Researchers created a model to measure the impact of policy on commercial solar photovoltaic adoption in California, providing new insight into energy policy. The study found that government incentives have a greater impact on larger commercial customers and smaller businesses face unique hurdles when adopting solar PV systems.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateApr 25, 2017
A new class of monolithically integrated, portable PV-battery systems has been developed using high-efficiency silicon solar cells and printed solid-state lithium-ion batteries. The device can power electric devices under sunlight or in the absence of light, offering exceptional photo-electrochemical performance and design compactness.
SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateApr 24, 2017
Researchers at Kobe University developed a new solar cell structure that can absorb spectral components of longer wavelengths, increasing energy conversion efficiency to over 50%. The design achieved up-conversion based on two photons, reducing energy loss by over 100 times compared to previous methods.
SourceKobe University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2017
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.
Research from Binghamton University found that adjusting solar panel angles four to five times a year can provide around 25 kW/m2 more power than seasonal adjustments. This practical solution can help reduce costs associated with automated tracking systems, making manual adjustment an economical option.
Scientists at NREL developed a new perovskite ink with a long processing window, allowing for the production of high-efficiency solar cells. The ink was tested using blade-coating and produced indistinguishable film morphology and device performance.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 18, 2017
The Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) has developed the world's first full-size IBC bifacial solar module, capable of producing up to 400 Watts of electric power. The module features a double-glass structure, low-temperature interconnections, and high-efficiency ZEBRA solar cells.
Researchers have developed a new class of semiconductor materials that can be used as light absorbers in solar cells, potentially using one hundred times less material than silicon. These materials have superior performance, reduced toxicity, and show promise for developing high-performance optoelectronic devices.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 10, 2017
Researchers from NREL provide a detailed component and system-level cost breakdown for residential PV systems equipped with energy storage. The report reveals previously unknown soft costs and offers valuable information to stakeholders to guide cost reduction efforts.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateApr 4, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers from RMIT University have developed a groundbreaking graphene-based electrode prototype that can increase the capacity of existing integrable storage technologies by 3000%. This breakthrough design is inspired by the efficient vein structure of fern leaves, offering a solution to the storage challenge holding solar energy b...
SourceRMIT University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 31, 2017
The report recommends increasing US spending on solar R&D, encouraging international collaborations with China, and reforming federal policies to prioritize cost reduction. The researchers argue that the US should capitalize on its strengths in research and development while addressing concerns around intellectual property protection.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have made breakthrough discoveries on quantum dot materials using ultrafast electro-optical spectroscopy. The study reveals the cause of a significant voltage drop in quantum dots, allowing for potential improvements in device efficiency.
SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 22, 2017
Scientists have developed a simple rule to predict when the Earth's climate warms out of an ice age, using astronomical changes in the Earth's orbit around the Sun. The model predicts interglacials occurring roughly every 100,000 years, which explains why we've been in a warm period for the last 11,000 years.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateFeb 22, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
The development of efficient luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) using silicon nanoparticles has the potential to create photovoltaic windows that can capture over 5% of the sun's energy at unprecedented low costs. The technology, developed by researchers from the University of Minnesota and University of Milano-Bicocca, uses silico...
SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 20, 2017
Sandia National Laboratories has received a $2.5 million award to develop open-source algorithms for managing power systems with increasing numbers of distributed energy resources, such as wind and solar. The project aims to optimize distributed energy resources and improve grid resilience.
Researchers found that storing solar energy for nighttime use increases household annual energy consumption by 8-14% and indirectly raises carbon dioxide emissions. This contradicts the myth that storage is needed to integrate distributed solar power.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 30, 2017
A new study suggests that off-grid solar energy can have significant economic benefits for people living in remote areas, but requires a special business model to succeed. Successful business models include community interaction, partnerships, local capacity building and addressing barriers unique to the off-grid market.
SourceOregon State University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateJan 5, 2017
Researchers have developed environmentally friendly organic solar cells using nanomaterials, increasing efficiency and reducing toxic substances. Additionally, hybrid capacitors with enhanced storage capacity and faster charging capabilities have been created using nano-diamond composites, paving the way for more efficient energy stores.
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 team of researchers has developed a new type of quantum heat engine photocell that can regulate solar power conversion without active feedback or adaptive control mechanisms. This design is inspired by the natural regulation of energy flow in photosynthetic green plants, and could lead to more efficient and cost-effective solar cells.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 30, 2016
CSIRO's patented low-cost heliostats will be used in China for concentrating solar thermal (CST) electricity generation, helping the country reach its ambitious clean energy targets. The technology has great potential for medium to large-scale solar power due to its low cost of storing thermal energy.
Researchers from Berkeley Lab developed a way to image thin-film solar cells in 3D using optical microscopy, revealing internal obstacles that can trap electrons and reduce efficiency. The method has already improved understanding of the benefits of treating CdTe solar cells with cadmium chloride.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 15, 2016
Researchers at Clemson University created maps showing the suitability of lands in South Carolina for generating solar energy, with a focus on five-megawatt and one-megawatt developments. The study found that about 4.2% of state land area is suitable for five-megawatt developments, enough to install 69.6 gigawatts of capacity.
