO2 without the need for solar cells. The microorganisms can efficiently capture the sun's energy and bind to carbon dioxide in the air.
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.
Scientists developed record-high radiation stable organic solar cells that retained over 80% efficiency after exposure to 6,500 Gy of gamma rays. The breakthrough enables space applications for the light-weight and flexible solar cells.
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.
Researchers found that the region covered by the Belt and Road Initiative has significant solar energy potential, capable of meeting up to 41 times current electricity demand. The study suggests a possible solution to reduce BRI countries' need for fossil fuels, achieving emission reduction goals set by the Paris Agreement.
Researchers develop a hybrid nanostructure combining biologically derived and inorganic materials to enhance light-harvesting efficiency. The nanohybrid, composed of quantum dots, a protein from cyanobacteria, and semiconducting nanocrystals, shows improved energy transfer and photocurrent production.
Researchers discovered hints of the sun's internal clock behaving erratically, switching between normal and alternate states. The team found intriguing discrepancies in the sun's magnetic fields that could provide clues to its internal behavior.
Artificial floating islands harness solar energy to extract CO2 from seawater and produce hydrogen, which is then converted into methanol fuel. The study suggests a potential method for producing synthetic fuels with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Adding solar farms in New York state could reduce summer electricity demand by up to 9.6 percent, but winter energy demand may lead to volatile swings in the power system due to low demand and high solar production