Articles tagged with Solar Energy
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
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Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
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Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
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Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Rice University scientists have developed a super-efficient solar-energy technology that converts sunlight into steam directly, with an overall energy efficiency of 24 percent. The 'solar steam' method uses nanoparticles to heat water instantly vaporizing it and creating steam from nearly frozen water.
Researchers at EPFL have created a device that can transform light energy into clean fuel, neutral carbon footprint hydrogen, from sunlight, water, and metal oxides like iron oxide. The technology has great potential to enable economically viable methods for solar hydrogen production.
Researchers from NREL demonstrated a solar cell with external quantum efficiency exceeding 100 percent, producing up to 30% more current than conventional technology. This breakthrough harnesses the power of multiple exciton generation (MEG) to reduce heat loss and increase electrical energy.
The Stanford team installed a solar-powered research camp at Mushara waterhole in Etosha National Park, Namibia, allowing for 20 years of elephant communication study. The camp powered cameras, speaker systems, and equipment to analyze seismic signals generated by low-frequency calls.
Researchers successfully integrated a single functionalized photosynthetic protein system into an artificial photovoltaic device, retaining its biomolecular properties. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential for light-driven, highly efficient single-molecule electron pumps to act as current generators in nanoscale electric circuits.
Researchers are developing molten-salt-based CSP heat transfer fluids with low melting points and low corrosivity to generate steam and electrical power efficiently and cost-effectively. The goal is to reach temperatures of up to 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit to overcome nocturnal drop in power generation capability.
The EPFL team has achieved a record efficiency of 22.4% for photovoltaic cells by combining amorphous and monocristalline silicon in a 'heterojunction' structure. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper and more efficient solar power, with costs estimated at $100 per square meter.
Engineers at Oregon State University have developed a method to use microwave heating to synthesize copper zinc tin sulfide, a promising solar cell compound. This approach saves money, works well, and can be scaled up easily compared to traditional methods.
The University of Minnesota has been awarded two grants from the US Department of Energy to fund research on capturing greenhouse gases and improving solar energy conversion. The grants will support the development of new materials and software tools for these applications.
Virginia Tech engineers have developed an optimization algorithm to integrate solar technologies into smart grids, allowing for efficient energy storage and usage. The system uses real-time electricity prices and load profiles to control distributed photovoltaic power adoption, maximizing revenue for customers and utility companies.
The NSF is providing $3 million to ASU to develop a doctoral program in energy and equip students with skills to address the energy challenges of the future. The Solar Utilization Network IGERT program will focus on four key research areas: biological conversion, photovoltaics, solar thermal, and sustainable policy.
The NIST team has created a versatile measurement system that accurately measures the electric power output of solar energy devices. The new system uses LEDs and can measure spectral response in about 4 seconds, potentially speeding up manufacturing tests for quality control.
Washington University's engineers will work on low-cost solar cells and systems, while Indian partners deploy the technology. The initiative aims to leapfrog energy production technology, moving directly to solar in under-electrified areas of India.
Researchers studied the binding and activation of water molecules in the catalytic site of photosystem II, a key step in converting sunlight into chemical energy. The study provides new insights into the ultra-efficient energy conversion process in nature and could inform the development of more efficient solar-energy technologies.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a nano-sandwich technique to create thinner solar cells while maintaining their ability to absorb solar energy. The new design, which uses a thin active layer surrounded by dielectric materials, significantly improves efficiency and decreases manufacturing costs.
A new high-throughput method identifies promising electrocatalysts for water oxidation, enabling the efficient storage of solar energy. The technique uses ultraviolet light and a fluorescent paint to test metal-oxide electrocatalysts, accelerating the discovery process.
Researchers at Kansas State University have developed greener solar cells that use bacteria to improve efficiency and reduce toxicity. The new technology, led by Ayomi Perera, combines a less toxic dye with a harmless bacterium to generate electricity from sunlight.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new technology to predict solar energy output, which could help utilities generate significant savings. The system uses sky imagers to capture cloud conditions and forecast power output in 15-minute increments.
Miles C. Barr has developed a lightweight and bendable solar technology that can be integrated into various surfaces, including wallpaper, window shades, and clothing. The technology aims to increase adoption of solar power in the US and developing countries, providing inexpensive power generation.
Scientists from the University of Cambridge have developed a new type of solar cell that can harness more of the energy from the sun. The hybrid cell absorbs red light and uses blue light to boost electrical current, enabling it to capture 44% of incoming solar energy.
