Solar Science
January 24, 2011
Solar3D Develops More Efficient System
Solar3D is simply what its title implies. Because up to 30% of incident sunlight can bounce off regular solar cells, this technology traps the sun in micro-photovoltaic structures that collect photons that are converted into electrons. The system uses light management techniques currently utilized in fiber optics. Not only can this be used in have many different applications, the company claims that it will make solar power more efficient and affordable.
(Thanks, Monica and Jennifer)
Via Solar3D
January 10, 2011
Solar Window Technology More Affordable
New Energy Technologies has announced a new type of technology that could be more efficient and lower priced than most solar power tech used today. Solar Window is a liquid, see thru compound that can be applied without a high-vacuum. Developed by a USF physics team, the resulting coating is less than 1/10th thick and uses what they claim are the "world's smallest functional solar cells." Between the lower cost and easier application, we think that NET may soon help make solar energy fit into more energy budgets.
(Thanks, Jerry)
Via NET
September 13, 2010
MIT Self-Repairing Photovoltaic Tech
A team at MIT has created molecules that can be repeatedly broken down and reassembled, just as plants do in nature. The solar process is not like the static PV cells on a panel. Instead, the repair allows constant energy to occur without any damage. This takes place in synthetic chloroplasts, the parts in cells that consume carbon dioxide and utilize light to produce glucose. The project, headed by Michael Strano, may eventually be able to increase productivity up to 50%.
Via Eureka Alert
September 6, 2010
NASA to Probe Sun
When you think about the sun, what else comes to mind but humming "hot hot hot" in a Cure-ish kind of way? Well, if you happen to be NASA you think of it as a star that needs to be studied. To this end, they plan to launch a Solar Probe Plus (as shown in this artist's rendering) sometime before 2018, equipped with a solar wind particle detector, 3D cam and a device to measure its magnetic field.
Won't it burn up before it gets there, you ask? Of course, it will we answer, since the sun sends out temperatures exceeding 2,550º F. But, before its demise, the $180 million SPP will send back data that NASA scientist Lika Guhathakurta says, "for the very first time, we'll be able to touch, taste and smell our Sun."
Via NASA
June 23, 2010
BC Develops Nanocoax Solar Film
Researchers at Boston College have developed a thin film solar cell that is thick enough to capture light but thinner than most, enabling it to carry a more effective current. Patented last year, the nanocoax was based on a coaxial concept that was originally conceived in the 1800's. Because it is not created with crystalline materials, the cells will be less expensive to create.
Via Boston College
March 22, 2010
UCLA Devises New Energy Policy
J.R. DeShazo, the director of the Luskin Center for Innovation, in conjunction with other UCLA colleagues, has come up with a new energy policy for LA. Included is a "feed-in tariff," that encourages residents to install solar systems. Already in place in Germany, Europe, Vermont and Florida, the system allows those that do to sell excess energy back at above market level.
To accomplish this, rates would be 2.7 cents more/kwh with 0.7 cents going to a lockbox that funds energy efficiency and the solar power feed-in. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa claims that 8,000 new jobs would be generated over the next 10 years once the program is initiated.
Via UCLA
March 15, 2010
UK Develops More Efficient Extraction By Solar Power
Scientists in the UK have extracted hydrogen from water with an outstanding 60% efficiency by using solar energy. Nanoclusters of indium phosphide on a gold electrode allowed the absorption of light photons. Their next step is to find a less expensive material that will perform as well as gold.
Via Treehugger
March 3, 2010
Radiometer Works With Sunshine
Who didn't have a Radiometer as a kid? We did, but never really new how it worked. It seems the vanes inside transfer heat from the sun to each other. The lighter vanes reflect the rays and the darker ones absorb them. The more sun there is, the faster the vanes move.
Via Radiometer
February 25, 2010
CIT Develops Nanorod Solar Cells
The California Institute of Technology in Pasadena is using an existing technique that assembles nanowires on a surface to develop silicon nanorod solar cells that can be assembled in a "carpet" and embedded in a transparent polymer. The flexible cells use only about 1% of the material needed. Future applications would be inexpensive solar panels and clothing.
Via Nature
February 18, 2010
U of M Builds Tiny Solar-Powered Sensor
A team from the University of Michigan has developed a minute solar-powered sensor that provides almost continuous energy. Small as it is at 2.5 x 3.5 x 1mm, it has an ARM Cortex-M3 processor, solar cells and battery. With a low power microcontroller, it uses 2,000 times less energy in sleep mode than current ones. The sensor spends most of its time in that mode and wakes up long enough to take measurements. Planned for biomedical implants and monitoring buildings, its average power consumption claim is less than 1 nanowatt.
Via MSNBC
February 1, 2010
Synthetic Solar Cells Grown on Tobacco
You may be able to put this in your pipe but don't smoke it. A team at UC Berkeley have found a way to grow synthetic photovoltaic and photochemical cells on tobacco plants. They are then extracted, dissolved in a solution and sprayed onto a substrate with the result being solar cells. They may be not be as efficient as silicon but they are biodegradable.
Via Discovery
January 28, 2010
UA to Construct Solar Tech Park
The University of Arizona Tech Park is using solar power to make themselves and others aware of same. They will be building a 45 acre park covered with parabolic solar mirrors. When the $32 million project is completed next year, it will generate enough energy for over 1,500 homes and will reduce up to 1,600 tons of carbon emissions. In addition to producing electricity, it will also house a research and development facility.
Via UA News
January 18, 2010
University Develops 'Oil and Water' Solar Cell Assembly
The University of Minnesota has been working on a method of self-assembling of small solar components that combine to make cells. The researchers plan to mesh silicon and gold on a 2 dimensional sheet by using an oil/water mix. This has resulted in needing only 3 minutes to create a 64,000-component device. The team believes that this method can lend itself to many types of electronic components.
Via BBC
January 14, 2010
UNR Student Develops Solar Distillation Pond
Francisco Suarez, a doctoral student at the University of Nevada, Reno, is developing a process that will save ecosystems in closed basin regions, such as the Great Salt Lake and Salton Sea, where the evaporation rate leaves a high concentration of salt and minerals. His solar pond traps heat in the storage zone on the bottom, which can reach temperatures of up to 195º F. It can then desalinate the water with a patented membrane distillation system that uses the solar heat as the energy source.
Via UNR
Mailing List
Subscribe - RSS
