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.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
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.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
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.
Scientists at EPFL have created a device that combines semiconductor-based technology with novel electrodes to harness water from the air and produce hydrogen gas powered by sunlight. The transparent, porous, and conductive electrodes mimic the properties of plant leaves, which convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
Researchers developed a method to improve power conversion efficiency and stability of pure iodide and mixed-halide perovskites by using two alkylammonium halide modulators. This approach substantially reduces drops in power-conversion efficiency and retains about 80-90% of initial efficiencies after continuous operation.
Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a novel device-engineering strategy to suppress energy conversion loss in organic photovoltaics, achieving PCE over 19%. The discovery enables OPVs to maximize photocurrent and overcome the limit of maximum achievable efficiency.
Researchers at Exciton Science have created perovskite solar cells with 21% efficiency, the best results ever recorded for a non-halide lead source. The novel use of lead acetate enables scalable and industrial-scale manufacturing.
A team of researchers at KAUST has developed a new method to replace toxic chlorinated solvents with plant-derived alternatives in organic solar cell manufacture. The study reveals that terpene-based solvents can be used without affecting the light-capturing performance of the cells, resulting in an 85% lower carbon footprint.
A new research project led by Associate Professor Marta Victoria aims to describe periods of extreme weather and design strategies for reliable renewable energy systems. The project, funded with DKK 6.2 million, will run for four years and focus on predicting and adapting to multiple adverse events.
Purdue University professor Klein Ileleji's startup JUA Technologies International aims to improve crop drying methods using a high-efficiency, smart solar dehydrator. The grant will support product-design improvements and manufacturing, enabling small growers to add value to their crops and increase income.
Researchers develop low-cost and eco-friendly method for high efficiency CIGSSe solar cells, achieving power conversion efficiency larger than 17%, by using aqueous spray deposition in air environment.
Researchers at Oxford University and Exciton Science created stable perovskite solar cells with comparable stability to commercial silicon photovoltaics. The new synthesis process led to thin films of greater quality, reduced defects, and enhanced stability.
A team of researchers from Tohoku University successfully demonstrated a tin sulfide (SnS) interface exhibiting large band bending, which is necessary for obtaining a higher open-circuit voltage. This breakthrough could lead to the development of highly efficient thin-film solar cells with environmentally friendly credentials.
Researchers found that optimizing solar panel spacing and direction can increase energy production by 2-3% through natural convection. The study's model improves estimates of solar plant efficiency, paving the way for more accurate cost predictions.
A research team at Lund University has successfully used mirrors to enhance light interaction with antenna complexes in photosynthesis. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient energy transfer processes and eventually be used to produce fuel from carbon dioxide, a promising solution for the climate crisis.
Scientists at KAUST created a novel approach to secure microgrids by embedding hardware performance counters in solar inverters. This innovative solution can detect malware with over 97% accuracy using time series classifiers, providing an effective defense countermeasure for low-cost and low-complexity.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have demonstrated a way to regulate and reduce unwanted energy loss in perovskite solar panels, improving their efficiency and stability. The breakthrough has exciting implications for powering spacecraft and interstellar probes.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new method to express energy loss in organic solar cells, revealing that disorder plays a significant role in determining overall energy loss. By understanding and minimizing disorder, scientists can create more efficient devices with homogeneous mixtures of materials.
This study employs machine learning to analyze existing experimental results and predict the device performance of metal halide perovskite solar cells. The authors applied shapley additive explanations (SHAP) analysis to understand the correlations between fabrication processes, composition, and device performance.
A new study documents the central role of Arctic vegetation in warming for the first time. The researchers found that different types of vegetation have varying effects on surface energy conversion, with dry areas producing greater warming than wet areas.
Radiation-tolerant photovoltaic cell designs could improve satellite performance by reducing radiation damage and increasing device longevity. The new ultra-thin solar cells outperform thicker devices in proton radiation tests, with nearly 3.5 times less cover glass needed for the same amount of power after 20 years.
Researchers at Australian National University have developed a new way to boost the performance of silicon photovoltaic cells. By adding passivating contacts, they significantly reduce electrical losses and increase productivity.
A Ben-Gurion University scientist has presented a plan to power a lunar colony solely through solar energy without energy storage. The concept, which exploits the unique conditions of the Moon's polar axis and low-mass transmission lines, could offer a more affordable solution than traditional nuclear reactors.
