solar cells Archives – The Green Optimistic

New Solar Windows That Can Halve Your Electric Bill

Arsenij Percov — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 21:24:51 +0000

Chinese scientists have invented a new material that can block the unnecessary sunlight and produce power. Previously, windows could do only one thing, either to be tinted and shut out sunlight, to reduce the heating and cooling cost, or to use see-through solar cells to generate electricity. Windows using this new material can do both […]

The post New Solar Windows That Can Halve Your Electric Bill appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

New 3D Printed Material Could Reduce the Cost of Solar Cells

Guest Contributor — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 13:41:52 +0000

While the use of solar cells is a good way to harness the power of the Sun and cut back on our dependency, most people are put off by their high prices. Much research has gone into making solar cells cheaper, however, the answer to this problem may come from a group of researchers from […]

The post New 3D Printed Material Could Reduce the Cost of Solar Cells appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Air Pollution in India Cuts Solar Power Output Over 25%

Janina Lazo-Cruz — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 11:24:35 +0000

A study conducted by Indian and American researchers measured for the first time the effect of smog and dust deposition on the efficiency of solar cells in the world’s third largest polluter, India – an unexpectedly huge 25 to 30 percent of power is lost, equivalent to 3,900 megawatts, which is six times the capacity […]

The post Air Pollution in India Cuts Solar Power Output Over 25% appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Moth Eye Inspired Nanostructure Reduces Reflectivity of Solar Cells

Janina Lazo-Cruz — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 16:54:45 +0000

Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) recently found a new technology alternative to anti-reflection coatings in order to address the desire in solar cells to minimize reflectivity, absorbing more sunlight and thus, generating more electricity. The technology is based on biomimicry concept that duplicates the hierarchical structure of a moth’s eye, which is known […]

The post Moth Eye Inspired Nanostructure Reduces Reflectivity of Solar Cells appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

New Plasmonic Metamaterial Could Revolutionize Solar Cells

Nicholas Say — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 07:47:37 +0000

A recent discovery at the University of California San Diego could change the field of photonics. A team of engineers has fabricated a plasmonic metamaterial that could change the way we look at optical transmission. Their new material shows promise is the field of light-based technologies, like photovoltaics, fiber optics, and lasers. Their new material […]

The post New Plasmonic Metamaterial Could Revolutionize Solar Cells appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Mechanism Will Make Solar Cells Absorb More Visible Light

Courtney Lepping — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 20:35:55 +0000

Solar energy comprises different wavelengths of light. While 43 percent of solar energy is visible light, 5 percent is UV light. It’s important for materials to absorb visible light in order for solar cells to present better, more efficient energy sources. This concept generally encompasses light harvesting, or using the sun for energy. In a […]

The post Mechanism Will Make Solar Cells Absorb More Visible Light appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

New Perovskite Solar Panels from MIT Fix Themselves With Light

Courtney Lepping — Thu, 26 May 2016 06:33:17 +0000

Researchers at MIT added to the work on perovskite materials by introducing a light-based method that improves their performance. Perovskites are compounds often produced as thin films that are used in solar cell applications. Past research differs in that it has used electrical and chemical treatments to alter perovskite performance. Although perovskites offer solar cell […]

The post New Perovskite Solar Panels from MIT Fix Themselves With Light appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Thermophotovoltaic Solar Cells Produce Electricity in the Dark

Mila Luleva — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 17:33:05 +0000

Scientists developed a new nanomaterial that can make solar cells generate electricity in the dark. “Solar power generation in the dark? How is this possible?” If these were the questions that popped up in your mind when you read the title, I would say, you have every right to ask. This is especially the case […]

The post Thermophotovoltaic Solar Cells Produce Electricity in the Dark appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Graphene Solar Cells Produce Electricity from Sun and Rain

Mila Luleva — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 16:03:13 +0000

Adding graphene to solar cells makes them generate power from rain. Solar power has been on a continuous rise over the past decade. Rooftop solar is arguably the most common renewable energy source for home use, and solar power plants are arguably the biggest renewable energy large scale generators. But, regardless of all this, there […]

The post Graphene Solar Cells Produce Electricity from Sun and Rain appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Perovskite Solar Cells – Bigger, More Efficient and Ready for Accreditation

Mila Luleva — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:13:00 +0000

Scientists have discovered a way to scale up perovskite solar cells so that they can remain stable, and allow to be tested for their efficiency in the same way as traditional solar cells. Perovskite material has shown all the needed potential to replace silicon in traditional solar cells. It is seen as the cheaper alternative, which can […]

The post Perovskite Solar Cells – Bigger, More Efficient and Ready for Accreditation appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

“Rectenna” Device Turns Light into Electricity in a Different Way

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 06:23:52 +0000

Scientists at Georgia Tech have found a way to turn light directly into electricity with a device called an optical “rectenna”. The breakthrough’s goofy name comes from the fact that it is made of both an antenna and a rectifier diode. The technology is simple, efficient, and has the potential to completely change the way […]

The post “Rectenna” Device Turns Light into Electricity in a Different Way appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

8 New Ideas for Battery Technology in 2015

Annika Tostengard — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 06:48:19 +0000

Even though 2015 is only about halfway done, innovative new ideas for battery technology have been announced one after another this year. Though these entries are still just ideas, they have the potential to change battery technology completely. Below are the eight best innovations to be announced within the last quarter: 1. Solar Cells Integrated with […]

The post 8 New Ideas for Battery Technology in 2015 appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Perovskite Solar Cells Give ROI in as Little as 3 Months

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 08:00:54 +0000

Perovskite solar cells are considered to have great potential in producing energy, but researchers at Northwestern University and the US Department of Energy claim that these solar cells can provide a return on investment after only three months. This is ten times faster than current cells, which are made of silicon. Solar panels do leave […]

