Most photovoltaic solar cells can only hope to achieve about 15-20% efficiency. Much of the solar energy that strikes the cells is either reflected away or lost as heat energy. But solar collectors at Kalahari Greentech have achieved 74% efficiency. The energy company that specializes in solar technology and wind energy research had its solar [...]
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Demonstrating the creative genius that is often present in solar technology, researchers have discovered a way to pull solar power from pokeberries (also known as pokeweed). More precisely, a red dye that comes from the berries can be used to coat fiber-based solar cells. The dye absorbs and traps sunlight, allowing for a greater conversion [...]
Electronics giant General Electric (GE) announced last week that it is getting into the thin-film solar panels industry. In a new partnership with PrimeStar Solar, GE will start R&D of cadmium telluride solar cells, with an eye toward marketing its own cad tel solar modules next year. In the so-called “cad tel solar” market, only [...]
Weaving solar cells into flexible solar powered threads could be the answer to solar fabrics. A Tokyo-based venture company, Ideal Star has come up with a way to incorporate solar cells into threads that one day will create material for use in energy-generating clothing and curtains. Because the solar threads are coated, the need for [...]
Three cheers for solar technology advancements! This latest one comes from sunny Caltech (you might know it as California Institute of Technology). Researchers there have created a new flexible solar cell, which takes long, thin silicon wires and embeds them into a polymer substrate. The result is an inexpensive solar cell that can efficiently convert [...]
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Talk about New Year’s resolutions! On Friday, Panasonic issued its annual report in which it stated its aim to be the top green energy company in electronics by the year 2018. Using its acquisition of SANYO (a leader in solar cells and rechargeable batteries), Panasonic projects it will triple annual sales over the coming three [...]
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Recently, Boston College researchers observed the so-called “hot electron” effect in a solar cell for the first time, and then harvested the charges with ultra-thin solar cells. What does this mean for you and for me? The short answer is: improved solar panel efficiency. Generally speaking, when UV light is captured in solar cells, it [...]
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Who is ready to cook up some solar panels? How about a 23-year old PhD Engineering student who’s using some unique ingredients: nail polish, inkjet printers and pizza ovens. No, its not a joke. And yes, its time to be in awe of Nicole Kuepper, a student at the University of New South Wales, Australia, [...]
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Over the past year, we’ve published a number of articles about Oregon’s leadership in solar power. From headlines like “Oregon Leads the Nation in Solar,” to Solar World Investing in Oregon,” there is much good news about the future of this renewable energy resource in the Beaver State. Recently, Uni-Chem, a South Korean company that [...]
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There are some glimmering signs that the recession may be coming to an end. Is it time to consider investments for your hard-earned cash? Well, that is something you should discuss with your financial advisor. Yet, if you want to put money in renewable energy, perhaps you want to consider solar stocks. The most important [...]
