As certified by Fraunhofer ISE CalLab, researchers have obtained the record-breaking efficiency of 22.1% on nanostructured silicon solar cells. Continue reading… “Record for black silicon solar cell efficiency now 22.1%”
Solar road is generating more power than expected
In the six months it’s been in use an experimental bike path that also functions as a giant solar cell has far exceeded expectations – and that has scientists eyeing roadways as possible sources of solar energy to power street lights, traffic systems, and electric cars. Continue reading… “Solar road is generating more power than expected”
Forget solar farms in the desert, more than enough solar energy can be produced in cities
In a remote part of southern California the new Topaz Solar Farm sprawls over an area about a third of the size of Manhattan, and these solar plants are only getting bigger. Continue reading… “Forget solar farms in the desert, more than enough solar energy can be produced in cities”
Clear solar panel could turn windows into a power source
Michigan State University researchers have developed a transparent solar cell capable of being used as a replacement for windows. Due to the fact traditional solar panels absorb light and convert it into energy, this concept was once deemed impossible as transparent surfaces are not capable of absorbing light. Continue reading… “Clear solar panel could turn windows into a power source”
Solar business employs more Americans than coal mining
As its production costs have fallen far enough in some regions to compete economically with fossil fuels, companies like Apple are now buying mass quantities of solar power. Continue reading… “Solar business employs more Americans than coal mining”
Apple’s $850M solar farm
Apple is taking on its “most ambitious project ever” and its not a phone, some new wearable gadget, or a even a TV. Instead, Apple is going to cover 1,300 acres of California countryside in electricity-generating solar panels. Continue reading… “Apple’s $850M solar farm”
Can solar be the next shale?
Can solar power transform the electricity market as much as shale did for oil and gas? This question has been posed in a new study by Wood MacKenzie, an international energy research and consulting company. Continue reading… “Can solar be the next shale?”
Conversion efficiency record crushed by First Solar at 21.5%
Last year, First Solar set a world record for conversion efficiency mark for cadmium telluride at 20.4 percent. A year later and that figure has now been easily passed with a new record of 21.5 percent, and with that, First Solar anticipates to exceed 22 percent in 2015. Continue reading… “Conversion efficiency record crushed by First Solar at 21.5%”
Google offers $1 million prize for better solar power inverters
An Enphase Micro-Inverter
Google’s Little Box Challenge, Google will be offering a $1 million prize for inventing much smaller solar power inverters. The challenge will be launched this summer, so currently few details have been released to the public.
Continue reading… “Google offers $1 million prize for better solar power inverters”
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency plans to build an orbiting solar farm
Mirrors in orbit would reflect sunlight onto huge solar panels.
What if you could imagine looking at Tokyo Bay from high above and seeing a man-made island in the harbor, 3 kilometers long. There is a massive net stretched over the island and studded with 5 billion tiny rectifying antennas, which convert microwave energy into DC electricity. Also on the island is a substation that sends that electricity coursing through a submarine cable to Tokyo, to help keep the factories of the Keihin industrial zone humming and the neon lights of Shibuya shining bright.
Continue reading… “The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency plans to build an orbiting solar farm”
Living off the Grid is now Illegal in the State of Florida
Robin Speronis lives off the grid in Florida, completely independent of the city’s water and electric system. A few weeks ago, officials ruled her off-grid home illegal. Officials cited the International Property Maintenance Code, which mandates that homes be connected to an electricity grid and a running water source.
Continue reading… “Living off the Grid is now Illegal in the State of Florida”
Japan wants to supply the world’s energy from a giant solar power plant on the moon
The Japanese architectural and engineering firm, Shimizu, has a solution for the climate crisis: Simply build a band of solar panels 400 kilometers (249 miles) wide running all the way around the Moon’s 11,000-kilometer (6,835 mile) equator and beam the carbon-free energy back to Earth in the form of microwaves, which are converted into electricity at ground stations.
