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 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:05:01 EDT Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:05:01 EDT 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/2008/07/080720220017.htm A electrotechnology student has devised an ECG machine that runs on solar energy. This especially lends itself to use in developing countries or troubled areas. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080720220017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722152609.htm A researcher has proposed a microgrid-based power plant with its own local power sources and independent control as a more dependable, efficient, and cost effective system than traditional telecom power systems. Microgrids would also be a quick and inexpensive way to include renewable energy sources for both existing and developing systems. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722152609.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080710142927.htm Imagine windows that not only provide a clear view and illuminate rooms, but also use sunlight to efficiently help power the building they are part of. Engineers report a new approach to harnessing the sun's energy that could allow just that. The work, reported in Science, involves the creation of a novel solar concentrator. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080710142927.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707141635.htm A new way to help technologists develop efficient and inexpensive plastic electronic devices, such as plastic solar cells and a new type of transistor has been developed. As the probe bobs up and down the force required to keep it oscillating at a steady rate changes measurably, which tells the scientists about the nature of the scanned surface. By using different vibration frequencies, it is possible obtain nanoscale measurements on materials. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707141635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080629130741.htm Scientists have achieved a record light conversion efficiency of 8.2 percent in solvent-free dye-sensitized solar cells. This breakthrough in efficiency without the use of volatile organic solvents will make it possible to pursue large scale, outdoor practical application of lightweight, inexpensive, flexible dye-sensitized solar films that are stable over long periods of light and heat exposure. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080629130741.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617114723.htm Expert in the integration of solar cell technology in architecture are creating designs for flexible photovoltaic materials that may change the way buildings receive and distribute energy. Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617114723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616163421.htm Nanotechnology is paving the way toward improved solar cells. New research shows that a film of carbon nanotubes may be able to replace two of the layers normally used in a solar cell, with improved performance at a lower cost. Researchers have found a surprising way to give the nanotubes the properties they need: add defects. Currently, these solar cells, called dye-sensitized solar cells, have a transparent film made of an oxide that is applied to glass and conducts electricity. In addition, a separate film made of platinum acts as a catalyst to speed the chemical reactions involved. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616163421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080606105442.htm A broken cable or a soiled connector? If a machine in a factory goes on strike, it could be for any of a thousand reasons. Self-sufficient sensors that provide their own power supply will soon make these machines more robust. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080606105442.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527091942.htm Researchers have found irrefutable proof that the so-called avalanche effect by electrons occurs in specific, very small semiconducting crystals. This physical effect could pave the way for cheap, high-output solar cells. One possible improvement could derive from a new type of solar cell made of semiconducting nanocrystals (crystals with dimensions in the nanometre size range). In conventional solar cells, one photon (light particle) can release precisely one electron. Tue, 27 May 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527091942.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080514154702.htm Scientists have improved the efficiency of an important type of solar cell from 21.9 to 23.2 percent (a relative improvement of 6 per cent). The efficiency improvement is achieved by the use of an ultra-thin aluminum oxide layer at the front of the cell, and it brings a breakthrough in the use of solar energy a step closer. The costs of applying the thin layer of aluminum oxide are expected to be relatively low. Sat, 17 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080514154702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080514092329.htm Electrical engineers have created experimental solar cells spiked with nanowires that could lead to highly efficient thin-film solar cells of the future. The new design increases the number of electrons that make it from the light-absorbing polymer to an electrode. Fri, 16 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080514092329.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512143743.htm Blackberries, blueberries, oranges and grapes --- chemistry students are loading up on their fruits these days, but it has nothing to do with the food pyramid. The students are using the fruit to produce solar energy. Actually, they are using the dye from the fruit in a process to create solar cells. Tue, 13 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512143743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508181259.htm A team of students led by a chemical engineering professor are working with a New Jersey inventor to advance a new solar thermal collector. The engineering students pointed out that this is the first truly new solar thermal system in more than three decades, and the company stated that it is unique among renewable energy technologies as it is cost effective without any government subsidies. Mon, 12 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508181259.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080415162612.htm A new electric solar wind sail is almost ready for implementation. Electric sail propulsion might have a large impact on space research and space travel throughout the solar system. The electric solar wind sail uses the solar wind as its thrust source and therefore needs no fuel or propellant. The solar wind is a continuous plasma stream emanating from the Sun. Changes in the properties of the solar wind cause auroral brightening and magnetic storms, among other things. Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080415162612.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080412172006.htm Scientists have developed a battery-free wireless 2-channel EEG system powered by a hybrid power supply using body heat and ambient light which could be used to monitor brain waves after a head injury or for other applications. The hybrid power supply combines a thermoelectric generator that uses the heat dissipated from a person's temples and silicon photovoltaic cells. The entire system is wearable and integrated into a device resembling headphones. The system can provide more than 1mW on average indoor, which is more than enough for the targeted application. Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080412172006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080410140451.htm By using a popcorn-ball design -- tiny kernels clumped into much larger porous spheres -- engineers can more than double the efficiency of a type of solar cell at converting the sun's rays to electricity. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080410140451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080411151001.htm Researchers have created a novel safer lithium-ion battery. It is based on a polymer electrolyte, which is -- unlike the liquid electrolyte in conventional lithium-ion batteries -- not inflammable. Lithium-ion batteries supply the power for cell phones and PDAs, and larger devices such as laptops, cordless screwdrivers and lawnmowers are becoming increasingly dependent on this power source. Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080411151001.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080414145653.htm Renewable electricity is being supported by a growing number of states through the creation of renewables portfolio standards. A new report provides a comprehensive overview of the early experiences with these state-level RPS policies. Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080414145653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407172717.htm Despite oil prices that hover around $100 a barrel, it may take at least 10 or more years of intensive research to reduce the cost of solar energy to levels competitive with petroleum, according to a leading expert on the topic. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407172717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408100532.htm People who want to save energy should always keep an eye on their consumption. The EWE Box offers customers a neat solution: It enables private households to monitor their electricity and gas consumption whenever they want -- and save costs thanks to new pricing models. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408100532.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409091733.htm Carbon nanotubes are promising materials for many high-technology applications due to their exceptional mechanical, thermal, chemical, optical and electrical properties. Now researchers have used metallic nanotubes to make thin films that are semitransparent, highly conductive, flexible and come in a variety of colors, with an appearance similar to stained glass. These results could lead to improved high-tech products such as flat-panel displays and solar cells. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409091733.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080410101210.htm People could live in glass houses and look at the world through rose-tinted windows while reducing their carbon emissions by 50 percent, thanks to new Australian research. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080410101210.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408144812.htm Escalating oil and gas prices along with the global challenge of climate change has in the past few years spurred a generation of scientists to pursue alternative energy sources while redirecting the focus away from fossil fuels. What is the current status, limitations and future challenges of alternative energy sources? Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408144812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080330144843.htm A six-inch robotic spy plane modeled after a bat is being developed to gather data from sights, sounds and smells in urban combat zones and transmit information back to a soldier in real time. Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080330144843.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320095008.htm A cheap alternative to silicon solar cells can be found in dye-sensitized solar cells. This type of cell imitates the natural conversion of sunlight into energy by, for instance, plants and light-sensitive bacteria. Researchers have now succeeded in substantially improving a process in this type of solar cell, which is similar to Graetzel cells. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320095008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080317114050.htm Researchers report an advance toward the next generation of plastic solar cells, which are widely heralded as a low cost, environmentally-friendly alternative to inorganic solar cells for meeting rising energy demands. Plastic solar cells, fabricated from bulk heterojunction materials comprising semiconducting polymers and fullerenes, have already demonstrated promising performance. Wed, 19 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080317114050.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080313203209.htm Learning how to control the movement of electrons on the molecular and nanometer scales could help scientists devise small-scale circuits for many applications, including more efficient ways of storing and using solar energy. A theoretical chemist has been researching theoretical techniques used to understand the factors affecting electron movement. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080313203209.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080306223745.htm Researchers are developing a new, eco-friendly technology that could generate as much electricity as 50 wind farms. They are investigating ways of painting solar cells onto the flexible steel surfaces commonly used for cladding buildings. Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080306223745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303163341.htm Steel forged railroads, skyscrapers and the automobile industry. Now it may help solar energy become cheaper and more widely available. Scientists now report an advance in replacing the single most expensive component of a cutting-edge family of solar cells with less costly material. These so-called "nanostructured dye solar cells (DSCs)" are a relatively new family of photovoltaic devices. Their simple manufacturing methods are hoped to lead to lower production costs compared to conventional solar cells. Traditionally, DSCs are deposited on conductively coated glass sheets which accounts for more than 30 percent of the material costs. Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303163341.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080228112015.htm Scientists have developed new sensitizers that should help an inexpensive type of solar cell to be more efficient. The sensitizers are based on the dye indoline. Sat, 01 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080228112015.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080222125628.htm Current-generation solar cell technologies are too expensive and inefficient for wide-scale commercial applications. Now researchers have developed a new anode coating strategy that significantly enhances the efficiency of solar energy power conversion. Their work focuses on "engineering" organic material-electrode interfaces in bulk-hetero-junction organic solar cells. The breakthrough promises to bring researchers and developers worldwide closer to the goal of producing cheaper, more manufacturable and more easily implemented solar cells. Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080222125628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225090826.htm In a finding that could help ease concerns about the potential environmental impact of manufacturing solar cells, scientists report that the manufacture of solar cells produces far fewer air pollutants than conventional fossil fuel technologies. Solar energy has been touted for years as a safer, cleaner alternative to burning fossil fuels to meet rising energy demands. However, environmentalists and others are increasingly concerned about the potential negative impact of solar cell (photovoltaic) technology. Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225090826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080220094652.htm Researchers are exploring how waste heat from car exhausts could provide a new greener power supply for vehicles. Similar conversion technology is used in everyday applications such as controlling the central heating system or refrigerator temperature. Now researchers aim to use this technology to generate electricity from the waste heat in vehicles. Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080220094652.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080221082950.htm The electrons in nanoparticles of noble metal oscillate together apace with the frequency of the light. This phenomenon can be exploited to produce better and cheaper solar cells, scientists have shown. Electricity-generating solar cells are one of the most attractive alternatives for creating a long-term sustainable energy system, but thus far solar cells have not been able to compete economically with fossil fuels. Researchers are now looking at how nanotechnology can contribute in bringing down the cost. Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080221082950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080217170412.htm Plants, trees and algae do it. Even some bacteria and moss do it, but scientists have had a difficult time developing methods to turn sunlight into useful fuel. Now, researchers have a proof-of-concept device that can split water and produce recoverable hydrogen. Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080217170412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080213172955.htm Scientists have set a new solar-to-grid system conversion efficiency record by achieving a 31.25 percent net efficiency rate. The old 1984 record of 29.4 percent was toppled Jan. 31 on SES's "Serial #3" solar dish Stirling system at Sandia's National Solar Thermal Test Facility. The solar dish generates electricity by focusing the sun’s rays onto a receiver, which transmits the heat energy to a Stirling engine. The engine is a sealed system filled with hydrogen. As the gas heats and cools, its pressure rises and falls. The change in pressure drives the pistons inside the engine, producing mechanical power, which in turn drives a generator and makes electricity. Sun, 17 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080213172955.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080206154631.htm Teams of researchers all over the world are working on the development of organic solar cells. Organic solar cells have good prospects for the future: They can be laid onto thin films, which makes them cheap to produce. Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080206154631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080130194130.htm Newly designed solar cells can be screen-printed in a wide array of colors and patterns to allow them to be attractively incorporated into building design. The solar cells can also be integrated into windows, providing shading from glare while generating electricity. The key component of the new modules is an organic dye which in combination with nanoparticles converts sunlight into electricity. Due to the small size of the nanoparticles, the modules are semi-transparent. Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080130194130.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080124104453.htm An increasing number of people use wind or solar energy as a power source, and at times, they have extra power available that could be sold to the electricity grid. A new system allows this externally generated energy to be better stored and transferred. Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080124104453.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080118093341.htm The odometer of a low emission hybrid electric test vehicle recently reached 100,000 miles as the car circled a track in the UK using the power of an advanced CSIRO battery system. The UltraBattery combines a supercapacitor and a lead acid battery in a single unit, creating a hybrid car battery that lasts longer, costs less and is more powerful than current technologies used in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080118093341.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080109094341.htm Scientists have fabricated a solvent-free dye-sensitized solar cell based on a binary ionic liquid electrolyte. These devices show a light-conversion efficiency of 7.6 percent under simulated sunlight conditions, which sets a new record for a solvent-free device. Fri, 11 Jan 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080109094341.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080108133337.htm Combining two nanotech methods for engineering solar cell materials appears to yield better results than either one does alone. In the race to make solar cells cheaper and more efficient, many researchers and start-up companies are betting on new designs that exploit nanostructures -- materials engineered on the scale of a billionth of a meter. Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080108133337.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080104140733.htm Lack of water causes great distress among the population in large parts of Africa and Asia. Small decentralized water treatment plants with an autonomous power supply can help solve the problem: They transform salty seawater or brackish water into pure drinking water. Large industrial plants for the desalination of seawater deliver 50 million cubic meters of fresh water every day -- particularly in the coastal cities of the Middle East. However, the technology is complex and consumes large amounts of energy. Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080104140733.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071218105420.htm A new material, nano flakes, may revolutionize the transformation of solar energy to electricity. If one researcher's future solar cells meet the expectations, both the economy and the environment will benefit from the research. Less than 1 per cent of the world’s electricity comes from the sun because it is difficult to transform solar energy to electricity. But the discovery may be a huge step towards boosting the exploitation of solar energy. Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071218105420.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071208150135.htm Using concentrated solar energy to reverse combustion, scientists are building a prototype device intended to chemically "reenergize" carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide using concentrated solar power. The carbon monoxide could then be used to make hydrogen or serve as a building block to synthesize a liquid combustible fuel, such as methanol or even gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071208150135.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071126115318.htm Scientists have developed a new lens, based on the eye structure of the moth, which reflects very little light and has a wide number of industrial applications. When moths fly at night, their eyes need to capture all the light available. To do this, certain species have evolved nanoscopic structures on the surface of their eyes which allow almost no light to reflect off the surface and hence to escape. Wed, 28 Nov 2007 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071126115318.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071120195658.htm Breathing new life into an old idea, scientists are developing innovative materials for controlling temperatures that could lead to substantial energy savings by allowing more efficient car engines, photovoltaic cells and electronic devices. Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071120195658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071026201442.htm Delft University of the Netherlands won the World Solar Challenge in Australia with an innovative solar-powered car. The results of this competition have proven beyond any doubt that it is possible to cross 3000 kilometres of Australia on solar power alone. Sat, 27 Oct 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071026201442.htm