The post Perovskite Solar Cells Give ROI in as Little as 3 Months appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

DIY: How to Make a Flower Pot that Harvests Solar Energy

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 20:48:43 +0000

Some people find solar panels to be less than pleasing to the eye. Some people just like to tinker. If you belong to one of these groups, consider this cute flower pot that secretly generates solar energy. Check out how to make one below: 1. What You’ll Need 7805 Voltage Regulator Heat sink for […]

The post DIY: How to Make a Flower Pot that Harvests Solar Energy appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Solar Powered iPhone May Be Available Soon

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 07:11:02 +0000

A patent has been given to Apple after they filed their design for an iPhone that uses solar power to charge throughout the day. The solar panels would be hidden behind the touchscreen. The patent does not explicitly explain how the technology works, but that means it could also be used for other Apple products […]

The post Solar Powered iPhone May Be Available Soon appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Solar Impulse 2 Finally Reaches Hawaii

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 19:16:36 +0000

The world’s first solar energy plane landed in Kalaeloa Airport around six AM this morning after flying all the way from Japan across the Pacific. Andre Borschberg, the pilot, reportedly made the landing very gently. He has gotten almost no sleep this week, but he has just broken the record for the longest manned, solar-powered flight. Borschberg spent […]

The post Solar Impulse 2 Finally Reaches Hawaii appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Plant-Inspired Technology Makes Solar Cells Store Energy

Mila Luleva — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 13:08:25 +0000

Technology inspired by plant photosynthesis, allows solar cells to store energy for weeks, eliminating the need of batteries. Everyone is getting a bit tired of hearing that lack of development in energy storage stands in the way of otherwise blossoming renewable energy generation. But while battery developers are spending countless sleepless nights, trying to figure […]

The post Plant-Inspired Technology Makes Solar Cells Store Energy appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Gold – the Key to Simpler Solar Cell Manufacture

Sarah Higman — Thu, 14 May 2015 20:12:52 +0000

Scientists at Rice University have developed a simpler way to change plain silicon into valuable black silicon by using the top electrode as the catalyst. Gold electrodes serve as the catalyst in this new process which will benefit solar cell manufacture. Black silicon reflects little light and allows more to reach the active elements of […]

The post Gold – the Key to Simpler Solar Cell Manufacture appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Perovskite Solar Cells Yielding More Power

Sarah Higman — Sat, 02 May 2015 12:22:55 +0000

Perovskites is currently all the rage in solar cell technology and researchers have found a way to make them even more efficient. Perovskite is a type of mineral formed in the earths mantle and is an excellent light harvester. Manufacturers are particularly interested in using perovskites in solar cell development as it is cheaper to […]

The post Perovskite Solar Cells Yielding More Power appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Solar Cells and LEDs Get an Extra Boost from Silicon

Mila Luleva — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 08:09:50 +0000

US scientists discovered the ability of a special form of silicon to both conduct electricity, and absorb and emit light. The unique property of the element makes it extremely suitable for use in new generation solar cells and LED lights. This form of silicon is not the one that we find in great abundance in […]

The post Solar Cells and LEDs Get an Extra Boost from Silicon appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Black Silicon Made from Copper Gets Even Cheaper, Impacts Solar Cells

Ari Luis — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 08:33:26 +0000

In several articles in the past, we featured black silicon– a technology that can be used to tweak the current solar cell production process and come up with more efficient solar cells. Although the silicon isn’t really black, it looks dark because very, very little light gets reflected – less than 5%, in fact. This […]

The post Black Silicon Made from Copper Gets Even Cheaper, Impacts Solar Cells appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Photovoltaic Cells Might Soon be Made Out of Bacteria, MIT Study

Mila Luleva — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 15:32:24 +0000

Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) produced biofilms from bacteria, which can conduct electricity and emit light. Inspired by bones, mixed matrices that can be observed in nature, the team combined living cells with materials such as nanoparticles and quantum dots to produce the living material that one day could lead to low cost manufacturing […]

The post Photovoltaic Cells Might Soon be Made Out of Bacteria, MIT Study appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

New Low-Cost Anti-Soiling Solar Panel Coating Can Optimize Efficiency

Mila Luleva — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 17:52:22 +0000

New coating for solar panels developed by researchers from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has shown the remarkable ability to repel various types of liquids, including water, as well as solid particles, which are known to reduce energy efficiency. The development, funded by Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy SunShot Concentrating Solar Power Program of the […]

The post New Low-Cost Anti-Soiling Solar Panel Coating Can Optimize Efficiency appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

New Theoretical Model Could Boost Solar Cell Efficiency

Danny Harper — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 18:53:20 +0000

In order for solar to become a financially viable alternative to fossil fuels, the efficiency must increase greatly. This mean breaking through the theoretical limit of 10% efficiency (the Shockley-Quiesser limit) and creating solar cells that offer cost-effective clean energy. Scientists up to this point have struggled with truly understanding the materials that make up […]

The post New Theoretical Model Could Boost Solar Cell Efficiency appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

New Wood-Fiber Paper Boosts Efficiency Of Solar Cells In An Environmentally-Friendly Way

Mila Luleva — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 13:52:06 +0000

New material resembling paper, entirely made of wood fibers, holds huge promises for the future of solar cells. Developed by scientists from the University of Maryland, the South China University of Technology, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, it handles the problem that every other material used in solar cells has- that of having to sacrifice optical […]

The post New Wood-Fiber Paper Boosts Efficiency Of Solar Cells In An Environmentally-Friendly Way appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

New Graphene-Based Solar Cells Have Doubled Efficiency

Mila Luleva — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 11:21:53 +0000

