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solar cells

06/13/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Explaining why perovskite solar cells are efficient

Perovskites are a class of materials that have come to dominate photovoltaic technology in a surprisingly short amount of time. An article in Alpha Galileo states that their combination of excellent efficiency and affordable cost come from their excitonic properties. “In less than one decade, these perovskites underwent an outstanding development,” remarked Dr. Michael Hetterich […]

05/23/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Solar power, rain or shine: Hybrid solar cells can generate power from raindrops

Solar power has finally come across a way to overcome one of its greatest weaknesses: Rain. In a Science Daily article, Chinese researchers presented a hybrid solar cell that can produce electricity even when it is raining cats and dogs. In addition to gathering power from sunlight, the new cell can also harvest electrical power from rainwater […]

05/16/2018 / By David Williams

Improvements in solar cell technologies increase their lifespan tenfold

As the saying goes: “All good things come to an end.” Solar panel technology is certainly no exception – this doesn’t mean that solar power technology is about to go away soon, but that solar cell technologies currently offer limited lifespans that can still be greatly improved. Now, new research shows exactly how it can be […]

05/04/2018 / By David Williams

New nanomaterials will increase the efficiency of organic solar cells

The hard work of nanomaterials researchers looking to get more performance out of organic solar cells has paid off. They have reportedly found a method to “significantly improve” the efficiency of these cells while opening the door to a number of different applications. It is said that their work is built on top of previous […]

04/21/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Scientists have developed new semiconductors that are more environmentally friendly

Concerned with the prevalence of useful but toxic perovskites in photovoltaic cells, a group of Iowa-based researchers devised alternative materials. They reported creating cheaper and eco-friendly semiconductors with similar performance, according to a ScienceDaily article. Perovskites are light-gathering materials used as semiconductors in solar panels. While highly efficient – called “wonder materials” by the solar […]

04/21/2018 / By David Williams

Check out this DIY “Powerwall” made out of old laptop batteries

Tesla’s Powerwall technology is quite interesting and has garnered plenty of interest around the world. But with its price tag of more than $5,000, it hasn’t exactly been affordable for many people. Instead of paying through the nose for this solution, some crafty people have opted to build their own do-it-yourself (DIY) version themselves. So […]

04/19/2018 / By David Williams

Will renewable energy plans for the Mojave Desert finally move forward?

With the government’s renewed push to generate more of the country’s energy through renewable energy sources, the Trump administration is now reportedly considering a review of the old Desert Renewable Energy Plan (DRECP), which was first finalized back in September 2016. It is said that a lot of work has already gone into it – […]

08/16/2017 / By Russel Davis

Solar panels made with toxic lead may soon be able to use “green” element BISMUTH instead

A recent study published in Advanced Materials revealed that the so-called “green” element bismuth may be incorporated to solar panels in the future without the risk of potentially detrimental effects on human, animal, and environmental health. In the previous years, silicon has been the preferred material in developing solar cells. However, researchers noted that while silicon was highly effective […]

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