SourceClemson University·JournalBioPhysical Economics and Resource Quality·DateOct 24, 2016
Scientists at the University of Virginia have made new inroads on understanding the fundamental physics behind hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIPs), a class of materials that are extremely lightweight and flexible. By discovering ways to stabilize their properties, researchers hope to expand the temperature stability range of H...
SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 21, 2016
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.
Researchers have discovered a potential approach to storing excess renewable energy by mixing food waste-derived sugar alcohols with carbon nanotubes. The study found that heat transfer within the mixture improved with higher density combinations and decreased with smaller nanotube diameters.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateOct 6, 2016
Researchers at EPFL and CSEM have developed a robust and effective system to store solar energy by converting it into hydrogen through water electrolysis. The new system, which combines existing components, achieves a high level of stability and cost efficiency, enabling the generation and storage of enough hydrogen to power a fuel cel...
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateAug 25, 2016
The median installed price of solar in the US fell by 5-12% in 2015, with residential systems declining 5% and utility-scale projects falling 12%, according to two new studies from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The report attributes recent system price declines to reductions in hardware costs and 'solar soft' costs.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateAug 24, 2016
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Researchers at NREL and Shanghai Jiao Tong University develop a method to treat perovskite films with MABr solution, repairing defects and improving efficiency. The new approach boosts the efficiency of perovskite solar cells to up to 19% and demonstrates improved reproducibility.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 9, 2016
A team of scientists has discovered a class of materials that can surpass the Shockley-Queisser limit, allowing for more efficient solar cell conversion. By using a barium titanate crystal, they were able to extract power from a small portion of the sunlight spectrum with higher efficiency than previously thought possible.
SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 8, 2016
Scientists at ORNL discover the optimal ratio of selenium in cadmium-tellurium solar cells, increasing efficiency from 22% to near-theoretical levels. The alloy composition of 50% cadmium, 25% tellurium and 25% selenium performed best.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 3, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
The project aims to further accelerate progress toward the SunShot goals through research and development of novel solar collectors using reflective surfaces to concentrate sunlight. Giant Leap Technologies will develop capillary optics to replace expensive mechanical sun trackers with low-cost digital-glass for solar thermal and photo...
SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·DateJul 28, 2016
Researchers at OU are developing novel technologies for next-generation solar cells with potential to increase global energy capacity and reduce fossil fuel dependence. They aim to control thermal losses and harness more of the sun's energy using 'hot' carrier solar cells.
Researchers at Lund University have measured the flow of solar energy within and between different parts of a photosynthetic organism, revealing more efficient routes for transporting energy. This basic research could lead to the development of more efficient solar cell technologies.
SourceLund University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 18, 2016
A new study suggests that coal workers' transferable skills, such as mechanical and electrical expertise, can be applied to the growing solar energy sector. The research estimates that the solar industry can absorb layoffs from the coal industry over the next 15 years.
SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalEnergy Economics·DateJun 24, 2016
EPFL researchers have achieved the highest performance ever measured for larger-size perovskite solar cells, reaching over 20% efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to increased efficiency in hybrid solar panels that combine perovskites with silicon, potentially exceeding 30% efficiency.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateJun 9, 2016
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.
A new system uses solar energy to split water molecules and hydrogen-eating bacteria, producing liquid fuels with improved efficiency. The 'bionic leaf' technology has the potential to be incredibly versatile, making any downstream carbon-based molecule.
SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJun 2, 2016
A new study by Michigan Tech engineers and sociologists reveals that leaving the electrical grid is a viable option for the majority of seasonal households (92%) and single-family owner-occupied households (65%). Solar-hybrid systems, combining solar power with cogeneration and battery storage, can overcome cloudy winter days. The stud...
SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalEnergy Policy·DateMay 31, 2016
Researchers developed a single device that harnesses both solar and wind energy to generate electrical output. The hybrid system delivers up to 34 milliWatts of power, enough to turn on LEDs and power temperature-humidity sensors in smart cities.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 25, 2016
A new study from the US Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimates that solar power could deliver $400 billion in environmental and public health benefits by 2050. The study finds that a high-penetration solar scenario would result in significant greenhouse-gas emissions reductions, air-pollution health and ...
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateMay 18, 2016
A team has directly observed the cause for the missing efficiency in zinc oxide-based dye-sensitised solar cells. Interface states trap charge carriers, reducing efficiency levels.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 13, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Scientists have created a rechargeable battery driven by bacteria, addressing safety issues and high costs associated with conventional lithium-ion batteries. The microbial battery successfully stored energy for 16 hours and discharged it over the next 8 hours, mimicking day-night patterns typical of solar energy production.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateApr 6, 2016
Researchers used X-rays to observe exactly how silver electrical contacts form during manufacturing, shedding light on the complex process. The results show that lead oxide plays a key role in forming the contact, etching away the solar cell's antireflective coating and allowing silver to move through and harden.
SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 1, 2016
Renowned researcher D. Yogi Goswami has been awarded the 2016 Böer Solar Energy Medal of Merit for his significant pioneering contributions to solar energy. His work focuses on reducing costs and developing efficient, effective storage methods for solar energy.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed an approach to optimizing neighborhood solar energy production, which can increase annual electricity output by 4.6% and reduce volatility in electrical output by 4.3%. The method allows homeowners to share expenses and benefits among cooperating neighbors.
SourceOregon State University·JournalData in Brief·DateMar 30, 2016
Researchers at NREL have improved the maximum voltage available from CdTe solar cells, breaking the 1V barrier and enabling more efficient electricity generation. The innovation could significantly reduce manufacturing costs and make solar energy more cost-competitive with traditional energy sources.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 1, 2016
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.
The research team improved cell voltage by shifting away from a standard processing step using cadmium chloride. This approach enabled the fabrication of CdTe solar cells with an open-circuit voltage breaking the 1-volt barrier for the first time.
SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 29, 2016
Researchers have developed host-guest nanowires that enhance photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting efficiency. The new system uses a TiO2 'host' with BiVO4 'guest' nanoparticles, achieving better performance than individual materials alone.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateFeb 3, 2016
The new model simulates light-harvesting across a thylakoid membrane, enabling the explanation of PSII's high quantum efficiency. The research paves the way for improving food crop yields and developing artificial photosynthesis technologies for solar energy systems.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Scientists create photo-bioelectrochemical cells that harness natural photosynthesis to generate electrical power from sunlight. The system uses glucose as a fuel and provides a new method for photonically driving biocatalytic fuel cells.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 19, 2016
Researchers have observed molecular processes in real-time using X-rays, gaining insights into the printing process. This understanding can help control the arrangement of materials, improving the efficiency of organic solar cells.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 8, 2016
A new device mimics leaf processes to harness solar energy and purify water, offering a clean alternative to conventional methods for addressing global water shortages. The tri-layer membrane uses TiO2 nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, and anodized aluminum oxide to degrade pollutants in simulated sunlight.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 6, 2016
Researchers at Florida State University have introduced a new strategy for generating more efficient solar cells, increasing maximum efficiency from 33% to over 45% through photon upconversion and self-assembly process.
SourceFlorida State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateDec 2, 2015
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers at RIKEN and Kyoto University have developed a new polymer that minimizes photon energy loss in solar cells, leading to higher efficiency and robust conversion of solar energy into electricity. The achievement marks a significant step towards commercializing cheaper and more efficient polymer-based solar cells.
SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2015
Scientists at NREL have discovered a way to increase the efficiency of perovskite solar cells by reducing energy lost to heat. By utilizing hot-carrier solar cells, the potential efficiency limit increases from 33% to 66%. Perovskites are a class of materials with various technological applications.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 17, 2015
A team of appraisers found that home buyers pay a premium for solar homes in six US states, with the average premium being $15,000. The study confirmed earlier research by Berkeley Lab and recommends considering individual market characteristics when valuing solar systems.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateNov 12, 2015
Engineers at Oregon State University have developed a new approach for storing concentrated solar thermal energy, enabling more efficient and cost-effective use of this technology. The innovation uses thermochemical storage to hold heat, drive turbines, and reheat for continuous cycles.
SourceOregon State University·JournalChemSusChem·DateNov 3, 2015
A new study found that most utility-scale solar energy facilities in California are located in natural habitats, leading to environmental conflicts. The researchers identified areas for more sustainable siting, including built-up lands and those already affected by human activities.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A new study led by UC Riverside researchers found that utility-scale solar energy development can drive land-use and land-cover change, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions. The study emphasizes the need for optimized solar energy development to minimize environmental impacts.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015
Researchers at Lund University have successfully produced an iron-based dye that can convert light into electrons with nearly 100% efficiency, making it a promising alternative to rare metal-based dyes. The discovery could lead to the development of more efficient and affordable solar cells, as well as advancements in solar fuels.
SourceLund University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 13, 2015
Berkeley Lab's report reveals a 70% decline in PPA prices since 2009, making solar increasingly cost-competitive for utilities. Installed project costs have fallen by over 50%, with median up-front costs dropping from $6.3/W to $3.1/W.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateSep 30, 2015
The team uses multiwall carbon nanotubes and tiny rectifiers to create an antenna that captures light from the sun or other sources, producing a small direct current. The efficiency of the devices is below one percent, but the researchers hope to boost it through optimization techniques.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 28, 2015
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers aim to develop a non-destructive method to measure water content in solar PV cells using spectral imaging. The goal is to remove uncertainty on the modules' long-term reliability, crucial for making solar energy competitive with fossil fuels.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·DateSep 16, 2015