Continuously hearing about all the incredible properties of what is considered to be the greatest material on earth (sort of..), only makes us more agitated and impatient in waiting for the life-altering new product made of graphene. Although graphene could be used in numerous technologies and various applications, and there is no doubt it could change […]

The post New Graphene-Based Solar Cells Have Doubled Efficiency appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Playing Pop Music to Solar Cells Boosts Their Efficiency, Researchers Find

Mila Luleva — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 14:08:27 +0000

Many have been trying to boost efficiency of solar cells, developing and discovering new technologies that often seem too optimistic and quite adventurous. One such example comes from British scientists at the Queen Mary University and Imperial College London. They found out that some solar cells produce much more electricity if music is played to […]

The post Playing Pop Music to Solar Cells Boosts Their Efficiency, Researchers Find appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

New Efficiency Record in Solar Cells Obtained With Perfect InGaN Crystal

Mila Luleva — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 13:00:44 +0000

The world of solar is reaching new heights, as scientists and engineers fight to achieve maximum efficiency at minimal cost by inventing new technologies and materials almost every day. The latest breakthrough comes from a research conducted by US scientists, who claim to have established a new and improved way to grow indium gallium nitride […]

The post New Efficiency Record in Solar Cells Obtained With Perfect InGaN Crystal appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Eco-Friendly Cities of the Future Will Use Transparent Solar Cells

Leigh Hutchens — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 00:39:00 +0000

The Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) recently conducted a study in which researchers fabricated an optimal organic solar cell with both a high level of transparency and high power conversion efficiency. This is the latest step in creating cleaner, more affordable, and more ubiquitous renewable energy. Solar panels have advanced rapidly in the 30 years […]

The post Eco-Friendly Cities of the Future Will Use Transparent Solar Cells appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Quantum Dots or Nanowires Hold the Future of Solar Panels, Study Finds

Mila Luleva — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 18:02:02 +0000

Recent improvement in solar panel technology and solar cell efficiency have made solar power one of the most promising renewable energy sources of the future. Prices are continuously dropping, technological advances are continuously emerging, and science is continuously discovering new ways to bring innovation in this developing field. A team of researchers from North Dakota […]

The post Quantum Dots or Nanowires Hold the Future of Solar Panels, Study Finds appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Stacked Solar Cells Efficient up to 70,000-Suns, North Carolina State University

Benji Jerew — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 19:30:24 +0000

In order to increase the output associated with a certain area of solar cells exposed to sunlight, various methods have been tried, such as stacking, concentrating, or spectrum tuning, even nanotechnology. For example, the most efficient solar cells are about 45% efficient, that is, they can convert 45% of the sun’s energy into electricity. The […]

The post Stacked Solar Cells Efficient up to 70,000-Suns, North Carolina State University appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

3D Graphene Replaces Platinum in Solar Cells, Brings Prices Down

Mila Luleva — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 18:15:11 +0000

Scientists from Michigan Technological University (MTU) developed 3D graphene, a material which has a great potential in replacing platinum, bringing down significantly the cost of conventional dye-sensitized solar cells. Graphene is no doubt a miracle material with numerous properties, many of which are not even discovered yet. It almost feels like scientists nowadays are pushing […]

The post 3D Graphene Replaces Platinum in Solar Cells, Brings Prices Down appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Perú Bringing Solar Power to the Masses

Benji Jerew — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 13:48:09 +0000

According to some detractors, renewable energy and efficiency programs cost jobs and would be bad for the economy. This is exactly the kind of bureaucratic head-in-the-ground thinking that keeps solar power programs, and others, on hold here in the US. Other countries are embracing the change to clean energy. Perú, for example, has an abundance […]

The post Perú Bringing Solar Power to the Masses appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

New Technique Identifies Manufacturing Residue, Improves Solar Cell Efficiency

Mila Luleva — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:16:06 +0000

Scientists from Argonne National Laboratory discovered that the efficiency of solar cells is reduced by traces of residue from the manufacturing process of organic photovoltaics. Solar cells based on organic polymers, or the so-called organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs), are known to be much cheaper to make than the popular silicon solar cells. They can be applied […]

The post New Technique Identifies Manufacturing Residue, Improves Solar Cell Efficiency appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

International Solar Manufacturers Against EU’s Tariffs For Chinese Imports

Mila Luleva — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:28:47 +0000

Over 1000 international solar manufacturing companies have submitted a joint complaint to the European Commission urging them not to continue with their plan to impose tariffs on solar panels imported from China. It is hugely speculated that after launching an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation against unfair subsidies for Chinese solar makers, EU will now follow […]

The post International Solar Manufacturers Against EU’s Tariffs For Chinese Imports appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Roads Covered by Solar Panels Could Boost Energy Production in India

Mila Luleva — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:12:35 +0000

An initiative to cover main roads and highways with solar power module platforms was proposed by scientists at the Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI) in India. The technology will not only generate large amounts of electricity, but will also help governmental officials save money on buying expensive land for solar farms. The team of […]

The post Roads Covered by Solar Panels Could Boost Energy Production in India appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

New Record-Breaking Efficiency of Solar Cells for Mobile Devices

Mila Luleva — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 19:46:22 +0000

Yet another record efficiency is achieved with solar cells developed by Alta Devices, a small startup in the field of solar energy. In times when finding cheaper renewable energy sources is the essence of combating greenhouse gas emissions, solar companies are constantly introducing new techniques that lower the cost of solar while boosting the efficiency. […]

The post New Record-Breaking Efficiency of Solar Cells for Mobile Devices appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Solar Cells and Supercapacitors Improved by New 3D Germanium Sulfide Nanostructure

Ovidiu Sandru — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 19:06:04 +0000

