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Thin-Film Solar Cells Get a Boost From Nanotechnology

March 16, 2009 By 2 Comments
Nanotechnology may lead to a thin film solar cell breakthrough

A new European Union funded research project called “ROD-SOL” aims to improve the efficiency of thin-film solar cells using nanotechnology.  The three year project has a budget of EUR 4 million and may yield a breakthrough for solar power.  

Quantum Dots…The Future of Solar?

March 12, 2009 By 7 Comments
What does the future of solar hold in store?

A recent discovery shatters the notion that one photon can only excite one electron.  Researchers from the joint SLAC-Stanford Pulse Institute for Ultrafast Energy Science are on the move to boost solar cell efficiencies by confirming that a single photon can indeed excite more than one electron in a quantum dot.  Are we at the [...]

Researchers Look to Butterflies for Solar Cell Improvements

February 9, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Solar collectors found on butterfly wings are being investigated as a means to improve the efficiency of a type of thin-film solar cells.

Innovative ‘Solar Film’ Could Lead to Solar Fabrics and Skyscrapers

January 29, 2009 By 16 Comments

    Massachusetts based solar upstart Konarka has developed a low cost thin-film solar material that may one day revolutionize solar power. 

Entech Device Harvests the Sun's Light and Heat Energy

January 18, 2009 By 6 Comments

Solar companies are beginning to see the benefits in harvesting both forms of the sun’s energy (heat and light) with a single device. On the forefront of this developing trend is Entech Solar, based out of Ewing, NJ, with their ThermaVolt™ solar hybrid system.

Nanotubes to Deliver Thinner and Lighter Solar Cells

January 9, 2009 By 2 Comments

A simple chemical process employed by a Cornell University  and DuPont research team may pave the way to thinner, lighter and more flexible transistors and solar cells. The long term goal of the project is to use nanotubes to create an economical electronics material that is just as good as silicon.

Advanced Lithium-Ion Technology to Make Commercial Debut In 2009

December 19, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Imara Corp. has announced a new generation of lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries made specifically for high power devices such as lawnmowers, power tools, hybrid vehicles and even grid storage. The company uses unique materials science technology to provide high-power, high-energy and extended cycle-life batteries and battery packs.

California Wave Power Buoy Tests Successful

December 18, 2008 By 13 Comments
buoy

Scientists with research group SRI International recently completed a successful wave power test in the Monterey Bay off the coast of Santa Cruz, CA. While the buoy-like device only generates enough electricity to power a refrigerator light bulb, the design is an improvement on its problem-prone predecessors.