In 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy created the Solar Energy Grid Integration System, a competitive program that encouraged solar research that can better integrate solar energy generated by panels installed on rooftops or ground-mounted into the electrical grid. Among several goals of the program were: (1) help encourage utilities to accept solar power; and [...]
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One of the reasons that rooftop solar panels are so popular is that they effectively use space exposed to UV light, with untapped potential. A solar parking lot using photovoltaics is a similar concept. Flat surface area that cannot be used for much else when vehicles are not present. Using solar technology that is being [...]
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Solar power is enjoying a surge of interest lately, due to the nuclear crisis in Japan, rising gas prices and concerns over global climate change. Yet, the cost of solar still deters some people from converting from grid-based electricity. What if it was possible to generate solar energy without solar cells? In other words, could [...]
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Solar energy, in its pure, direct form of sunlight is 100% natural. We know that of course. But to convert the energy into usable electricity, mankind has developed solar cells using materials like silicon. Surprisingly there is solar electricity in nature. The oriental hornet, pictured to the right, has the ability to generate power from [...]
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Using the power of the sun to cool off? Yep, its true! Solar powered air conditioning units are being created by Shandong Vicot Air Conditioning Co., showcased recently at the 2010 World Solar-Powered Air Conditioning Development Forum in Dezhou, China, Shandong. Unlike other solar powered air conditioning devices, this one doesn’t rely on solar electricity [...]
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Cheap solar panels made from amorphous silicon (instead of the more expensive, yet more commonly used crystalline silicon) will now be more efficient. Researchers at TU Delft have discovered a way to increase the efficiency of these less-expensive solar panels from 7% to 9%. Even though its very cost-effective to produce amorphous solar panels with [...]
Earth Day 2010 was a banner day to roll out all sorts of positive environmental messages, to encourage greener behavior and to demand governmental action to slow global climate change. On April 22, the U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced a big, $200 million boost for solar power research and development. The new [...]
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Review “Martin A. Green of the University of New South Wales, Sydney, is arguably the most renowned scientist in the field of photovoltaics … The book is well written, covers all the important concepts, and gives the right references. Green manages to keep the reader’s attention in spite of some arduous derivations … Third Generation [...]
We recently posted about the largest solar installation in the United States, which is currently in Florida. While the sunshine state enjoys these bragging rights – for now – it is actually trying to catch up with solar leaders, including California and New Jersey. But, there are some important solar advancements occurring in Florida! Greentech [...]
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