Next-generation supercapacitors and solar cells could be improved by a newly-created germanium sulfide (GeS) nanomaterial resembling a shish-kebab. North Carolina State University researchers put up a three-dimensional structure that consists of multiple bi-dimensional nanosheets impaled by a one-dimensional nanowire of germanium sulfide. To create the heterosurface, the researchers begin by creating the nanowire 100 nanometers […]

The post Solar Cells and Supercapacitors Improved by New 3D Germanium Sulfide Nanostructure appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Solar Cells Made With Layered Oxide Heterostructures Are Ultra-Efficient

Mila Luleva — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 13:33:52 +0000

A new class of materials, known as layered oxide heterostructures, made by stacking single atomic layers of oxides, can be used to create a brand new kind of ultra-thin, super-efficient solar cells. Researchers from the Vienna University of Technology, together with colleagues from the US and Germany, discovered the unique electronic properties of these materials […]

The post Solar Cells Made With Layered Oxide Heterostructures Are Ultra-Efficient appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Nanowire-Embedded Quantum Dots Break Solar Cell Efficiency Records

Mila Luleva — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 20:20:15 +0000

An international team of scientists from Sweden, Switzerland, Spain and the US established a process through which quantum dots can self-assemble at optimal locations in nanowires. This discovery might just be the key to improving not only solar cells, but also quantum computing and lighting devices. A press release by NREL from last week, stated […]

The post Nanowire-Embedded Quantum Dots Break Solar Cell Efficiency Records appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

V3Solar Spin Cells: Solar Power at Its Cheapest

Mila Luleva — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 12:49:13 +0000

Electricity generated from solar cells has been the subject of debate for quite some time now. As clean and as environmentally friendly it can be, its price has presented a limitation. CleanTechnica released an exclusive article this week, showing the latest technology in the solar field. The V3Solar Spin Cell could be just the solution […]

The post V3Solar Spin Cells: Solar Power at Its Cheapest appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Nanowire Technology Used for More Efficient Solar Cells

Benji Jerew — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:43:39 +0000

Silicon solar cells currently are, at a maximum, between 19% and 50% efficient converting solar energy into electricity. The rest of that energy is lost to heat and reflection, as well as resistance in the cells themselves. Part of the problem is that silicon solar cells can only be made reactive to a certain part […]

The post Nanowire Technology Used for More Efficient Solar Cells appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Black Silicon Makes Solar Cells More Efficient

Leigh Hutchens — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 06:18:30 +0000

Aalto University scientists have achieved an improvement in light absorption and surface passivation of silicon nanostructures after applying an atomic layer coating. This finding may advance high sensitivity light response devices such as high efficiency solar cells. Researchers detailed their findings in the January issue of Journal of Photovoltaics. Surface passivation is improved by utilizing […]

The post Black Silicon Makes Solar Cells More Efficient appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Strong Nanomaterials from Snails Improve Solar Cells and Lithium-ion Batteries

Mila Luleva — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 19:10:56 +0000

A recent paper published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, reveals how the largest type of chitons- gumboot chitons, can contribute to improving solar cells and lithium-ion batteries. Professor David Kisailus, from the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering, together with his team of students and scientists at Harvard University, University in Cambridge […]

The post Strong Nanomaterials from Snails Improve Solar Cells and Lithium-ion Batteries appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Silicon Photovoltaic Wafer Screening System Will Save Solar Industry Billions

Leigh Hutchens — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 07:54:26 +0000

The industrial material production process is very hard on silicon wafers. In fact, between 5 and 10% of these expensive wafers used to make photovoltaic solar cells are damaged during the process, translating annually into billions of lost dollars by the solar industry. Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have created a Silicon […]

The post Silicon Photovoltaic Wafer Screening System Will Save Solar Industry Billions appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Major Comeback of Building-Integrated Solar Panels by 2017

Mila Luleva — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 22:43:02 +0000

A new report, released by Pike Research, shows that the market for solar panels built into building roofs and walls will grow from 400MW in 2012 to 2.25 GW in the next five years. This technology, also known as “building-integrated photovoltaics” or BIPV, consists of thin film solar panels that can be printed directly onto […]

The post Major Comeback of Building-Integrated Solar Panels by 2017 appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

CalTech Idea Could Double Solar Panel Efficiency

Benji Jerew — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 19:50:10 +0000

Light from the sun is made up of a number of different wavelengths ranging from 1 nanometer to 1 millimeter. Solar cells aren’t reactive to the whole spectrum, but only a small portion of it, so the rest of the spectrum outside of the reactive range is essentially wasted, absorbed by the glass and structure […]

The post CalTech Idea Could Double Solar Panel Efficiency appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Solar Cell Fibers May Lead to Wearable Energy Sources

Leigh Hutchens — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 14:21:26 +0000

For years, researchers have sought to develop a solar fabric that is wearable. The solar fabric would be pliable, portable, lightweight, wearable, and capable of capturing more of the sun’s energy since it would capture sunlight from multiple angles. Most solar fabric innovations have been comprised of printing solar cells onto regular fabrics or weaving […]

The post Solar Cell Fibers May Lead to Wearable Energy Sources appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Silver Nanocubes and Metamaterials May Revolutionize Solar Cells

Leigh Hutchens — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 06:27:19 +0000

Researchers at the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University in North Carolina have discovered that microscopic metallic cubes may allow metamaterials, human-made materials that are not found in nature, to absorb light, leading to cost-effective and efficient large-area absorbers for sensors or solar cells. Metamaterials are constructed with the ability to control the properties […]

The post Silver Nanocubes and Metamaterials May Revolutionize Solar Cells appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Innovative New Nanotech Tool Determines Efficiency of Solar Energy Conversion

Leigh Hutchens — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 06:26:28 +0000

