Insect eyes inspire new solar cell design

Sonder Agency

Packing tiny solar cells together, like micro-lenses in the compound eye of an insect, could help scientists overcome a major roadblock to the development of perovskite photovoltaics. Read more

Photosynthesis discovery could help design more efficient artificial solar cells

Sonder Agency

A natural process that occurs during photosynthesis could lead to the design of more efficient artificial solar cells, according to researchers. Read more

Scientists power past solar efficiency records

Sonder Agency

The high potential of silicon-based multijunction solar cells has now been demonstrated through new research. Read more

A low-cost method for solar-thermal conversion that’s simpler and greener

Sonder Agency

Researchers have developed a simple, low-cost, and environmentally sound method for fabricating a highly-efficient selective solar absorber (SSA) to convert sunlight into heat for energy-related applications. The team used a 'dip and dry' approach whereby strips coated with a reactive metal are dipped into a solution containing ions of a less reactive metal to create… Read more

Reader Idea | Off the Grid: Learning About Power System Infrastructure With The New York Times

Sonder Agency

This Reader Idea explains how a physics teacher used a Times article as the jumping-off point for a project in which students design their electrical system. Read more

How 139 countries could be powered by 100 percent wind, water, and solar energy by 2050

Sonder Agency

The latest roadmap to a 100 percent renewable energy future outlines infrastructure changes that 139 countries can make to be entirely powered by wind, water, and sunlight by 2050 after electrification of all energy sectors. Such a transition could mean less worldwide energy consumption due to the efficiency of clean, renewable electricity; and a net… Read more

Cyborg bacteria outperform plants when turning sunlight into useful compounds

Sonder Agency

Photosynthesis provides energy for the vast majority of life on Earth. But chlorophyll, the green pigment that plants use to harvest sunlight, is relatively inefficient. To enable humans to capture more of the sun's energy, scientists have taught bacteria to cover themselves in tiny, highly efficient solar panels to produce useful compounds. Read more

Dutch Utility Bets Its Future on an Unusual Strategy: Selling Less Power

Sonder Agency

Seeking to adapt to upheaval in the energy market, Eneco is preparing for a future in which utilities provide services rather than kilowatts. Read more

The power of perovskite

Sonder Agency

Researchers improve perovskite-based technology in the entire energy cycle, from solar cells harnessing power to LED diodes to light the screens of future electronic devices and other lighting applications. Read more

What Happens to Solar Power in an Eclipse? We’ll Find Out Monday

Sonder Agency

Grid operators will scramble when solar panels go dark — a rare trial run for a future in which the nation will be more reliant on renewable energy. Read more