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Stories about: solar power


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DIY Natural Solar Cells Use Plant Wastes

Andreas Mershin, a researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has a big dream, one that could potentially change some parts of the world. He believes that it is possible to create inexpensive solar panels from plant wastes, an inexpensive peptide powder, and an ordinary substrate material. The expert...

3 February 2012
05:43 GMT

Energy Roof Designed for Self-Sustaining Homes

Nowadays, climate change is considered one of the biggest threats to humankind. In order to tackle the effects of this alarming phenomenon, governments, companies and creative architects do everything in their power to draw up and implement innovative solutions. So far, experts reached the conclusion that roofs bui...

20 January 2012
02:39 GMT

New Solar Material Enables Walls to Provide Energy

Following the trend of green revolutionary concepts, experts have scaled up efforts to introduce new materials, like black silicon or solar paint, whose results look good on paper, but their actual level of efficiency proved outside the labs is still far from making them truly competitive with traditional sources of ...

19 January 2012
09:24 GMT

Giant Solar Boat to Complete Voyage Around the Globe

PlanetSolar, the giant solar-powered boat is about to complete an ambitious task: a voyage around the Globe, while being powered only by clean, green energy coming from the sun. In up to three months, the vessel is expected to reach Monaco, establishing a new record and proving that alternative power is reliable en...

19 January 2012
07:26 GMT

Joule Invests $110m (€85m) in 'Liquid Fuel from the Sun'

Even though there are several impediments delaying the development of a coal-free society, investors still think that alternative sources have a lot of potential and are trust-worthy enough to become a strong ally in the long term. At this point, Joule, a giant company gaining popularity due to its innovative HelioC...

18 January 2012
10:36 GMT

18MW Solar Power Plant Brings Extra Power in China

China is one of the world's most important PV panel supplier. In addition, the nation is also focusing on its own development, struggling to meet stricter emission standards and boosting the development of renewables. Under these circumstances, the implementation of a 18 MW solar plant in Dunhuang, Gansu Provi...

18 January 2012
07:42 GMT

Thin-Film Solar Panels Hit New Efficiency Record

Solar projects have started gaining popularity over the last decade. Black silicon, 3D panels and solar paint are only some of the innovations launched to help people and companies ditch fossil fuel usage and become more environmentally friendly. Despite of their awesome features, most of these revolutionary findin...

18 January 2012
05:00 GMT

Hybrid Solar Box Implemented for Energy Independence

At times when traditional, expensive sources of power are blamed for their impact on the environment, new paths are exploited to mark the beginning of the era of energy independence, even in developing countries where progress is usually delayed by poverty. While some of the people living in rich nations are eager ...

18 January 2012
04:01 GMT

New Solar Software Launched for Smarter Investments

Eco-friendly solar power represents a great, unlimited resource and an essential element in a coal-free future. However, not every area is suitable for the development of solar or wind investments. Before starting the construction, experts have to be fully aware of the region's potential, to decide if their in...

17 January 2012
05:08 GMT

$4.6 Billion (€3.6bn) Solar Power Plants to Be Built in Japan

A global trend encourages countries to turn their attention from fossil fuels and seek to develop and implement alternative options, relying on clean, green power. China, known as the world's biggest polluter, and the USA appear to be two of the most eco-conscious countries, worried about their alarming carbon...

17 January 2012
03:28 GMT

The US Military to Produce 7GW of Solar Power

The future seems brighter for the US military, due to a recent study, issued by ICF International, indicating that the Department of Defense (DoD) could produce up to 7,000 megawatts (MW) of solar energy on military bases located in the California desert, as much power as seven giant nuclear plants would offer. Do...

17 January 2012
02:44 GMT

Solar-Powered Electric Scooter Ideal for Urban Commuting

Nowadays, when our health is threatened by appalling levels of greenhouse gas emissions, developing new concepts to green up transportation appears to be a smart business strategy. Following this path, Karina Korol has unveiled her Sense scooter with a sleek design, running on both electricity and solar power. It is...

16 January 2012
11:00 GMT

Samsung NC215S Solar-Powered Netbook Tested

Since the technology for absorbing solar energy has finally reached the stage where it can actually provide a relevant amount of power, Samsung has decided to put it to work. Samsung recently said that it had every intention of becoming the greatest supplier of laptops worldwide. The NC215S netbook, like the yell...

