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solar cells

09/11/2018 / By David Williams

Researchers create new “smart windows” that block out the sun and turn sunlight into electricity

Have you ever heard of windows that can turn from transparent to opaque, and thereby block out light from the sun? So-called smart windows have been around for quite some time now. Now one research team says they have made a quiet breakthrough that will allow for the construction of highly efficient smart windows that […]

08/12/2018 / By Frances Bloomfield

“Magic” alloy will allow solar cells to capture near-infrared light

A team of researchers from the University of Michigan has taken the next step in solar energy technology. Specifically, they’ve developed a new semiconductor alloy that can capture near-infrared light. In addition to being easier and cheaper to manufacture, ScienceDaily.com reported that the semiconductor alloy is also compatible with the semiconductors utilized in concentrator photovoltaics. […]

06/08/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Researchers develop organic solar cell patches that are so thin they can be heat-printed onto shirts

In a few year’s time, you could be wearing an efficient solar cell on your clothes that is just as thin, light, and flexible as a T-shirt design. In a report from The Mainichi, a Japanese research team recent showcased a new ultra-thin organic photovoltaic (OPV) cell that can be heat-printed onto fabric. The new […]

05/23/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Solar power, rain or shine: Hybrid solar cells can generate power from raindrops

Solar power has finally come across a way to overcome one of its greatest weaknesses: Rain. In a Science Daily article, Chinese researchers presented a hybrid solar cell that can produce electricity even when it is raining cats and dogs. In addition to gathering power from sunlight, the new cell can also harvest electrical power from rainwater […]

05/04/2018 / By David Williams

New nanomaterials will increase the efficiency of organic solar cells

The hard work of nanomaterials researchers looking to get more performance out of organic solar cells has paid off. They have reportedly found a method to “significantly improve” the efficiency of these cells while opening the door to a number of different applications. It is said that their work is built on top of previous […]

04/21/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Scientists have developed new semiconductors that are more environmentally friendly

Concerned with the prevalence of useful but toxic perovskites in photovoltaic cells, a group of Iowa-based researchers devised alternative materials. They reported creating cheaper and eco-friendly semiconductors with similar performance, according to a ScienceDaily article. Perovskites are light-gathering materials used as semiconductors in solar panels. While highly efficient – called “wonder materials” by the solar […]

04/21/2018 / By David Williams

Check out this DIY “Powerwall” made out of old laptop batteries

Tesla’s Powerwall technology is quite interesting and has garnered plenty of interest around the world. But with its price tag of more than $5,000, it hasn’t exactly been affordable for many people. Instead of paying through the nose for this solution, some crafty people have opted to build their own do-it-yourself (DIY) version themselves. So […]

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