Articles tagged with Solar Energy
Researchers in China have created a highly efficient desalination device powered by solar energy that can remove salt from seawater, producing freshwater. The device uses a titanium-containing layer and special paper to absorb sunlight and condense water vapor.
Researchers developed an anti-icing material that removes condensed water through self-propelled droplet jumping, inspired by wheat leaves. The material remains ice-free in temperatures as low as -50 °C and under high humidity, making it suitable for various environmental conditions.
A Lancaster University-led team reviewed evidence on solar park land management practices to enhance pollinator biodiversity. They highlighted ten ways to protect and even enhance bee populations, including sowing wildflowers and connecting parks to nearby habitats.
Researchers at UniSA have developed a cost-effective method to derive freshwater from seawater or contaminated water through efficient solar evaporation, delivering up to 20 litres of fresh water per square metre per day. The system is built using simple, everyday materials and requires minimal maintenance.
Researchers have developed a highly-efficient water decomposition reaction using BaTaO2N photocatalyst, achieving nearly 100 times the efficiency of conventional methods. The new method involves sequential cocatalyst decoration on the surface of BaTaO2N particles, resulting in high dispersion and improved hydrogen production.
A team of researchers from Aarhus University and international experts found that solar photovoltaic technology has been drastically underestimated in the IPCC's climate-neutral energy production scenarios. The study suggests a more significant role for solar cells in achieving a fossil-free future.
ITQB NOVA researchers have developed a new approach to produce hydrogen from light using non-photosynthetic microorganisms. The biohybrid systems combine high hydrogen-producing bacteria with self-produced cadmium sulfide nanoparticles, which capture light and enable direct energy transfer.
By introducing covalently linked fluorophores into a bacterial photosynthetic enzyme, researchers broadened the enzyme's band of harvestable light wavelengths. This improvement boosts energy conversion efficiency and paves the way for developing an efficient artificial photosynthesis system for solar energy conversion.
Researchers found that without battery storage, homeowners only use 30-40% of their solar PV electricity, while the rest is exported to the grid. With a home battery, self-consumption doubles and grid reliance reduces by up to 84%. Innovative energy policies can make PV-batteries profitable, even in low-solar irradiation countries.
Halide perovskites' twisting motion creates desirable renewable energy properties, helping materials scientists tailor chemical recipes for environmentally friendly applications. The study's findings apply to a wide range of halide perovskites, including hybrid organic-inorganic and lead-free variants.
Scientists at Linköping University discover where unexplained energy losses occur during singlet fission, a phenomenon that can increase solar cell efficiency. The breakthrough could lead to higher efficiency rates, from 33% to over 40%, making solar cells more sustainable.
The American Chemical Society highlights the achievements of Black scientists in chemistry and chemical engineering, including drug discovery, biomedical engineering, and sustainable energy. The special issue showcases their work and calls for greater recognition and inclusion in the science enterprise.
The University of Toledo will develop flexible solar cell sheets to harness solar energy in space and transmit power wirelessly to Earth. The five-year project aims to create large, efficient solar arrays that could generate up to 800 megawatts of electrical power.
Researchers have developed a framework to predict the performance of next-generation hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) solar collectors. The study reveals that the relative value of thermal energy to electricity significantly influences efficiency limits, optimal PV cell material, and spectral-splitting filter design.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a novel radiative cooling system that can efficiently cool buildings using solar power. The system, comprising two mirrors, absorbs sunlight and reflects heat into the sky, achieving record-breaking temperature reductions in both laboratory and outdoor tests.
A research team has proposed new testing standards for particulate photocatalysts in solar fuel production, aiming to improve the efficiency and reliability of this technology. The standards will provide a reliable guide for large-scale implementation and further promote research advances in the field.
Researchers at the University of York have discovered a solar absorber material called antimony selenide that can self-heal broken bonds. This ability eliminates problematic electronic states and has important implications for applications in optoelectronics and photochemistry.
A team of Binghamton University researchers will explore advanced grid-forming PV inverter control technologies to integrate renewable energy sources into the US electric grid, aiming for increased reliability and scalability. The three-year project will focus on developing a new grid-forming control algorithm at a hybrid PV plant.
Organic solar cells have improved efficiency by up to 18.3% with the use of diquat, a molecular dopant created through electrochemical reduction. This breakthrough increases optical absorption and charge lifetime, paving the way for more efficient energy conversion.
Researchers at UVA, Caltech, and Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new catalyst using cobalt and titanium that can efficiently split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen. This breakthrough has the potential to make solar energy practical on a large scale.
Direct solar steam generation (DSSG) has promise as an alternative to traditional water treatment methods, but advancements are needed to overcome limitations. New technologies have improved evaporation rates and reduced heat loss, offering a potential solution to global drinking water scarcity.
Researchers in Japan and China develop a novel system for treating saline water using direct solar steam generation, achieving higher evaporation rates and conversion efficiencies than existing methods. The 'energy matching' strategy balances input and required energy to optimize performance.
Researchers from Aarhus University modelled decarbonisation of the European energy system using high-resolution data. Solar energy emerges as a cost-optimised cornerstone for a fully decarbonised energy system by 2050.