16 January 2012
05:04 GMT

Crop-Friendly Solar Panels Developed for Greenhouses

A new kind of photovoltaic solar system has been recently introduced, marking a collaboration between ULMA Agrícola consortium and Tecnalia research center, providing clean green power and favoring crops at the same time.The system exploits temperature oscillation and it is considered an ideal asset for every ...

14 January 2012
11:31 GMT

Green Gadgets Help Disabled Athlete Reach the South Pole

Reaching the South Pole is a major achievement most people wouldn't dare to dream about. However, Grant Korgan, a brave disabled athlete who lost control over his feet after a dramatic injury is one step closer to achieving his goal, due to two innovative green concepts. First one is a photovoltaic system, She...

13 January 2012
11:02 GMT

Californian Vegetable Farm Goes Solar

Felix Chac Chuo Farms Inc, a large vegetable farm from California has started greening up its name, benefiting from an eco-friendly boost given by SolarMax Technology Inc. The company operating in the sector of renewables has helped the owners of the farm install a 300 kW solar power system, part of a plan to shift ...

12 January 2012
10:58 GMT

Sunflowers Inspire Innovative Solar Power Plants

Nowadays, the renewable sector benefits from amazing findings developed by experts using the most advanced technology. Some of the breakthroughs are actually unbelievably simple and inspired by nature. One of the recent discoveries is that the romance of sunflowers with the sun could be analyzed and exploited to im...

12 January 2012
03:50 GMT

Cheap Solar-Powered Shower Prevents Illnesses

Water is a limited resource that has to respond to the ever-growing demand of 7 billion people. Since water scarcity crisis is linked to a series of hygiene-related diseases, an Irish inventor has come up with an ingenious, cost-effective idea involving renewable power. Michael Kilbane has invented the solar-powered...

9 January 2012
10:48 GMT

CES 2012: Solar-Powered Bluetooth Sound System Unveiled

Etón Corporation has recently unveiled one of its most innovative products, Rukus Bluetooth sound system, equipped with a solar panel that will definitely please all the eco-conscious music fans, during the 2012 CES. It is considered a major breakthrough, due to its unique combination of E Ink display, Blueto...

9 January 2012
10:23 GMT

Amazing Disaster-Proof Windows Act Like 'Solar Farms'

As the world is struggling to shift from a coal-dominated present, renewable alternatives enjoy their time of glory. Experts are scaling up efforts to introduce competitive options providing eco-friendly power: from standard PV arrays, to solar paint, 3D panels and black silicon. However, there is still room for imp...

9 January 2012
03:33 GMT

Hybrid Marine Solar Cells for More Green Power

A new concept involving two renewable sources sounds good enough to renew the promise of a coal-free future. The hybrid Marine Solar Cell, developed by Phil Pauley, could harness both solar and wave power at the same time, seeking to be a cost-effective asset in the long term. At least on paper, the innovative unit i...

7 January 2012
06:46 GMT

Eco-Friendly School Built with Mud and Bamboo

Sometimes, poverty challenges creativity, favoring unconventional projects that come along with several benefits, both for the environment and financially-challenged people. This appears to be the case of Tipu Sultan Merkez, an eco-friendly school, recently built in Punjab, one of the most populous cities in Pakist...

6 January 2012
09:31 GMT

'Plug-N-Play' Solar Panels Available for Smart Homes

New green technologies keep boosting the popularity of renewable sources of power. 3D solar panels, black silicon and the great, cost-effective solar paint seeking to replace the standard PVs mark the beginning of a new era in the development of the solar market. However, there is still enough room for game-changer...

6 January 2012
04:59 GMT

Solar-Powered ATMs Installed in Remote Villages

The future now seems brighter for the people living in remote villages from India, due to a new generation of solar-powered ATMs, currently considered one of the most trust-worthy inventions involving renewable power. Unlike other gadgets powered by alternative energy that only look awesome, this concept is truly u...

5 January 2012
02:39 GMT

Solar-Powered Houses for Eco-Conscious Pets

Nowadays no revolutionary concept is considered good enough unless it involves renewable power. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that the winner of the annual Architects for Animals design competition is an innovative kind of cat home equipped with jaw-dropping features. First of all, it is solar-powered. Second, ...

3 January 2012
09:04 GMT

New Technology to Store Sunlight at Dusk

Solar power could become truly competitive with other sources of energy within a few years, due to a new technology seeking to harness and store sunlight even after the sun has gone down. It is currently tested by two major companies from California: SolarReserve and BrightSource, the Telegraph informs. The proce...

