http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/solar_energy/ Solar Energy Information. Read the latest news and techniques for efficient solar photovoltaic power, new solar energy systems and more. en-us Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:05:01 EST Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/solar_energy/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112095042.htm In the quest to make hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel source, researchers have been stymied about how to create usable hydrogen that is clean and sustainable without relying on an intensive, high-energy process that outweighs the benefits of not using petroleum to power vehicles. New findings however, show that photosynthesis may function as that clean, sustainable source of hydrogen. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112095042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111122320.htm Nanophysicists have developed a new method for manufacturing the cornerstone of nanotechnology research -- nanowires. The discovery has great potential for the development of nanoelectronics and highly efficient solar cells. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111122320.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105132454.htm Scientists are making progress toward development of an "artificial leaf" that mimics a real leaf's chemical magic with photosynthesis -- but instead converts sunlight and water into a liquid fuel such as methanol for cars and trucks. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105132454.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122522.htm New scientific discoveries are moving society toward the era of "personalized solar energy," in which the focus of electricity production shifts from huge central generating stations to individuals in their own homes and communities. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122522.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102172517.htm Converting sunlight to electricity might no longer mean large panels of photovoltaic cells atop flat surfaces like roofs. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102172517.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171724.htm Dust samples collected from the stratosphere have yielded an unexpectedly rich trove of relics from the ancient cosmos, scientists report. The dust includes presolar grains and material from interstellar molecular clouds. This "ultra-primitive" material likely wafted into the atmosphere after the Earth passed through the trail of an Earth-crossing comet in 2003, giving scientists a rare opportunity to study cometary dust in the laboratory. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171724.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021144249.htm Researchers released a new study on the installed costs of solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems in the US, showing that the average cost of these systems declined by more than 30 percent from 1998 to 2008. Within the last year of this period, costs fell by more than 4 percent. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021144249.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013205958.htm Scientists in Spain are working on optimizing a type of photovoltaic cell (Grätzel cell) that artificially mimics photosynthesis. Grätzel cells are photovoltaic devices that take advantage of the interaction of a structured semiconductor less than a nanometer in size and an organic dye that acts as a solar collector. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013205958.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008142959.htm Chemists have pioneered a method to tease out promising molecular structures for capturing energy, a step that could speed the development of more efficient, cheaper solar cells. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008142959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006104500.htm IMEC and BP Solar have demonstrated a 18% conversion efficiency for silicon solar cells made of BP Solar’s newly developed Mono2 silicon. By combining IMEC’s advanced processing techniques with BP Solar’s high-quality low-cost substrates, the companies demonstrated that Mono2 TM has a good potential to become a new base material for low-cost highly-efficient solar cells. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006104500.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008091241.htm After two years of design, experimentation, fund-raising and building, the University of Arizona's Solar Decathlon team has completed construction of its 800-square-foot solar-powered house on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008091241.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181721.htm Small bits of metal may play a new role in solar power. Researchers are experimenting with polymer semiconductors that absorb the sun's energy and generate electricity. The goal: lighter, cheaper, and more-flexible solar cells. They have now discovered that adding tiny bits of silver to the plastic boosts the materials' electrical current generation. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006104312.htm Researchers have demonstrated a fully solution-processed organic solar cell with a spray-coated active layer and a metal top contact spray-coated on top. The resulting cell shows power conversion efficiencies above 3%, a performance comparable to organic solar cells produced by spin coating of the organic layer and vacuum evaporation of the top contact metal. This is an important step towards producing organic solar cells with cheap and large-area processes. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006104312.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916123521.htm Chemical engineers have invented a new technology to deposit "nanostructure films" on various surfaces, which may first find use as coatings for eyeglasses that cost less and work better. Ultimately, the technique may provide a way to make solar cells more efficiently produce energy. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916123521.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921092049.htm Researchers in Europe have presented a mechanically-stacked GaAs/Ge multijunction solar cell. This is the first promising demonstrator of a novel technology to produce mechanically stacked, high-efficiency multijunction solar cells, aiming at efficiencies above 40%. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921092049.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921092045.htm Researchers in Europe are presenting a large-area solar with a conversion efficiency of 18.4%. Compared to the standard i-PERC cell process, the new solar cell features a shallow emitter and advanced front metallization using copper plating. The results were obtained on large-area cells, proving the industrial viability of the process. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921092045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917144123.htm Researchers have discovered an unusual kind of meteorite in the Western Australian desert and have uncovered where in the Solar System it came from, in a very rare finding. Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917144123.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090913134032.htm Researchers have made the first high-resolution 3-D images of the inside of a polymer solar cell. This gives them important new insights in the nanoscale structure of polymer solar cells and its effect on the performance. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090913134032.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910091333.htm In a development that holds much promise for the future of solar electricity and fuel, researchers used gold tips grown in solution to increase the electrical conductivity of cadmium-selenide nanorod crystals by 100,000 times. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910091333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910151927.htm Using a carbon nanotube instead of traditional silicon, researchers have created the basic elements of a solar cell that hopefully will lead to much more efficient ways of converting light to electricity than now used in calculators and on rooftops. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910151927.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908125139.htm Researchers in Israel have developed thin films that exhibit carrier multiplication. This development is of great interest for future solar cells. The team demonstrated that for a given photon energy, carrier multiplication occurs more efficiently in bulk PbS and PbSe films than in nanocrystalline films of the same materials. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908125139.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720134556.htm Americans used more solar, nuclear, biomass and wind energy in 2008 than they did in 2007, according to the most recent energy flow charts. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720134556.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831130658.htm Researchers have found what could be the signal of ideal wave "surfing" conditions for individual particles within the massive turbulent ocean of the solar wind. The discovery could give a new insight into just how energy is dissipated in solar system sized plasmas such as the solar wind and could provide significant clues to scientists developing fusion power which relies on plasmas. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831130658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824115907.htm Solar cells could soon be produced more cheaply using nanoparticle "inks" that allow them to be printed like newspaper or painted onto the sides of buildings or rooftops to absorb electricity-producing sunlight. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824115907.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818182004.htm Expansion of renewable energies should appreciably improve the health status of the 700,000 US workers employed in the energy sector, according to one expert. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818182004.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804114106.htm Researchers have found a way to measure exactly how much electrical current is carried by tiny bubbles and channels that form inside nanoscale solar cells, paving the way for development of more efficient materials. Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804114106.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090728123045.htm With a sustained national commitment, the United States could obtain substantial energy-efficiency improvements, new sources of energy, and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through the accelerated deployment of existing and emerging energy technologies. Sat, 01 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090728123045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714211527.htm A student is combining engineering and nature to design a more affordable and more sustainable lighting source for those living without electricity. Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714211527.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714124954.htm Dye-sensitized solar cells are expected to power Air Force unmanned aerial vehicles in the future because they are an optimum energy harvesting source that may lead to longer flight times without refueling. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714124954.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727080836.htm The most important way to reduce carbon dioxide from transport is to get the transport sector integrated into the overall energy system, according to experts. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727080836.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723201446.htm Scientists have produced thin film solar cells made from compound semiconductors which are already reaching a 12 percent efficiency. Thin film solar cells are considered the next generation of solar cells and are expected to be considerably cheaper because they need much less material and energy in their production than today’s photovoltaic modules. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723201446.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090724124134.htm Concerns about dwindling fossil fuel resources, current levels of petroleum consumption, and growing pressure to shift to more sustainable energy sources are among many factors prompting the transition from our current energy infrastructure to one that uses less carbon and requires the efficient conversion of energy. Fuel cells have the potential to replace the internal combustion engine in vehicles and provide power in stationary and portable power applications, as they are energy-efficient, clean and fuel-flexible. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090724124134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713085451.htm Photovoltaic and wind energy plants, hydroelectric power stations and biogas plants supply energy without polluting the environment. However, they are complex to design and maintain. Virtual reality (VR) makes planning and operation easier. Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713085451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709205950.htm Four newly designed highly efficient solar power collection dishes will be used in commercial-scale deployments beginning in 2010. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709205950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707131901.htm Material science specialists and engineers have developed a low-cost solution processing method for their CISS (copper-indium-diselenide) solar cells which have the potential to be produced on a commercial scale. Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707131901.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709170757.htm Researchers have grown dense arrays of single-crystal semiconductors arranged as nanoscale pillars on low-cost, aluminum foil substrates. When the nanopillars are combined with a transparent, positively charged semiconductor that serves as a window, the resulting 3-D photovoltaic promises efficient, cheap, flexible solar cells. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709170757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619171250.htm Researchers have developed a successful way to grow molecular wire brushes that conduct electrical charges, a first step in developing biological fuel cells that could power pacemakers, cochlear implants and prosthetic limbs. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619171250.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090612122011.htm Engineering researchers in Canada have developed a tiling technique to create flexible solar cell panels. It is being tested on the curved roof of a campus bus shelter to power interior lighting. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090612122011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611142400.htm Researchers have developed an "electronic glue" that could accelerate advances in semiconductor-based technologies, including solar cells and thermoelectric devices that convert sun light and waste heat, respectively, into useful electrical energy. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611142400.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616103217.htm How much usable energy do wind turbines produce? It is a question that perplexes engineers and frustrates potential users, especially on windless days. A new study provides a formula for answering this vexing question. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616103217.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610161004.htm If solar cells were transparent, they could be fitted to windows and building facades. Physical modeling helps in the development of suitable materials for transparent electronics and thus in creating the basis for transparent solar cells. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610161004.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605091856.htm Not a plant to be seen, the desert ground is too dry. But the air contains water, and research scientists have found a way of obtaining drinking water from air humidity. The system is based completely on renewable energy and is therefore autonomous. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605091856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605171242.htm A transparent thin film barrier used to protect flat panel TVs from moisture could become the basis for flexible solar panels that would be installed on roofs like shingles. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605171242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529185935.htm A newly built "Cliffs Cottage" has all the latest technological innovations in sustainable living. Geothermal heating and cooling, two solar technologies, bamboo floors, furniture made from reclaimed wood, even cisterns that collect rainwater from the roof. The home has 3,400 square feet, but is so energy efficient that it can be heated and cooled for less than $75 a month. Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529185935.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529074958.htm Solar electricity has a bright future: It is renewable and available in unlimited quantities, and it does not produce any gases detrimental to the climate. Its only drawback right now is the price: the electric power currently being produced by solar cells in northern Europe must be subsidized if it is to compete against the household electricity generated by traditional power plants. Researchers are demonstrating how laser technology can contribute to optimizing the manufacturing costs and efficiency of solar cells. Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529074958.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090518103223.htm Cost is one of the main disadvantages of the use of renewable energies. Researchers are aiming to make the development of efficient solar panels easier and cheaper. They propose the use of more economic synthesis methods using sulphur-based compounds (chalcopyrites) as an alternative to the ones used up until now. Thu, 21 May 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090518103223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090505202912.htm A new concentration solar power module that produces heat, cold and electricity can be integrated to façades or building roofs. Tue, 12 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090505202912.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507173706.htm America's power grid today resembles the country's canal system of the 19th Century. A marvel of engineering for its time, the canal system eventually could not keep pace with the growing demands of transcontinental transportation. Fri, 08 May 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507173706.htm