A new NASA study finds that Earth's energy budget remained out of balance despite unusually low solar activity between 2005 and 2010. The planet continued to absorb more energy than it returned to space, with carbon dioxide levels needing to be reduced to restore equilibrium.
The University of California, Riverside has received a $2 million award to build solar arrays and advanced battery storage systems for electric vehicles. The project will also install an electric trolley and grid management system to provide clean energy to clean vehicles efficiently.
A team of researchers at the University of Notre Dame has created a one-coat solar paint that can be applied to any conductive surface without special equipment. The paint uses semiconducting nanoparticles to produce electricity, offering a potential solution for inexpensive and efficient energy production.
Concordia University has launched the world's first Solar Simulator-Environmental Chamber, a unique laboratory that will revolutionize solar energy applications and building standards. The chamber is part of the NSERC Smart Net-Zero Energy Buildings Strategic Network, which aims to increase the use of net-zero energy buildings in Canada.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a way to capture hot electrons, increasing the efficiency of solar cells to 44 percent. By exploiting a 'dark state' in organic plastic semiconductor materials, they found that two electrons can be generated from one photon of sunlight.
A new analysis by Michigan Technological University researchers suggests that solar photovoltaic systems can make electricity cheaper than what consumers pay their utilities. The study reveals that previous assumptions about the cost of solar energy were overly conservative, and that the true cost of photovoltaic technology is lower th...
Yogi D. Goswami, Alan R. Hevner, Robert H. Tykot, and Michael J. Zaworotko were elected as AAAS Fellows for their groundbreaking work in renewable energies, computer sciences, archaeological materials science, and solid-state chemistry. They will be formally announced on December 23, 2011, at Science journal.
A recent USGS literature review emphasizes the importance of studying the impact of large-scale solar energy developments on wildlife, particularly in sensitive habitats like the desert Southwest. The study found that only one peer-reviewed study has addressed the direct impacts of solar energy development on any kind of wildlife.
Scientists used Landsat satellite data to study Yellowstone's geothermal activity and identify changes in the park's unique landscape. The study found that satellite data can detect big changes in geothermal areas, but not necessarily what is happening or exactly where.
Recent solar panel cost reductions have led to a significant decrease in system costs, making solar energy comparable to traditional energy sources. The study estimates the true cost of solar panels at under $1 per watt, with system and installation costs varying widely.
Oregon State University researchers have found compounds that offer new, cheap and promising options for solar energy, using the abundant element pyrite. The materials have most of the advantages of pyrite but none of its problems, making them a promising alternative.
Pitt researchers are working on a new method to produce solar cells with higher energy efficiency rates using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy. The goal is to create plastic solar cells that can be used to charge devices simply by stepping into sunlight, reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable energy.
A University of Houston physicist is part of a multi-institution team that has received an $18.5 million grant to develop new solar power technologies. The center aims to accelerate the US's commercialization of solar energy through cutting-edge research and partnerships with industry.
The conference, 'At the Interface of Natural and Artificial Photosynthesis,' brought together researchers from academia, government, and industry to discuss innovative solar technology based on nature's perfect green machines. The research focuses on replicating photosynthesis' power to create efficient and cost-effective bio-inspired ...
A polymer-based film with remarkable properties has been developed, offering a potential replacement for Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) in touch-screen devices and flat panel displays. The film is highly transparent, electrically conductive, economical, and flexible.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a new technology that combines conventional fuel with lower-temperature steam produced by solar power, allowing power plants to operate with 25-50% green energy. This hybrid cycle is highly efficient and uses cost-effective materials, making it a more realistic option for the short-term.
Researchers are developing cutting-edge solutions for renewable energy and environmental research, including thousands of sensors to monitor climate change, novel LED designs that boost efficiency, and thinner solar cells. These innovations aim to make space safer by tracking space debris and improve energy sustainability.
Scientists from the University of Gothenburg have launched a GIS system called SEES to determine solar energy potential for existing structures. The system analyzes geographical data and simulates shadows to calculate annual solar radiation on roof surfaces.
Researchers have identified key areas for improving artificial photosynthesis, including developing chromophores with large absorption strengths and studying the role of quantum coherence. The goal is to create an efficient and sustainable energy source that can be produced on a commercial scale within the next 20 years.
