Articles tagged with Solar Energy
A recent publication in Science reports on improvements in silicon-perovskite tandem cells, achieving a record-breaking 32.5% efficiency. The development of these high-efficiency solar cells was led by Lithuanian researchers from Kaunas University of Technology.
A new MIT study reveals that soft technology features, such as permitting practices and supply chain management, contribute less than 15% to total cost declines in solar energy systems. Improving these processes could accelerate cost savings in the clean energy transition.
A new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder has developed an economical approach for producing green hydrogen, a precursor to liquid fuels. The method uses heat generated by solar rays to split molecules of water and carbon dioxide into hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which can be converted into fuels like gasoline and diesel.
Researchers have developed a highly efficient organometal halide perovskite photoanode that suppresses internal and external losses associated with photoelectrochemical water splitting, enhancing reaction kinetics. The new design achieves an unprecedented applied bias photon-to-current conversion efficiency of 12.79%.
Researchers found that six bat species exhibited lower activity levels at solar farms compared to control sites, highlighting the need for mitigation strategies. The study emphasizes the importance of considering ecological impacts in planning legislation and policy.
Researchers develop nanofilms that mimic the nanostructures of butterfly wings, creating vibrant colors without absorbing light. These films can be used on buildings, vehicles, and equipment to reduce energy consumption and preserve color properties, with potential applications in energy sustainability and carbon neutrality.
A joint research team from City University of Hong Kong and collaborators developed a stable artificial photocatalytic system that mimics natural chloroplasts to convert carbon dioxide into methane, a valuable fuel, very efficiently using light. The new system achieved a highly efficient solar-to-fuel efficiency rate of 15%, surpassing...
Researchers at the University of Córdoba have designed a solar battery that can absorb light and store energy using a new material composed of 2D carbon nitride. This device combines optical simulations and photoelectrochemical experiments to achieve high performance, with potential applications in various fields.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new robot called RoboMapper that can conduct experiments more efficiently and sustainably to develop new semiconductor materials. The robot automates the process of testing multiple samples simultaneously, reducing time and energy consumption by nearly 10 times.
The Fengyun-4A satellite in collaboration with a machine learning model generated a detailed PV resource map for China, providing new insights into the country's solar energy potential. This advancement sets a new standard for solar resource mapping, empowering decision-makers to make informed choices for a sustainable future.
Researchers have demonstrated a method to power water remediation using renewable energy sources, including solar power. Through electrochemical separation and redox reactions, they successfully removed arsenate from wastewater.
Rice University engineers have created a device that converts sunlight into hydrogen with unprecedented efficiency, opening up new possibilities for clean energy and sustainable fuel production. The innovative technology uses halide perovskite semiconductors and electrocatalysts in a single, durable device.
Researchers discovered a close relationship between nuclear and electron dynamics, challenging the Born-Oppenheimer approximation. This breakthrough could lead to new ways to control and exploit molecular properties for solar energy conversion, quantum information science, and more.
Researchers developed a technique to enhance the stability of perovskite solar cells by using fluorinated aniliniums, avoiding progressive ligand intercalation. This approach achieved a certified quasi-steady-state power-conversion efficiency of 24.09% for inverted-structure PSCs.
Researchers investigated the diffusion lengths of charge carriers in metal oxides and found that they are poorly understood. The study analyzed ten metal oxide compounds and found that their mobilities were very low compared to conventional semiconductors. However, heat treatment improved mobility in some materials.
The UK Research and Innovation has awarded £53 million in funding to six research centers to boost knowledge, create innovative green technologies, and reduce energy demand. The focus is on developing game-changing ideas to improve domestic, industrial, and transport energy systems.
A team of researchers has designed an all-season thermal cloak that can cool electric vehicles by 8°C on hot days and warm them by 6.8°C at night without any external energy input. The cloak works through radiative cooling, using an effect called photon recycling to counteract temperature fluctuations during winter months.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have achieved a record-breaking efficiency of 32.5% for their tandem solar cells, combining perovskite and silicon technology. The breakthrough was made possible by improved perovskite compounds and surface modification techniques.
Researchers at NUS have created a new type of solar cell with improved stability and efficiency, paving the way for cheaper and more durable energy solutions. The cells achieve a world record efficiency of 24.35%, making them suitable for large-scale commercialization.
