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solar power

10/09/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Silicon-based solar panels convert sunlight to electricity at higher efficiency, new research finds

Arizona-based researchers evaluated the cost vs. enhanced efficiency of the newest development in solar technology. They indicated that tandem photovoltaic modules made from silicon materials will be the next big thing in the U.S. solar energy industry. In the study, the researchers compared the newly developed solar panel designs with existing photovoltaic technology. Their results showed […]

09/23/2018 / By Janine Acero

One step closer to decentralized renewable energy? New magnetic floating flywheels may provide the storage solution

The use of alternative energy sources has become increasingly important as energy costs have been rising and fossil fuels such as coal and gas have contributed greatly to environmental pollution. One solution is to save energy from wind turbines and solar cells; however, to store energy when sunlight and wind are not available can be […]

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 […]

06/21/2018 / By Edsel Cook

New nanoscale coating for solar cells able to absorb 20 percent more sunlight

You may have heard of whispering galleries like the National Statuary Hall in the Capitol Building, where you can hear what’s being said on the other side of the half-dome. Maryland researchers created a nanoscale coating that traps light in a similar way, an article in Science Daily states. When applied on a solar cell, the […]

06/15/2018 / By Edsel Cook

A solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle that can fly to remote areas to be used by the military by 2019

The U.K. military is working on a new drone that is completely powered by solar energy. A Daily Star article reported that the new electric aircraft recharges its batteries during the day so it can keep flying at night, allowing it to fly nonstop for an entire year before finally landing for maintenance. The PHASA-35 unmanned aerial […]

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 […]

04/28/2018 / By Jessica Dolores

We could soon harvest energy from leaves fluttering in the wind

Most people dismiss stray leaves fluttering in the wind as one of those everyday, ordinary things. They seldom stop and take a second look unless it’s autumn, and leaves burst into flaming colors of orange, red, yellow, and purple. But do you know that the humble leaf can someday be a source of light energy? […]

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 […]

04/07/2018 / By David Williams

Researchers discover a method to generate power from falling raindrops

Solar panels have proven to be highly effective sources of electricity, and they are shaping up to be the absolute best source of renewable energy now and in the future. A team of researchers wants to improve it even further, and now they’ve announced their latest innovation: Solar panels that can generate power from falling […]

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