Researchers propose molecular circuitry design inspired by natural light-harvesting systems to capture and utilize sunlight efficiently. Natural photosynthesis provides a model for efficient energy storage and transfer, enabling the development of sophisticated energy grids.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have demonstrated a promising approach to creating high-efficiency nanowire solar cells using solution-based cation-exchange chemistry. The new technique produces core/shell nanowires with superior open-circuit voltage and fill factor values compared to conventional planar solar cells.
The American Chemical Society showcased a large number of scientific reports on sustainability and green chemistry at its meeting. Over 150 researchers presented their findings, addressing topics such as water pollution control and innovative solutions for sustainable production.
ASU is leading a $18.5 million national research center to accelerate commercialization of solar energy technologies and expand education in energy engineering. The center aims to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic devices for widespread energy distribution.
The Centre for Nanostructured Photosystems will pioneer the development of highly efficient, thin, flexible, and affordable solar cells. The centre aims to harness new clean energy sources effectively and make them commercially viable.
A new study by UC San Diego researchers found that solar photovoltaic panels can cool buildings by up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, reducing cooling costs by 5% over the panels' lifetime.
MIT researchers have developed a novel method for storing solar energy by modifying carbon nanotubes with azobenzene, resulting in an efficient and cost-effective solution. The new material has a high volumetric energy density comparable to lithium-ion batteries, making it promising for applications such as heating and energy storage.
The ENJOY House, a collaborative effort between Rutgers and NJIT, features integrated systems, rainwater collection, and a fully powered photovoltaic system. Construction began after a ground-breaking at NJIT, with the team aiming to complete the house by the end of summer.
Researchers at Oregon State University have successfully created CIGS solar devices using inkjet printing, reducing raw material waste by 90% and potentially lowering production costs. The new technology has the potential to produce high-performing, rapidly produced, and ultra-low-cost thin film solar electronics.
The company aims to develop third-generation organic solar cells using sustainable materials and flexible sheets. The new technology has the potential to provide low-cost, lightweight, and efficient solar-powered solutions for various applications.
The California Energy Commission is funding $1.4 million in renewable energy research at UC San Diego, including advanced solar forecasting and energy storage systems. The investment will help accelerate the development of clean energy technologies and achieve California's 33% Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard by 2020.
A University of Missouri engineer has developed a flexible solar sheet that captures more than 90% of available light, capturing both sunlight and heat for electricity generation. The team plans to make prototypes available within five years, with potential commercial applications in various industries.
Researchers have discovered a way to re-engineer plants to store solar energy more efficiently, which could lead to alternative renewable fuel sources and reduced land usage. The new approach involves manipulating the structure of plants using synthetic biology and genetic manipulation to create biological band gaps similar to those fo...
A study published in Science compares the energy conversion efficiency of photosynthesis and photovoltaics, finding that artificial systems can outperform natural ones. The researchers suggest reengineering photosynthesis to improve its ability to meet human energy needs through synthetic biology and technology.
Researchers assembled a team to investigate the efficiency of photosynthesis and solar cells. They found that plants are approximately 1% efficient in converting sunlight into energy, while photovoltaic arrays can achieve up to 10% efficiency.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that solar cells are more efficient than plants in capturing sunlight's energy. However, scientists aim to enhance plant efficiency using innovative approaches such as replacing photosystems with those from cyanobacteria.
Scientists have engineered a cheap and abundant alternative to platinum-based catalysts, enabling the production of hydrogen fuel from sunlight and water. This discovery is crucial for creating a sustainable green energy economy.
Boston College and MIT researchers created high-performance nanotech materials on a flat panel platform, demonstrating seven to eight times higher efficiency than previous solar thermoelectric generators. The innovation enables the simultaneous generation of hot water and electricity, potentially shortening payback time by one-third.
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel method to enhance solar-cell efficiency by utilizing viruses to assemble carbon nanotubes on a surface. This technique has shown significant improvements in power-conversion efficiency, with enhancements up to 10.6 percent.
A Berkeley Lab study found that homes with solar PV systems in California sell for an average of $17,000 more than similar homes without the system. The research analyzed over 72,000 home sales and controlled for various factors to show a significant impact of PV systems on home prices.
The book highlights the crucial role of policy mechanisms, such as the feed-in tariff, in promoting widespread solar energy deployment. In California, a new law aims to make solar affordable at the municipal level.