Scientists from Ural Federal University have proposed a new material for transporting electrons in perovskite solar cells, achieving an efficiency of 12%. The new material is twice as cheap, easier to produce, and has technological advantages over current electron-transport materials.
A new study published in Nature found that globalized supply chains for the solar industry saved countries $67 billion in production costs between 2006 and 2020. The study also estimates that strong nationalistic policies could increase solar panel prices by 20-25% by 2030, hindering efforts to meet climate targets.
Scientists at EPFL have developed a method to enhance the packing of photosensitizer dye molecules, resulting in DSCs with power conversion efficiencies of up to 28.4% and long-term operational stability. This breakthrough offers promising prospects for applications as power supply and battery replacement for low-power electronic devices.
Researchers from Shanghai Polytechnic University developed new efficient phase change microcapsules for storing solar energy, demonstrating superior photothermal conversion and thermal conductivity. The study found that the novel PCM microcapsule shells showed a 54.9% photothermal conversion efficiency, significantly higher than non-do...
Researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology have developed a method to eliminate residual organic metal-binding ligands from transition metal oxide thin films, resulting in improved device stability and performance. The technique achieved a 20-fold enhancement in electrical conductivity and a 17.6% increase in efficiency.
Researchers from the University of Oklahoma are collaborating with Japanese institutions to develop new organic soft electronic materials for solar power. The goal is to create more efficient photovoltaics while exploring applications beyond traditional semiconductor uses, such as wearable medical devices.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed low-temperature methods to purify molten chloride salts for energy storage, potentially making them suitable for storing solar thermal energy. They also created an online tool called VERIFI to track industrial carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency.
Researchers found that placing layers of white hollow glass microspheres onto Arctic sea ice would darken its surface, accelerate the loss of sea ice, and further warm the climate. The study challenges a previous claim that spreading hollow glass microspheres on young Arctic sea ice could increase reflectivity and protect it from the sun.
A University of Houston professor has developed a nonreciprocal solar energy harvesting system that surpasses the thermodynamic limit and clears the way to use solar power 24/7. The new system can achieve significant efficiency boosts, paving the way for practical applications in power plants.
Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology have discovered a high fill factor in all-polymer blend solar cells, exceeding 60%, which is higher than previously reported values. This breakthrough could help solve the environmental issue of silicon-based solar cell waste.
Researchers successfully developed cost-effective and high-performance perovskite solar cells using a copper electrode, reducing the performance limitations of traditional silver electrodes. The 'buckets effect' approach allows for balanced energy differences at both the perovskite/HTL and HTL/Cu interfaces, significantly improving cha...
Researchers have developed a new type of low-cost selenium solar cell using tellurium alloy, which improves efficiency by expanding the absorption spectrum. The Se-1-x Te-x alloy system has shown promise in achieving high performance, with efficiencies over 1.85% achieved after nine months in air.
Researchers found that shadows on single cells or parallel-connected cells result in similar output current decrease ratios to sunlight. However, series-connected cells experience excess power loss and temperature rise, leading to further degradation.
Researchers from the University of South Australia found that households with solar panels and batteries can significantly reduce their annual electricity costs when charging electric vehicles. With off-peak charging, EV owners can save up to 39.6% on energy costs, making it a more affordable option for environmentally-friendly driving.
Researchers at Rice University have created stable and efficient halide perovskite solar cells by finding the right solvent design to apply a 2D top layer on top of a 3D bottom layer. The new method achieves high power conversion efficiencies, comparable to commercially available solar cells, while maintaining stability.
Researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology design a novel approach to create durable organic semiconductor photocathodes, enabling high-efficiency conversion of solar energy to hydrogen. The developed photocathodes demonstrate remarkable stability and can produce hydrogen under actual sunlight.
A study by Duke University researchers found that rooftop solar cells can save a significant amount of water, with households saving an average of 16,200 gallons per year. Converting to solar in homes reduces the use of grid electricity and therefore also the volume of water used.
The global solar industry faces a supply chain risk due to China's dominance in polysilicon production, which can lead to increased carbon intensity and human rights concerns. The US and Indian governments have pledged billions to boost domestic production and create a more resilient supply chain.
Researchers at KAUST have discovered that the energy level alignment between donor and acceptor components in organic solar cells is crucial for device performance. Contrary to current belief, blends with little to no difference in one energy level metric were found to be poor performers.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that participating in Mission Innovation and intensifying technology competition from China are the strongest drivers of funding for clean energy RD&D. Despite growing public investment, the pace of transformation is not fast enough to facilitate rapid decarbonization.
