Articles tagged with Photovoltaics
A new study models technology complexity to predict rapid improvement. The researchers found that more complex systems change and improve slowly over time.
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 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.
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.
A new 'Swiss cheese' design for thin film silicon solar cells offers improved stability and efficiency, potentially boosting industrial production. The nanostructured substrate enables strong absorption and tight spacing between electrodes.
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.
Researchers at University of Michigan discovered a way to harness the magnetic component of light to generate electricity, potentially leading to more efficient and cheaper solar power. The technology uses optical rectification to store energy in a material's magnetic moment, eliminating the need for semiconductors.
Researchers have developed a novel transparent flexible woven electrode for thin-film solar cells, which is more stable and cost-effective than traditional indium tin oxide (ITO)-based electrodes. The new electrode uses a woven polymer material with embedded metal wires to ensure electrical conductivity.
Researchers successfully fabricate and test a new type of solar cell using inorganic core/shell nanowire structures with high bandgap semiconductors. The device efficiently absorbs visible wavelength light and shows potential as an affordable and durable solar energy solution.
A new polymer-based solar-thermal device collects both solar energy and heat, providing a more efficient way to heat homes. The device has shown 30% efficiency in converting solar energy to power, outperforming standard solar cells with a conversion efficiency of up to 8%.
Researchers at Hebrew University have successfully doped semiconductor nanocrystals with impurity atoms, improving their electrical conductivity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new electronic products, including nanolasers, solar cells, and sensors.
A team of scientists has developed bioinspired materials that mimic the cell membrane, offering a promising approach for drug delivery and other applications. The materials, called dendrimersomes, show potential for being more stable, targeted, and effective than existing nanomaterials.
Researchers have discovered that smaller quantum dots can increase the efficiency of solar panels by generating multiple excitons from a single photon of light. This breakthrough has significant implications for commercial realizations of multiple-exciton generation (MEG) technology.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel method to study molecule reactions by isolating two molecules on a substrate and controlling their reaction with ultraviolet light. This breakthrough in organic chemistry has potential applications in improving the efficiency of solar cells.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new manufacturing method that employs an ultrafast pulsing laser to create high-quality microchannels in thin-film solar cells. This technique could significantly increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of solar cells, enabling widespread adoption.
The AQUASUN project develops a new paradigm in energy production by floating solar panels on water, reducing the need for land-based installations. The technology combines solar cells with a cooling system using water to increase efficiency and reduce costs, while maintaining environmental sustainability.
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.
Researchers found that adding an organic molecule layer can increase quantum dot solar cell efficiency three-fold. The layer helps keep electrons apart, preventing recombination and increasing electrical charge production.
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.
Researchers at the University of California - Davis have developed a new approach to solar cells by constructing them from extremely small nanoparticles. The team aims to achieve an efficiency of 42-65%, surpassing the current theoretical maximum of 31%.
Researchers have demonstrated a solar cell that responds to virtually the entire solar spectrum and can be manufactured using one of the semiconductor industry's most common methods. The new design promises highly efficient solar cells with practical production costs.
Researchers have created an antireflective coating based on moth eyes that improves the performance of photovoltaic modules in laboratory and field experiments. The film reduces reflections by up to 30% and increases solar cell efficiency by 5-6%.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a new type of solar cell that can self-repair like natural photosynthetic systems. The technology uses carbon nanotubes and DNA to continuously replace damaged dye molecules, mimicking nature's self-repair mechanism.
The Iowa State team developed a process for producing a thin and uniform light-absorbing layer on textured substrates that improves the efficiency of polymer solar cells by increasing light absorption. Tests showed a 20% increase in power conversion efficiency and a 100% increase in light captured at the red/near infrared band edge.
Researchers have developed dual-diameter nanopillars that absorb light as well or even better than commercial thin-film solar cells, using less semiconductor material. The new structure, designed by Ali Javey and his team, enables fine control over geometry and shape of the single-crystalline nanopillar arrays.
Researchers have developed ultra-clean nanowires with a perfect cubic crystal structure, allowing for higher efficiency in nano-electronic devices. The breakthrough is achieved by growing wires on a silicon substrate without metal catalysis.
Researchers have developed miniature solar cells that can release chemotherapeutic drugs directly to tumors, reducing systemic side effects. The devices convert light into electric current and can be controlled by varying the intensity of light.
Washington University in St. Louis has achieved the world's first full certification under the Living Building Challenge, a rigorous green building performance standard. The 2,900-square-foot facility is powered by clean energy and incorporates nontoxic materials.
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.
Stanford engineers discovered that ultra-thin solar cells with nanoscale roughness can absorb more energy than predicted by conventional theory. Light trapping technique increases energy absorption beyond the theoretical limit, opening a new door to designing highly efficient solar cells.
A team at North Carolina State University has created water-gel-based solar devices that produce electricity, mimicking nature's solar cells. The devices use light-sensitive molecules and electrodes to generate power, potentially replacing silicon-based solar cells with a more environmentally friendly option.
Researchers create panels that can harness hygroelectricity, a phenomenon where water in the atmosphere picks up an electrical charge. This technology has the potential to provide renewable energy, especially in humid regions like the northeastern and southeastern US.
A research team from Rochester Institute of Technology conducted a life-cycle assessment of organic solar cells, revealing lower embodied energy compared to conventional inorganic devices. The study also found potential benefits for manufacturing, including low-cost solution processing.
