New plastic can better convert solar energy
Researchers at the University of Toronto have invented an infrared-sensitive material that’s five times more efficient at turning the sun’s power into electrical energy than current methods.
Photovoltaic
Solar Cell Doubles as Battery
A practical solar energy system usually includes solar cells that convert light to electricity and batteries that store the energy for later use.
One Roof at a Time
With no help from the Bush administration — but plenty from Europe, Japan, New York, and California — solar power is edging into the mainstream.
Spain makes solar panels mandatory in new buildings
SPAIN wants to take advantage of its sunshine by making solar panels compulsory in new and renovated buildings — to save fuel costs and to improve the environment.
Raise the Roof: Power Source
The shingles that help to protect you from the elements could soon help to keep your lights on. Solar companies have developed light-absorbing roof tiles as a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to solar panels.
Germany inaugurates new solar power plant in its push for more
German Environment Minister Jürgen Trittin recently inaugurated a large solar-powered energy plant in the eastern city of Espenhain, noting that Germany is the leading European country to install solar energy facilities.
POWER FROM THE SUN
Overview of photovoltaics: costs, government policies, potential. Has a pretty good description of the current state of the industry. See original for several nice figures.
Solar power city offers 20 years of lessons
A 20 year experiment in renewable energy leaves some unclear answers. Has solar power worked here? Has it worked around the country? Can it help us get beyond our dependence on fossil fuels? Yes and no, to all three questions.
A Different Era for the Alternative Energy Business
The most accessible deposits of fossil fuel are being rapidly depleted. At the same time, alternative energy sources are being viewed more and more as a worthwhile insurance policy against the risk of depending on the Middle East and other unstable regions for the bulk of the world’s oil and gas supply.
Silver photovoltaic solar advances from Australia
Up to 92% savings of the silicon wafers are achieved with Sliver cell technology. Extremely light cell with power to weight ratio greater than 1500 W/kg have also demonstrated.