solar energy

Solar window changes from transparent to tinted while generating electricity

By Faye Oney / December 19, 2017

Researchers have developed a photovoltaic device that generates electricity from sunlight that passes through thermochromic windows. Their device could provide power to buildings, smartphone batteries, and other electronics.

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Video: Green on the go—Mobile solar panel brings plug-and-play power from the sun anywhere

By April Gocha / August 23, 2017

When it comes to harnessing solar energy on the go, a company called SolPad has introduced a nifty new product that could allow you to take the power of the sun anywhere—SolPad Mobile is an all-in-one solar solution that incorporates gallium nitride solar cells and solid-state battery storage into one sleek, portable, clean energy-providing package.

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Can a panda-shaped solar power plant boost popularity of renewable energy?

By April Gocha / July 11, 2017

In a fresh effort to boost the visibility of its renewable energy efforts, China is turning to one of its most beloved creatures—Panda Green Energy Group Ltd. recently announced that it has connected its latest solar power plant, cutely shaped into the likeness of its namesake, to the electricity grid.

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Scalable membrane distillation method uses sun’s heat to convert salt water to fresh water

By Faye Oney / June 30, 2017

Rice University researchers have developed an environmentally friendly membrane distillation system that harnesses solar energy for purifying water. The technology could soon be scaled to provide clean water to remote locations, including areas that lack clean water.

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Video: New paint generates clean hydrogen fuel from solar energy and water vapor

By Faye Oney / June 21, 2017

Could paint be the next material to generate hydrogen fuel? Researchers recently developed a way to produce hydrogen fuel from solar energy and humid air. They mixed synthetic molybdenum sulfide with titanium oxide to create a paint that produces hydrogen fuel from solar energy and moist air.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By April Gocha / December 7, 2016

Supersonic spray yields new nanomaterial for bendable and wearable electronics, glass in batteries could increase performance and safety, and other materials stories that may be of interest for December 7, 2016.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By April Gocha / November 30, 2016

Supersonic spray yields new nanomaterials, tiny squeeze boosts performance of fuel cell catalysts, and other materials stories that may be of interest for November 30, 2016.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By April Gocha / November 23, 2016

Smashing metallic micro-cubes makes them ultrastrong, glow-in-the-dark dye could fuel liquid-based batteries, and other materials stories that may be of interest for November 23, 2016.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By April Gocha / November 9, 2016

Graphene cracks glass corrosion, spacecraft nuclear batteries get a boost from new materials, and other materials stories that may be of interest for November 9, 2016.

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Tesla unveils solar glass roofing tiles as part of its vision for integrated sustainable energy

By April Gocha / November 4, 2016

Although most famous for making electric cars, last week Tesla unveiled its concept for solar glass roofing tiles that will expand the company’s vision for a future powered by integrated sustainable energy.

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