Researchers at MIT have created a way to funnel solar energy using carbon nanotubes, allowing for smaller and more powerful solar arrays. The technology could increase the efficiency of photovoltaic cells by concentrating photons into tiny spots with antennas that capture and focus light energy.
Prof. Dr. Hans-Werner Schock received the prestigious Becquerel Prize for his outstanding work in solar energy technology, particularly in developing efficient thin-film solar cells. His research has led to significant advancements in solar cell efficiency and material combinations, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future.
Researchers have invalidated the most commonly used model to explain the behavior of highly mismatched alloys, which could lead to more efficient solar cells. By using molecular beam epitaxy, they created gallium arsenide nitride alloys with nitrogen that can tap into infrared radiation.
Researchers have successfully improved the ability of zinc oxide solar cells to absorb visible light using a blended mixture of off-the-shelf dyes. The best result came from a blend that boosted efficiency by nearly eight percent, paving the way for custom dye blends to be formulated for specific solar cell applications.
Researchers have discovered a new method to harness electricity from the air, using a process called hygroelectricity. This technology could provide an alternative energy source for homes and businesses, similar to solar cells, and prevent lightning strikes by draining electricity out of the air.
Researchers developed self-dusting solar panels using technology from Mars space missions, reducing dust impact on solar energy output. The new coating can remove up to 90% of deposited dust within two minutes, minimizing maintenance costs and increasing efficiency.
Scientists at University of Toronto have developed a new inexpensive solar cell design that uses nickel instead of gold, reducing material costs by 40-80 percent. The design employs low-cost electrical contacts, including nickel, to gather the electrical current produced by colloidal quantum dot solar cells.
A new solar energy conversion process called photon enhanced thermionic emission (PETE) has the potential to surpass existing photovoltaic and thermal conversion technologies. The process excels at higher temperatures, making it ideal for use in solar concentrators.
Researchers have developed a new method to create nanostructured surfaces using polystyrene spheres and zinc oxide, which can efficiently absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. The 'sea-urchin'-shaped structures
A USC team has produced flexible transparent carbon atom films for low-cost and convenient electrical power from the sun. Graphene-based solar cells have significant advantages in physical flexibility, potentially enabling printed-on-fabric applications.
Researchers have developed a new form of paper that can fight disease-causing bacteria, with potential applications in anti-bacterial bandages, food packaging, and shoe materials. The material, composed of graphene oxide, shows superior antibacterial effects with minimal impact on human cells.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a way to create an organic framework that could lead to economical, flexible and versatile solar cells. The new method uses molecules typically used in blue jean and ink dyes, assembling them into a two-dimensional sheet with high surface area.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in the development of solar cells, capable of harnessing more energy from sunlight. By using quantum dots and titanium dioxide, they can capture and transfer excess electrons, leading to potentially higher efficiencies. However, further research is needed to eliminate energy loss in the next step.
Scientists have discovered a method to capture higher energy sunlight lost as heat in conventional solar cells, potentially increasing efficiency to over 66%. Quantum dots made of lead selenide have been found to transfer hot electrons to an electron conductor, enabling the capture of this energy.
Professor Michael Graetzel receives Millennium Technology Prize for his groundbreaking work on dye-sensitized solar cells, a cost-effective and versatile form of solar energy. The award recognizes his contributions to developing this technology and unlocking safer, more efficient batteries and carbon-free energy storage.
Researchers at Duke University have created copper nanowires that are both transparent and conductive, making them ideal for flexible displays and thin-film solar cells. These nanowires are cheaper than silver nanowires and outperform carbon nanotubes, offering a promising solution to the limitations of ITO.
Researchers at Michigan State University discovered that shiny black solar cells lure water insects away from critical breeding areas. Applying white grids or other methods can break up polarized reflection of light, making it less attractive to mayflies and other aquatic insects.
The Office of Naval Research has selected nine researchers to receive funding for their innovative energy projects, aiming to help the Navy decrease its reliance on fossil fuels. The winners will use up to $100,000 to develop technologies such as solar power and microbial energy generation.
A recent study by Queen's University found that governments can earn substantial returns on investments in solar power manufacturing, with potential revenues exceeding $500 million per year. The research suggests that governments should aggressively support the industry to take advantage of the financial opportunity.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to manufacture thin films of gallium arsenide, a highly efficient semiconductor material, that could expand its applications in solar devices. The technique allows for the production of bulk quantities of material more rapidly and cost effectively.
A Spanish-German partnership has created a virtually invisible solar film, Evalon Solar, which is integrated into the building rather than superimposed on it. The film, made from flexible silicon cells, can be used on vertical surfaces and retains only about 8% of energy captured from the sun.
The inaugural issue of OSA's Energy Express highlights research on solar concentrators, which aim to increase the efficiency of solar energy generation. New devices and technologies are being developed to concentrate sunlight, making solar power more economical and efficient.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego developed a new solar concentrator design that minimizes materials, alignment, and assembly costs. The innovative system collects sunlight with thousands of small lenses imprinted on a common sheet, reducing the need for individual photovoltaic cells.
Researchers at Oregon State University have made an important breakthrough in producing thin film absorbers for solar cells using continuous flow microreactors. This innovative technology could significantly reduce the cost of solar energy devices and material waste, making it a game-changer for sustainable solar cell manufacturing.
Scientists develop a new method to recover and reuse nanoparticles, which are crucial for nanotechnology applications. The method, described in ACS' Langmuir journal, uses a special microemulsion to separate nanoparticles from other substances.