Researchers at Lancaster University have discovered a crystalline material that can capture and store solar energy for several months at room temperature. The energy is released on demand as heat, providing a promising solution for renewable heating systems and environmentally-friendly applications.
TalTech's new generation monograin layer solar cells have been developed with a focus on reducing the ecological footprint and increasing efficiency. The Cu2CdGe(SxSe1?x)4 semiconductor material shows promising results, with a power conversion efficiency of 6.4%.
Researchers at CCNY have overcome barriers for bio-inspired solar energy harvesting materials by using small cross-linking molecules to stabilize supra-molecular assemblies. This breakthrough could transform sustainable solar energy technologies and improve their efficiency.
Researchers developed a portable solar-powered device that generates steam hot enough to sterilize medical instruments without relying on well-built infrastructure or electricity. The device's transparent aerogel insulates the system, reducing heat loss and increasing energy efficiency.
Researchers from Imperial College London and their colleagues have discovered new green materials that can convert indoor light into energy, potentially powering smart devices without toxic chemicals. The materials, inspired by perovskites, show promise for commercial applications and could enable battery-free wearables and IoT devices.
Researchers discovered that targeted financial incentives, leasing models, and property-assessed clean energy financing increase solar adoption equity in low- and middle-income households. This expansion can lead to a spillover effect, making surrounding neighborhoods more likely to adopt solar as well.
The water-energy nanogrid is a standalone system that uses solar energy to decontaminate water and generate electricity. Researchers found that the nanofiltration system can successfully desalinate and remove chemicals from local groundwater, making it suitable for remote regions.
A new model predicts the photovoltaic industry can meet Paris Agreement targets with 70-80 terawatts of cumulative capacity from solar cells by 2055. The industry needs to increase production rate by a factor of 30 within 10 years, driven by productivity improvements and material sustainability.
Researchers have developed a new polymer that can be applied to textile fibers, turning them into flexible solar collectors. These solar concentrators can capture a wider spectrum of light and offer an immense benefit for portable devices.
Scientists at the University of Córdoba studied new solar tracking strategies to maximize electric production. They proposed a tracking strategy that uses backtracking to avoid casting shadows among panels, resulting in an annual increase of 2% more energy production.
A Cornell University professor has been awarded a grant to study the coexistence of agriculture and energy development in New York State. The project aims to determine efficient solar farm array configurations to avoid land-use conflicts and spoil precious agricultural space.
New research suggests climate change could lead to fewer sunny days for hot regions, impacting solar power production. Increased atmospheric moisture and aerosols may result in a decrease in solar radiation and an uptick in cloudy days, particularly in arid regions like the Middle East and American Southwest.
A new study shows that layering advanced materials atop traditional silicon can produce multilayered solar panels with improved efficiency. The researchers used a precisely controlled fabrication process to create the new panels, which have the potential to convert more sunlight into usable electricity.
A new EU project aims to develop prototypes of a molecular solar thermal energy storage system (MOST) for larger scale applications. The technology can store and release solar power on demand, generating interest worldwide.
According to a study by University of Colorado Denver researcher Serena Kim, 20% of US airports have adopted solar photovoltaic systems over the last decade. Airports operated by general-purpose governments have deployed solar panels more than special-purpose governments.
The partnership aims to bring energy resiliency, security, and stability to New Mexico and the US. Sandia will focus on advanced technologies for grid modernization and energy storage.
A study from California Polytechnic State University finds that offshore winds in the Central Coast increase when demand is greatest, making them an ideal candidate to fill the gap left by solar and on-shore wind energy production. The study suggests that offshore wind energy could play a crucial role in meeting California's ambitious ...
Gallium nitride is a flawed water splitting photocatalyst due to photocorrosion damage. Combining it with iron oxide improves its working lifetime and hydrogen production rate by five times.
Researchers at Linkæping University have developed a molecule that can absorb and store solar energy. The molecule is part of a group known as molecular photoswitches and can undergo a chemical reaction to change its energy state, enabling efficient storage of solar energy.
Researchers at University of Michigan develop transparent organic solar cells with 8.1% efficiency and 43.3% transparency, ideal for buildings with glass facades. The new material balances sunlight absorption, voltage, current, resistance, and color-neutral transparency.
A study of 684,000 people found that self-interest campaigns led to higher solar energy adoption rates than prosocial campaigns focusing on community benefits. Exposure to prosocial campaigns increased peer recommendations and satisfaction with installations.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed wedge-shaped luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) that can be hung on walls to capture and convert sunlight into electric power. The technology has shown promise in reducing energy needs for buildings, particularly in urban settings where roof space is limited.
Researchers at Dartmouth have received a $750,000 grant to develop a new high-temperature tubing material for CSP systems. The material has the potential to increase efficiency and decrease costs of harnessing and storing solar energy.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg developed a method to incorporate paraffin wax into the shell of thermal storage tanks, reducing heat loss and promoting self-healing. The study's findings suggest a potential solution for storing renewable energy in the medium term.
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 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...
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.
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.