While a fascinating field, nanoscience does have its limitations. Scientists can make and manipulate nanoscale objects with greater precision, but the imagery for examining these objects is black-and-white. Until recently, scientists have not comprehended atomic-microscopy equivalent to color and how nanoscale chemistry reacts with light. However, a new microscopy tool from the Department of Energy […]

The post Innovative New Nanotech Tool Determines Efficiency of Solar Energy Conversion appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Organic Solar Cells With Cobalt Electrolyte Outperforming Silicon PVs

Leigh Hutchens — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 08:44:10 +0000

There’s no way around it. Photovoltaics, while incredibly energy efficient, are expensive. In sharp contrast, dye-based solar cells seem to be a cheaper alternative to traditional solar cells. Looking especially promising are tandem cells made up of a conventional n-type and a p-type dye-sensitive solar cell. P-type cells are different than traditional n-type dye sensitive […]

The post Organic Solar Cells With Cobalt Electrolyte Outperforming Silicon PVs appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Nanoscale Rainbow Manipulation to Improve Solar Cells and LEDs

Leigh Hutchens — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 07:32:16 +0000

Solar cells and LED displays may get new life, thanks to researchers at King’s College London. The Biophysics and Nanotechnology Group can now separate colors and manipulate rainbows using nanoscale structures on a metal surface. Using specifically designed nanostructures, researchers trapped different colored light in different positions on a nanostructured area. They could then use […]

The post Nanoscale Rainbow Manipulation to Improve Solar Cells and LEDs appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Quantum Dots Boost Solar Cells Efficiency

Mila Luleva — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 19:57:03 +0000

New technologies emerge every day, and it gets even more exciting when they really benefit our society. One of these inventions is the new solar energy cells that have more than 100% external quantum efficiency (EQE) for photons in the solar range, while every absorbed blue photon can produce 30% more current. EQE measures how […]

The post Quantum Dots Boost Solar Cells Efficiency appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

History of Solar Power: The Key To The Future Lies In The Past

Mila Luleva — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 04:28:24 +0000

As the days go by, we keep hearing more and more about greenhouse gases, depleting ozone layer, climate change, global warming. It seems like nearly every research theme has focused on mitigating, preventing or coping with the consequences of one or all of the above. Here, we decided to pay particular attention to solar energy. […]

The post History of Solar Power: The Key To The Future Lies In The Past appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Satellite Powered by Triple Junction Solar Cells to be Launched in 2015

Mila Luleva — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 20:02:38 +0000

Emcore, a company that has successfully supplied primary power to more than 100 satellites since 2001, announced the signing of their latest contract on Wednesday. The deal was made with Alliant TechSystems Inc. (AKT) to produce solar panels for the new AMOS-6 telecommunication satellite. The anticipated launch is scheduled for year 2015, and the machine […]

The post Satellite Powered by Triple Junction Solar Cells to be Launched in 2015 appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Economical Anti-Reflection Coating Increases Solar Cell Efficiency By 3%

Janina Lazo-Cruz — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 13:20:47 +0000

Brisbane Materials of Australia has recently developed a 110-nm thick anti-reflection coating with refractive index of 1.25 that they claim to be the most cost-effective and highest performing coating to date, improving a photovoltaic cell’s efficiency by as much as 3%. Anti-reflection coatings are applied on top of solar cells’ glass cover, which protects them […]

The post Economical Anti-Reflection Coating Increases Solar Cell Efficiency By 3% appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Improved Solar Cells Provide Astonishing Energy Conversion Efficiency

Mila Luleva — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 14:34:36 +0000

At the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition that took place in Frankfurt between 24th and 28th of September, Professor Christophe Ballif and his team of researchers from the Photovoltaics Laboratory (PVlab)- EPFL’s Institute of Microengineering in Neuchatel, presented a striking innovation. They claimed that as little as $2500 in photovoltaic cells could easily […]

The post Improved Solar Cells Provide Astonishing Energy Conversion Efficiency appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

New Technology Allows Fabrication of Solar Cells from any Semiconductor Material

Maria Reyes — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 20:02:01 +0000

Researchers at Berkeley Lab are developing a novel technology that allows the fabrication of low-cost, high efficiency solar cells from any semiconductor material. The new technology allows scientist to sidestep the difficulty in chemically tailoring many earth-abundant, non-toxic semiconductors such as metal oxides, sulfides and phosphides. The paper describing this research was published in Nano […]

The post New Technology Allows Fabrication of Solar Cells from any Semiconductor Material appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Amorphous Silicon Integrated PVT: The More Efficient Solar Energy Solution

Maria Reyes — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 20:07:17 +0000

Dealing with the dilemma of wanting to install power-generating solar panels, but these are too bulky and will leave no space for your solar heating system? Worry no more. Researchers have developed an integrated PVT using amorphous silicon that optimizes the efficiency of both solar electricity generation and solar heat generation in one convenient package. […]

The post Amorphous Silicon Integrated PVT: The More Efficient Solar Energy Solution appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Organic Solar Cells Market to Skyrocket in 10 Years, Report Says

Ovidiu Sandru — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:42:45 +0000

If you are about to invest in silicon-based photovoltaics, please stop for a moment and read this. IDTechEx, a market research company, has published a report saying that the organic (not silicon) photovoltaic market is about to hit a value of $630 million in ten years. The growth will be stupendous: 1300% from today’s $4.6 […]

The post Organic Solar Cells Market to Skyrocket in 10 Years, Report Says appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Gold Nanodots Could Improve Solar Cell Efficiency, Researchers Say

Ovidiu Sandru — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:00:39 +0000

An international team of researchers from France and Denmark have recently discovered that, by using a thin film of gold nanodots in solar cells could improve their conversion efficiency. The 0.5 nanometer-thick nanodots thus find applicability in the field of organic photovoltaics, where the researchers want to cover the indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode layer […]