A study by University of Cambridge and University of California, Berkeley finds that competition with China drove significant increases in clean energy investment between 2000 and 2018. The share of RD&D funding for clean technologies grew from 46% to 63%, while fossil fuel funding remained relatively unchanged.
A new study suggests that Earth's habitability could increase if Jupiter's orbit becomes more eccentric, leading to parts of the surface warming up and becoming habitable for multiple life forms. The researchers also found that this change in Jupiter's orbit could have implications for the search for habitable planets around other stars.
Scientists have developed a new solar-powered laser with improved conversion efficiency, enabling more stable and efficient space-based energy generation. The design features four mirrors and laser rods, allowing for precise control over the pump cavity and minimizing thermal stress effects.
Scientists at Linköping University have made a breakthrough in developing stable high-efficiency perovskite solar cells. They created an ion-modulated radical doping method for Spiro-OMeTAD, which eliminates the trade-off between efficiency and stability.
The new photodetector design combines long-range transport of optical energy with long-range conversion to electrical current, mimicking the photosynthetic complexes found in plants. The device can gather light from areas of about 0.01 mm² and achieve conversion of light to electrical current over exceptionally long distances of 0.1 nm.
A national collaboration will focus on creating durable and scalable soft semiconductor technologies for low-cost, highly efficient solar fuel production. Organic polymers offer 'exquisite control' over material properties, allowing for tunability and dynamic adjustment to maintain equilibrium.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new material, sodium bismuth sulfide (NaBiS2), that can absorb comparable levels of sunlight as conventional silicon solar cells but with 10,000 times lower thickness. The material has potential for making lightweight solar cells suitable for aerospace applications.
A homemade microspectrometer invented by Dr. Jamie Laird enables scientists to image defects in perovskite solar cells, improving stability and efficiency. This innovative technique has the potential to revolutionize next-generation photovoltaics, including space missions.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed ultra-thin, flexible devices that can convert sunlight into fuels as efficiently as plant leaves. The devices, inspired by photosynthesis, could be used on polluted waterways, in ports or even at sea to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Researchers have developed a method to create colorful solar panels by applying a thin layer of photonic glass, which reflects selective colors based on microscopic zinc sulfide spheres. The new technology results in energy efficiency improvements of up to 21.5% while maintaining color and durability.
Researchers developed a technology to overcome pore formation defects in CZTS thin-film solar cells, increasing power conversion efficiency. By changing metal deposition order, they suppressed large pores and improved the overall performance of eco-friendly solar cells.
Research from Aarhus University shows that EU's high gas prices are driving the green transition and making it easier to meet 1.5-degree climate target. The study suggests that cutting off Russian gas would force European countries to invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
A new energy plan developed by researchers at Kyushu University suggests a more sustainable future energy system that includes 61% renewable-based electricity. The plan, which prioritizes solar and wind power, exceeds current projections by 50%, with significant reductions in coal-based generation and nuclear power.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that decarbonization pathways need to incorporate more efficient electric heating technologies and renewable energy sources to minimize strain on the US electric grid. The researchers analyzed building energy data from March 2010 to February 2020 and found that winter heati...
University of Arizona researchers Erin Ratcliff and Roger Angel are working on scaling paper-thin solar technology using perovskites. They aim to develop a low-cost quality control method to detect defects during manufacturing, enabling the production of robust and high-quality perovskite-based photovoltaics.
A team of scientists has designed a system that uses water, CO2, and sunlight to produce synthetic kerosene, which can power long-haul commercial flights. The design has been implemented in the field, and its efficiency is around 4%, with plans to improve it to over 15%.
Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully fabricated highly transparent solar cells using a 2D atomic sheet. The solar cells achieved an average transparency of 79%, making them suitable for placement in various locations, including windows and human skin.
Scientists at KIT create a prototype for fully scalable all-perovskite tandem solar modules with an efficiency of up to 19.1 percent, enabling commercial viability through optimized light paths and established industrial coating methods.
A recent study found that perovskite-on-silicon solar PV modules have 6-18% less environmental impact than traditional silicon modules over their 25-year lifetime. The tandem technology's higher power conversion efficiency compensates for its additional material and production costs.
Using concentrated sunlight, a team of researchers from Sandia National Laboratories successfully roasted green chile, achieving comparable results to traditional propane roasting. The study found that solar power reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 2.68 pounds per 22 pounds of green chile roasted.