Articles tagged with Photovoltaics
A new study suggests that intense light exposure in photovoltaic material a-Si:H leads to undesirable defects by creating silicon dihydride structures. Researchers propose potential solutions, such as adding impurities to block the issue, which could improve solar cell performance and efficiency.
Researchers have developed a new type of battery that uses tritium to generate electricity, potentially leading to the creation of long-lasting devices. The battery's staying power is tied to the enduring nature of its fuel, which releases electrons through beta decay.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new approach to creating lightweight organic solar cells using pentacene, converting sunlight into electricity with high efficiency. The cells' flexibility and minimal weight make them suitable for powering various devices, from RFID tags to electronic devices.
The von Liebig Center has awarded six grants totaling $1.2 million to UC San Diego engineers to commercialize cutting-edge technologies. These projects focus on improving cell phone camera capabilities, developing a video instant-messaging system for emergency responders, and enhancing solar energy efficiency.
Chalmers University and Konarka Technologies partner on third-generation photovoltaic products, enabling commercialization of flexible plastic-based solar technologies. This collaboration strengthens Konarka's intellectual property portfolio and enhances Chalmers' research capabilities.
Researchers at Ohio State University have created hybrid materials that are virtually defect-free, paving the way for ultra-efficient electronics, solar cells and LEDs. The new technology could lead to faster, less expensive computer chips and bridge the gap between traditional silicon and light-related technologies.
A new semiconductor material can lead to solar cells with higher efficiency, while a study on magnetic memory devices suggests they could speed up by a factor of 1000. Researchers also found that certain interactions between molecules can create negative friction, which could have applications in fields like photosynthesis and nanoscal...
Researchers at Ames Laboratory are developing new solar cells that can withstand the degrading effects of sunlight. By understanding the atomic origins of this problem, they hope to create materials with improved stability and efficiency. The team's three-step rebonding model offers a promising solution to this challenge.
Researchers create alloy of indium gallium nitride that corresponds to the entire solar spectrum, allowing for more efficient solar cells. The alloy's defect-tolerant properties hold promise for improved performance in solar cells.
Researchers at the University of Houston are developing methods to manufacture huge solar cell arrays on the moon using materials from lunar soil. The goal is to generate enough electricity to supply a lunar base or colonies, as well as beam electricity back to Earth for use in local grids.
A lunar solar power system, proposed by Criswell, could supply up to 20 terawatts of electricity to Earth, enough for a population of 10 billion. The system would harness just one percent of the moon's solar power and beam it back to receivers on Earth via microwave beams.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can absorb all visible light but reject invisible light, increasing the efficiency of solar cells. This technology has the potential to make solar energy dirt cheap to produce and competitive with fossil fuels.
Chemical engineers have developed a novel process to grow crops of nanowires, which could lead to improved design of advanced military and space gear, fuel cells, sensors and solar devices. The process uses pools or thin films of low-melting metals like gallium to create the nanowires.
Researchers at Virginia Tech create flexible photovoltaic devices using nanometer-thick layers of self-assembling materials, increasing efficiency to up to 20% of silicon. Electrochromic films also improve response times, enabling faster color changes for applications in flat panel displays.
The discovery shows that confining hydrogen molecules in small spaces creates measurable magnetic interactions, which could lead to a better understanding of solar cell efficiency. The researchers believe this finding has fundamental implications for the study of nanomaterials and their potential applications.
The University of Houston's Space Vacuum Epitaxy Center has developed 15 new technologies, published over 450 scientific papers, and received $80 million in research funding. Researchers have also spun off two companies, one producing infrared lasers and the other commercializing a new type of electric wire.
The NTUA is installing 200 photovoltaic systems at private residences in remote areas, serving a single home each. The systems provide clean and quiet power for households with limited or no electricity, improving living standards.
A junior scientist has improved the efficiency of organic solar cells and discovered a new type of transistor, enabling flexible circuit manufacture. This breakthrough paves the way for simplification of circuit manufacturing and potential replacement of traditional silicon-based solar cells.
The Ninth Sede Boker Symposium on Solar Electricity Production will focus on ground-breaking work in solar power generation from around the world. Experts will share knowledge and problem-solving techniques with Arab and Israeli users of a large photovoltaic system designed for agricultural communities.
Adding nitrogen to gallium indium arsenide decreases its band gap dramatically, a significant finding for advanced solar cells. The discovery explains why the material has been disappointing in solar cells so far.
Researchers found that defects in silicon wafers, not grain boundaries, cause low efficiency; optimizing processes can remove contaminants and improve performance. The goal is to achieve 18% efficiency on the production line, a significant step towards making solar cells more profitable.
Researchers at Georgia Tech are using the university's rooftop solar system to study the performance and reliability of solar power systems. The system has operated close to expectations, producing 162.2 megawatt hours of electricity in its first seven-month period, but factors such as weather conditions have affected energy output.