Researchers at KIT have developed highly efficient photoreactor panels that can be inserted into inexpensive modules for mass production of hydrogen or fuels. The technology could make the use of fossil energy carriers superfluous and provide a climate-neutral alternative, with costs estimated to be around $22 per square meter.
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a new approach to understanding photovoltaic device performance under varying temperatures. Their findings suggest that thermoradiative and thermophotonic cells can efficiently convert sunlight into electricity even at high temperatures.
Researchers from UT Austin created a new composite material that efficiently converts low energy light to higher energy, with applications in bioimaging, solar panels, and night vision goggles. The breakthrough could reduce the size of solar panels by 30% and enable systems for autonomous vehicles and fog detection.
A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.
Researchers develop artificial photosynthesis devices to convert sunlight into oxygen, potentially supplementing space travel with sustainable energy. These devices mimic plants' natural process, recycling carbon dioxide and producing oxygen using only sunlight.
Researchers propose a device design that can take the efficiencies of 2D TMDC devices from 5% to 12%, doubling the weight-saving potential. This breakthrough could address the energy supply challenges in space exploration and settlements, where traditional solar cells are too heavy to be transported by rocket.
Researchers have discovered that certain soapstone and granite samples from Tanzania are well-suited for storing solar heat, featuring high energy densities and stability. These rocks show promise as a sustainable energy storage material for concentrated solar power generation and solar drying technology.
Researchers at Indian Institute of Science developed a novel thermal desalination system that uses solar energy to produce freshwater. The system is more energy-efficient and cost-effective than traditional methods, and can be adjusted to align with the sun's position during the day.
A New Jersey Institute of Technology research team has been awarded a $4.64 million grant to continue studying the Sun's explosive activity at Big Bear Solar Observatory. The team will use the observatory's unique imaging capabilities and stable seeing conditions to investigate solar phenomenon as activity on the Sun ramps up.
Perovskite photovoltaics are promising for generating solar energy due to their ability to be printed like newspapers and require less material than traditional technologies. However, these materials exhibit instabilities that can cause them to degrade quickly, hindering their commercial viability.
Long-duration energy storage (LDES) is crucial for US states with decarbonization goals to address variable energy generation and customer demands. LDES systems can store renewable energy until needed, providing a reliable solution for a decarbonized grid.
Researchers fabricated 2D perovskite solar cells based on molecular ferroelectrics, achieving the highest open circuit voltage and best efficiency among 2D Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite solar cells. The introduction of ferroelectricity improved charge transport and device performance.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab used pulse radiolysis to study a key class of water-splitting catalysts, revealing the direct involvement of ligands in the reaction mechanism. The team discovered that a hydride group jumped onto the Cp* ligand, proving its active role in the process.
A new study reveals that rooftop solar arrays can meet the entire electricity demand of up to 35% of US manufacturers, currently accounting for only 2.2% of the grid mix. The research investigates the feasibility of on-site solar panel installations across different regions and manufacturing sectors in the US.
A study found that defects with deep energy levels deteriorate kesterite thin-film solar cell properties. The research team identified specific types of defects and proposed a method for preventing their formation. This could lead to improved efficiency for these cells.
New research suggests that households could break even on their solar panel investments by 2027, thanks to a steady decline in cost outlay and return on investment. The study also predicts that solar electricity will become a more competitive energy source, making it 40-50% cheaper by 2035.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a multifunctional additive that improves the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells by modulating film growth. The additive reduces defects, leading to higher power conversion efficiency and lower energy loss.
Perovskite solar cells face stability issues that hinder their widespread adoption. Researchers from Surrey University aim to improve the design of these cells by stabilizing photoactive phases.
Researchers have developed an electrolyte to improve the efficiency of CO2 conversion into useful hydrocarbons. The study found that controlling the concentration of the electrolyte is crucial in regulating product formation, with too much potassium leading to clogage and reduced selectivity.
ASU researchers have developed a method to regenerate biocrusts on arid lands by harnessing the power of solar farms. The approach, dubbed 'crustivoltaics,' has shown promising results in doubling biocrust biomass and tripling biocrust cover under photovoltaic panels.
Researchers from City University of Hong Kong and NREL developed a one-step solution-coating approach to simplify PSC manufacturing, resulting in high efficiency and stability. The new method reduces process complexity and cost, bringing PSCs closer to commercialization.