The post Gold Nanodots Could Improve Solar Cell Efficiency, Researchers Say appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Grätzel's New Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Cheaper and More Efficient

Ovidiu Sandru — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:34:34 +0000

As our loyal readers already know, Michael Grätzel invented dye-sensitized solar cells 20 years ago, but, despite their low price, these organic cells have proved rather inefficient. However, Grätzel now found a solution for the cells to be cheaper and more efficient. Grätzel’s cells use organic dyes to absorb sunlight, which hits the titanium dioxide […]

The post Grätzel's New Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Cheaper and More Efficient appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Record: AltaDevices Brags 28.2 Percent Efficient Gallium Arsenide Solar Cell

Ovidiu Sandru — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:18:17 +0000

A new solar cell efficiency record has been achieved by a startup CA-based company called Alta Devices. Previously unknown, the Santa Clara firm brags an efficiency of 28.2 percent for their gallium-arsenide solar cell, a number 2 percent higher than last year's previous record, and could eventually bring down the costs of solar power to make it compete with coal and gas.

The post Record: AltaDevices Brags 28.2 Percent Efficient Gallium Arsenide Solar Cell appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Atom-Thick Coating Helps Researchers Achieve Artificial Photosynthesis

Ovidiu Sandru — Wed, 11 May 2011 18:24:32 +0000

By growing layers of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide on a semiconductor surface, researchers from the ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Â°cole polytechnique fÃƒÆ’©dÃƒÆ’©rale de Lausanne (EPFL) have managed to create solar cells that can ultimately extract hydrogen from water under the direct action of sunlight, just like leaves do their natural photosynthesis.

The post Atom-Thick Coating Helps Researchers Achieve Artificial Photosynthesis appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

MIT Engineered Virus Could Make Solar Cells More Efficient

Ovidiu Sandru — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 17:52:42 +0000

Viruses are mostly seen as the bad side of nature, the fallen creation or just that unwanted flu during those sunny days when you were supposed to go play outside. For Angela Belcher viruses are working tools, since she and her MIT colleagues have just found a way to guide some of them so they make solar cells more efficient, by as much as a third.

The post MIT Engineered Virus Could Make Solar Cells More Efficient appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Organic Solar Cells Greener Than Silicon-Based Ones, Rochester Study Reveals

Ovidiu Sandru — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 09:22:49 +0000

A recent study, conducted by the Rochester Institute of Technology, reveals that the total energy needed to make organic solar cells is less than the one needed to make inorganic solar cells.

The post Organic Solar Cells Greener Than Silicon-Based Ones, Rochester Study Reveals appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Barack Obama Refuses New Solar Panels On The White House

Ovidiu Sandru — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:49:58 +0000

U.S. president Barack Obama has recently refused a proposal to reinstall solar panels on the White House rooftops. The proposal came from Bill McKibben, the founder of a group of environmental activists, who went to Obama in a biodiesel-powered van. Ex-president Jimmy Carter had installed the proposed solar panels on the White House back in 1979. They used to provide heat and were a logo of America's will to free itself from foreign oil.

The post Barack Obama Refuses New Solar Panels On The White House appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Heliatek: World's First Company to Manufacture and Commercialize Organic Solar Cells

Ovidiu Sandru — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:56:39 +0000

The first organic solar cell has come from Switzerland. It seems somehow normal that the first practical application and the first organic solar cell manufacturer to come from Germany - doesn't it?

The post Heliatek: World's First Company to Manufacture and Commercialize Organic Solar Cells appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Neo Solar Power Builds New Solar Plant in Taiwan

Mike Sandru — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:08:33 +0000

The new factory is expected to have a 3.4 GW capacity, almost 1 GW more compared to the capacity produced by all Taiwanese manufacturers.

The post Neo Solar Power Builds New Solar Plant in Taiwan appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Solar Roadways Reinventing How We Build Our Paths That Charge Our Cars

Ovidiu Sandru — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:02:20 +0000

The world struggles to make a place for solar panels on the planet, and it looks like there’s not enough space for that. A team of visionaries have planned what they call the next big thing in alternative energy: solar powered roadways. Here’s a short introductory video about what these guys do with the $200 […]

The post Solar Roadways Reinventing How We Build Our Paths That Charge Our Cars appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Huge Swiss Airplane Powered Only by Solar Cells Takes Off For 36h Flight

Mike Sandru — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 05:17:35 +0000

A huge plane powered by solar energy is being tested in Switzerland. In December, the airplane made its first successful test flight, rising at a height of just one meter above the ground.

The post Huge Swiss Airplane Powered Only by Solar Cells Takes Off For 36h Flight appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

NREL Building PDIL: Six Automated Robots Helping Solar Industry's R&D

Ovidiu Sandru — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:50:50 +0000

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has built a robot that will help the R&D of thin film solar cells, analyzing possible defects faster and more accurate than any other existing system. It is called the PDIL (Process Development and Integration Laboratory).

The post NREL Building PDIL: Six Automated Robots Helping Solar Industry's R&D appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

IBM's Efficient Thin Film Solar Cell Made of Cheap Materials

Cristi — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:37:54 +0000

They managed to increase the efficiency with almost 40% of their solar cells, from 6,7 percent to 9,6 percent. To reduce even more the costs, these solar cells are build with an inexpensive ink-based process.

The post IBM's Efficient Thin Film Solar Cell Made of Cheap Materials appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Sixtron's Antireflective Coatings Solve Safety and Efficiency Issues in Solar Cell Technology

Ovidiu Sandru — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:50:37 +0000

Up to now, the most used antireflective coating method has been the vapor deposition of a silicon nitride film by using a highly-flamable silane gas, which can ignite when exposed to air. Transporting, storing, ventilating silane gas and other safety-keeping operation make the process very expensive.

