Articles tagged with Solar Energy
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.
NIST has broken ground on three new facilities: a net-zero energy residential test facility, an expanded National Fire Research Laboratory, and over 2,500 solar energy modules. The Net-Zero Energy Residential Test Facility will serve as a testbed for new home-scale energy technologies, while the National Fire Research Laboratory expans...
China's solar greenhouses use southern-facing designs to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The study found that these greenhouses can produce a wide range of vegetables, even during winter months, providing a sustainable solution to the global energy crisis.
Solar panel manufacturers are transitioning towards more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes to replace toxic materials with eco-friendly alternatives. The goal is to ensure that photovoltaics not only produce renewable energy but are also renewably produced.
The two-year project aims to improve the durability and lifetime of mirror-augmented photovoltaic systems. Researchers will test and qualify mirrors, PV modules, and MAPV systems to ensure reliable performance.
A new reactor converts solar energy into fuels by concentrating sunlight and using cerium oxide to convert carbon dioxide and water. The reactor achieves high rates of CO2 dissociation, demonstrating potential for efficient production of fuels.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a more accurate solar map for California, suggesting that west-facing solar panels can increase energy production. By optimizing panel orientation, households and businesses can maximize their solar power output during peak demand hours.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new method for reporting solar data, allowing policymakers and businesses to understand solar resources. The method presents solar data in a geographic information system (GIS) format, providing daily, monthly, and yearly averages.
A Tel Aviv University researcher has challenged recent 'charge' measurements for increasing solar panel efficiency, suggesting that current predictions are unfounded. However, his research also identifies potential new strategies for improving solar energy technology and storing solar energy.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that the hornet's body shell can harvest solar power due to its unique structure. The yellow and brown stripes on the abdomen enable a photo-voltaic effect, converting solar radiation into electric energy.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new equation that describes the relationship between current and voltage in organic semiconductors, which could enable advanced solar cells, thin OLED displays, and high-efficiency lighting. The equation provides fundamental insights into how charge moves in these materials.
Rural Cogeneration has developed a solar generator that can bring electricity to remote areas worldwide. The project uses a Rankine engine and mirrors to generate power and hot water, with plans to manufacture locally and train local maintenance personnel.
Polymeric solar cells face challenges due to their interpenetrating structures, which impede the travel of energy-carrying excitons. The team hopes to develop more efficient solar cells by understanding and addressing this structural issue.
Researchers at OU aim to create more efficient solar 'photovoltaic' cells that can convert heat to electricity with conversion efficiencies of 30% or higher. The project involves collaboration between OU and Sandia National Laboratories to push photovoltaic technology to longer wavelengths.