Researchers boosted multi-hole water oxidation catalysis on hematite photoanodes using UV excitation, increasing surface holes and improving PEC activity by one order of magnitude.
Researchers at Colorado State University propose using ultrathin films of molybdenum disulfide to improve solar cell efficiency. The material displays unprecedented charge carrier properties that could lead to drastic improvements in solar technologies.
Global experts urge a commitment to PV growth to power the planet, citing increasing acceptance and need for large-scale deployment. By 2050, 75 terawatts or more of globally deployed PV will be needed to meet decarbonization goals.
The system uses a parabolic dish to concentrate solar radiation, which is then converted into hydrogen, oxygen, and heat through photoelectrochemical cells. The output power exceeds 2 kilowatts, achieving record-high efficiency for its scale, with potential applications in industrial, commercial, and residential energy.
Researchers at Macquarie University have developed a microwave technology that improves solar cell production by reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency. The new method allows for selective heating of silicon, making it easier to recycle and reuse components.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a new recycling method for solar cells that uses acidic solutions to separate precious metals. The process recovers up to 100% of the silver and 85% of the indium, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than traditional methods.
Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully created silicon-based photovoltaics at room temperature using a hybrid PEDOT:PSS/silicon heterojunction. This breakthrough technology offers improved production speed and cost, with power generation efficiency above 10%. The new process has the potential to facilitate large-scale diffus...
A new study suggests that using underground water for thermal energy storage (ATES) can reduce heating and cooling energy demand in the US by 40%, making urban energy infrastructure more resilient. ATES stores energy as temperature underground, leveraging natural geological features to heat or cool buildings during extreme weather events.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have found that more predictable solar or wind energy generation can save millions of dollars in operating costs and prevent clean energy spillage. By analyzing six existing solar farms, they discovered that optimal locations changed when predictability was considered, leading to significant in...
A comprehensive product stewardship scheme has been proposed to address the environmental impact of solar panel disposal in Australia. The plan includes recycling steps, serial numbers for tracking, and legislation to ensure environmentally friendly disposal.
Researchers have developed a method to reduce the energy payback time of photoelectrochemical water splitting, making it more sustainable and competitive. The approach involves producing not only green hydrogen but also methyl succinic acid, which can be used as an intermediate product.
A team of researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin has developed a new method for producing perovskite solar cells using a slot die coater, resulting in high-power conversion efficiencies. The best cells were scaled up to mini-module size and tested for outdoor stability, showing promising results.
Researchers synthesized a new orthorhombic Sn3O4 polymorph with a narrower bandgap, indicating higher efficiency for visible light absorption. The discovery is significant for photocatalytic reactions such as water splitting and CO2 reduction.
Researchers at Swansea University have created a low-cost and scalable method to manufacture fully printable perovskite photovoltaics using carbon ink. The devices achieved similar performance to conventional gold electrodes, with power conversion efficiencies of up to 14%.
Researchers found that strategically placing charging stations, especially at workplaces and in delayed home settings, can reduce peak electricity demand, store solar energy, and conveniently meet drivers' needs. This approach could help minimize the strain on the grid and avoid costly new power plants.
Domestic solar panel manufacturing in the US can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% and energy consumption by 13% compared to international trading partners. By 2050, US-made solar panels will be more efficient, reducing carbon footprint by 33% and using 17% less energy.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new type of solar roof that can harness energy from sunlight without blocking light for plants. The innovative design uses semi-transparent organic solar cells with a layer of L-glutathione, which extends the cells' lifetime and improves efficiency.
Research at Cornell University found that co-locating solar panels with commercial agriculture can improve power conversion efficiency and solar-panel longevity. Agrivoltaic systems offer increased passive cooling through taller panel heights, more reflective ground cover, and higher evapotranspiration rates.
A novel deep learning-based forecasting model predicts uncertain parameters related to renewable energy sources, their energy demand, and market prices. The model demonstrates improved prediction accuracy and efficiency compared to existing methods.
Channeling ions into grain boundaries in perovskite materials improves the stability and operational performance of perovskite solar cells, paving the way for more efficient and practical solar cell technologies. This breakthrough finding may also inform the development of more efficient energy storage technologies.