The post Sixtron's Antireflective Coatings Solve Safety and Efficiency Issues in Solar Cell Technology appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Scientists Hack Tobacco Plants to Grow Synthetic Photovoltaic Cells

Mike Sandru — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:36:03 +0000

A group of scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have developed a way to produce artificial photovoltaic and photochemical cells by infecting the tobacco plants with a genetically engineered virus. Unlike traditional methods of making solar cells, this new technique is more environmentally friendly (because the cells are biodegradable) and cheap.

The post Scientists Hack Tobacco Plants to Grow Synthetic Photovoltaic Cells appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Glitter-Sized Photovoltaic Cells Expected to Produce More Power at Less Cost

Mike Sandru — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:21:32 +0000

ÃƒÂ¢€Ã…â€œEventually units could be mass-produced and wrapped around unusual shapes for building-integrated solar, tents and maybe even clothing. This would make it possible for hunters, hikers or military personnel in the field to recharge batteries for phones, cameras and other electronic devices as they walk or rest.ÃƒÂ¢€ said Greg Nielson, Sandia lead investigator.

The post Glitter-Sized Photovoltaic Cells Expected to Produce More Power at Less Cost appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Solar Tree – An Artificial Tree to Produce Clean Electricity from Wind and Sun

Mike Sandru — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:44:41 +0000

The leaves of the tree are connected to a vertical-axis wind turbine. Every leaf has a grouping of high-efficiency photovoltaic solar cells that transmit electricity down the tree's core. The solar cells are connected from the upper turbine to the trunk through wireless energy transfer by induction.

The post Solar Tree – An Artificial Tree to Produce Clean Electricity from Wind and Sun appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Solexant's Single Layer Thin Film Solar Cell Proves Both Efficient and Cheap

Cristi — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:53:46 +0000

A San Jose, California based company called Solexant has started the development of a thin film solar cell which is cheap and very efficient. Solexant is very confident that their serial production thin film solar cell will have and efficiency increase of 10% compared to silicon based cells.

The post Solexant's Single Layer Thin Film Solar Cell Proves Both Efficient and Cheap appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Sanyo Develops Flexible Solar Cell That's Thinner Than Human Hair

Mike Sandru — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:00:45 +0000

After announcing the company's plan to become Japan's largest solar manufacturer and one of the top players in the domestic solar industry, Sanyo claimed that it has developed a new type of flexible solar cell that is thinner than a human hair.

The post Sanyo Develops Flexible Solar Cell That's Thinner Than Human Hair appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Coral-Shaped Nanomaterials Making Great Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Ovidiu Sandru — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:12:43 +0000

Coral shaped nanomaterials could help scientists make more efficient solar cells. A team of chinese researchers, led by Jinhuai Liu at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, changed the structure of tin oxide to serve various purposes in solar cells, batteries, gas sensors and other devices.

The post Coral-Shaped Nanomaterials Making Great Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Solyndra's Cylindrical Solar Cell Racks Reduce Costs of Solar Power Production

Cristi — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:19:14 +0000

Solyndra Inc. has recently developed a new solar cell system that will reduce the costs of solar power production. They will install it over the rooftop of a North Sacramento plastics factory. This investment will prove to be one of the biggest West Coast solar harvesting systems.

The post Solyndra's Cylindrical Solar Cell Racks Reduce Costs of Solar Power Production appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Plastic Solar Cells with LEDs Offer Cheap Lighting in Poor Countries

Mike Sandru — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:37:09 +0000

According to a study, there are about 1.5 billion people in developing countries who do not have electricity, the majority of them using kerosene lamps for light after sunset. But now, thanks to the researchers from Denmark, the lighting problem could disappear.

The post Plastic Solar Cells with LEDs Offer Cheap Lighting in Poor Countries appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Bulk Fluid-Processed Carbon Nanotubes Could Make Better Power Lines

Mike Sandru — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:00:26 +0000

Scientists at Rice University have developed a new method for producing carbon nanotubes in bulk fluids. It could lead to revolutionary advances in nanoelectronics, materials science and power distribution.

The post Bulk Fluid-Processed Carbon Nanotubes Could Make Better Power Lines appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Sharp Reaches Solar Cell Energy Conversion Efficiency of 35.8%

Mike Sandru — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:55:21 +0000

Sharp Corporation has recently announced a breakthrough technology with which it has achieved the world's highest solar cell conversion efficiency of 35.8%.The best feature of this triple-junction compound solar cell is that it uses photo-absorption layers made from compounds consisting of two or more elements such as indium and gallium.

The post Sharp Reaches Solar Cell Energy Conversion Efficiency of 35.8% appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

30% Efficiency with Gallium-Nitride Silicon Solar Cells

Cristi — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:31:33 +0000

The Phoenix-based company RoseStreet Labs Energy has developed a prototype solar cell that combines gallium-nitride with silicon, a technology that achieves an efficiency of 25 to 30 percent.

The post 30% Efficiency with Gallium-Nitride Silicon Solar Cells appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Fraunhofer Develops New, Easy to Make High Efficiency Solar Cells

Ovidiu Sandru — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:06:01 +0000

Yet another efficiency record has been established for mass-producible solar cells: 23.4%. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) from Germany succeeded to manufacture a single-crystal silicon solar cell of a thin p-type semiconductor layer residing on an n-type semiconductor substrate. The solar cell's area is 2x2cm.

The post Fraunhofer Develops New, Easy to Make High Efficiency Solar Cells appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Mitsubishi Electric to Develop High-Output Solar Cells

Mike Sandru — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:57:15 +0000

The company Mitsubishi Electric has developed ten new models of high-output solar cells: five for the European market and the rest for North America and Asia. The new solar panels have the outputs ranging of 210W, 220W, 225W, 230W and 235W.

The post Mitsubishi Electric to Develop High-Output Solar Cells appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

World's Most Efficient Solar Cell Converts 43% Incident Sunlight into Electricity

Mike Sandru — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:06:02 +0000

Researchers at the University of South Wales in Sydney, Australia, have created the world's most efficient solar cell. Professor Martin Green and his team of U.S. researchers have succeeded in developing solar cells that convert 43 percent of sunlight into electricity.

The post World's Most Efficient Solar Cell Converts 43% Incident Sunlight into Electricity appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Moth Eyes: Research Advances On Efficient Solar Cells Inspired by Them

Mike Sandru — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 05:19:22 +0000

Last year, we reported in an article how scientists discovered that the moth's eyes could increase the efficiency of solar cells. Thanks to the super-transparent coatings, windows in homes and cars, computer screens and other consumer products could be improved. Now, new figures show the advances in this nature-mimicking technology.

The post Moth Eyes: Research Advances On Efficient Solar Cells Inspired by Them appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Solar Impulse: Viable Manned Flight Powered by The Sun

Cristi — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:20:16 +0000

Solar Impulse, the first solar powered plane has been unveiled in Switzerland. With a wingspan of a Boeing 747 but lighter than a small car, the plan could fly around the world powered entirely by the sun.

The post Solar Impulse: Viable Manned Flight Powered by The Sun appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Newly Developed Light Sensor Could Improve Solar Cells and Cameras

Mike Sandru — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:14:15 +0000

Scientists at the University of Toronto have created a new type of light sensor that acts like a pixel in a digital camera. Researchers believe the sensor, which takes advantage of a phenomenon called multi-exciton generation (MEG), could lead to substantial advancements in the performance of a variety of electronic devices including digital cameras.

The post Newly Developed Light Sensor Could Improve Solar Cells and Cameras appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Fraunhofer's Very Efficient Solar Cell Concentrator

Cristi — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:13:01 +0000

Solar cell system which concentrate solar light through lenses seem to be the most efficient and advantageous. The concentrator enables the system to work with cheaper lens system instead of expensive semi-conductor materials, making it as well more efficient.

The post Fraunhofer's Very Efficient Solar Cell Concentrator appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Sony Ericsson Says Solar Powered Cell Phones Not So Green

Ovidiu Sandru — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:27:08 +0000

Not long ago, I presented some cell phones that, among their many functions, also incorporated a small solar panel, for flexible charging and green purposes. Well, those green purposes prove themselves being not so green, if we take into account recent studies.

The post Sony Ericsson Says Solar Powered Cell Phones Not So Green appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

SolarWindow Empowers Your Windows to Produce Electricity

Ovidiu Sandru — Thu, 21 May 2009 21:10:43 +0000

New Energy Technologies Inc developed an organic solar array that is both transparent and produces electricity. They made use of conductive polymers, a thousand times thinner than human hair, assembled them together, and - voilÃƒÆ’ ! Here's a working solar cell less then 1/4 the size of a grain of rice, producing electricity just like its big silicon brother, only cheaper.

The post SolarWindow Empowers Your Windows to Produce Electricity appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Plastic Solar Cells Going to Make Their Market Breakthrough

Cristi — Tue, 05 May 2009 19:41:08 +0000

Even though plastic solar cells are cheaper to produce and they have some advantages like lightweight and flexibility , they still miss one important thing: the efficiency. Researchers are optimist that in the years to come, the polymer solar cells will be able to compete from the efficiency point of view with the silicon solar cells as well taking into account the fact that plastic solar cell have improved their efficiency each year.

The post Plastic Solar Cells Going to Make Their Market Breakthrough appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

PG&E to Build Space-Based Solar Power Plant by 2016

Mike Sandru — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:55:00 +0000

A space-based solar electricity program could soon power the Californians' homes. The project belongs to the state's biggest energy company, PG&E, and it aims to generate 200 megawatts in the next 15 years.

The post PG&E to Build Space-Based Solar Power Plant by 2016 appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

New BiFeO3 Crystal Can Improve Solar Cells Efficiency & Price

Cristi — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 06:14:07 +0000

Physicists at Rutgers University discovered a crystal made of bismuth, iron and oxygen(BiFeO3) which can revolution electronics industry and highly improve solar cell efficiency.

The post New BiFeO3 Crystal Can Improve Solar Cells Efficiency & Price appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Gain Up to 30% More Solar Power With Automatic Cleaning System

Cristi — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:12:27 +0000

Heliotex has released the first pending patent of automatic cleaning systems for business and home solar panels. Heliotex Automatic Solar Panel Cleaning Systems automatically washes and rinses the solar panels as often as you find necessary. The system helps you to maximize your investment by allowing your solar panels to achieve their full potential (dirty solar panels lose up to 30% efficiency).

The post Gain Up to 30% More Solar Power With Automatic Cleaning System appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

World's Most Efficient Solar Water Heater Made by Surface Power

Cristi — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:45:26 +0000

Surface Power received an independent certification from TUV Rhineland that their solar water heaters are at least 131% more efficient in the morning and evening, and 76% more at midday than other solar heaters.

The post World's Most Efficient Solar Water Heater Made by Surface Power appeared first on The Green Optimistic.

Plastic Solar Cells: Your Next Gadget’s Cheap Power Source

Florin — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:44:13 +0000

Portable electronic devices have from now on a new technology invented for making the battery life longer or making them to work completely on solar energy.

The plastic solar cells with eight square inches in size...

The post Plastic Solar Cells: Your Next Gadget’s Cheap Power Source appeared first on The Green Optimistic.