3 January 2012
04:19 GMT

Black Silicon to Revolutionize Solar Industry

Scientists from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have come up with a black silicon technology, seeking to make solar power more competitive with other types of energy over the next decade. New Jersey-based Natcore will benefit from their findings, exploring the new path to launch a new generation of ...

30 December 2011
04:47 GMT

U.S. Military Boosts Green Technologies in Afghanistan

For the U.S. military personnel, implementable green technologies are a major asset when it comes to their operations developed in remote areas from Afghanistan. Apart from the environmental benefit represented by increased air quality, innovative methods are being taken into consideration to save human lives and c...

30 December 2011
01:50 GMT

Jails Go Solar in Merced County, California

California is one of the greenest states in the US. In order to preserve its reputation and cut down the energy bills at the same time, officials from Merced County have thought about powering the correctional facilities located in El Nido, California using clean, green solar power. Apart from the obvious environme...

29 December 2011
02:40 GMT

Solar-Powered Internet Cafes Sent to African Villages

Education is the first step towards progress, in every field of activity. Computer Aid is well aware of this; therefore, it plans to offer unprivileged children from African villages free access to computing rooms. So far, the British organization has succeeded in sending eight solar-powered Internet cafes called Zu...

28 December 2011
04:44 GMT

App Monitors the Efficiency of Solar Power Systems

Green technologies are often used to boost the popularity of renewables. In this case, SunPower, one of the most important companies delivering solar panels, has recently launched a new app monitoring the energy-efficiency of SunPower solar systems. Clients who use this app will be able to find out how energy-effici...

27 December 2011
02:28 GMT

Solar Bulbs Made from Plastic Bottles Lighten Homes

A project launched by My Shelter Foundation, a non-governmental organization from the Philippines aims to lighten the homes of financially-challenged people in an unconventional, eco-friendly manner. The organization has decided to implement a risk-free technology that currently takes 25,000 homes out of the dark, ...

23 December 2011
02:33 GMT

Obama Gives the Green Light to Big Renewables Projects

The American government has recently decided to approve two giant projects involving renewables, developed on public land, in an attempt to green up the US and reduce its oil and coal dependency. The first project relies on the benefits of clean solar power and will be implemented in Arizona, while the second one, t...

22 December 2011
04:42 GMT

BP Drops Solar Power Projects, Cutting Jobs

After a year dominated by uncertainties for major players operating on the solar power market, BP has announced its plans to let go of its eco-friendly projects developed in this sector. The main reason is that, apparently, selling photovoltaic panels does not draw up a profitable line of business anymore, the Guard...

21 December 2011
10:15 GMT

Google Invests $94 million (€71.88) in Solar Projects in the US

Google wants to redefine its position as a top eco-conscious company and has decided to end this year with a new significant investment in the sector of renewables. This time, Google plans to back four solar photovoltaic (PV) projects developed by Recurrent Energy near Sacramento, California, according to its offic...

20 December 2011
07:21 GMT

Teenagers Display Amazing Solar Car

Tokyo’s annual Eco Products exhibition has managed to showcase an eco-friendly innovation built entirely by teenagers who have manifested their passion both for eco-friendly values and scientific technology.The result of their work is an amazing-looking solar-powered car, designed during an educational program ...

19 December 2011
02:27 GMT

Solar Power Costs Less Than Diesel in India

The current development of poor nations definitely has to focus on the sector of renewables, an important element for a sustainable future. This target seems achievable, especially nowadays when the costs of solar power installations is considerably low. India makes no exception, since some of its solar power is ...

17 December 2011
05:29 GMT

First Solar-Powered Tanning Salon Opened in California

California is definitely keen on boosting the popularity of renewables. It is one of the most eco-conscious states when it comes to limiting air pollution through efficient regulations. It also simulates the auto industry to come up with a new generation of zero-emission vehicles. Now California thinks it's ...

17 December 2011
04:28 GMT

Solar-Powered Classrooms for Improved Teaching Methods

An interesting new project is boosting teaching methods in developing countries, bringing financially-challenged pupils one step closer to a proper education. Solar-powered classrooms are the next best thing announced by a chemistry academic from the University of Southampton, Science Daily informs. Quite often,...

15 December 2011
02:34 GMT

Apple to Display Third Largest American Solar Roof

Apple is sparing no efforts to combine the power of innovative technology with a significant green boost offered by renewables. Recent change of plans regarding its new Silicon Valley headquarters involve a large solar panel roof. The green system is expected to rely on 5 MW solar array, proving enough energy for t...

14 December 2011
03:40 GMT

Solar Incentive Cuts Start 'Hampering' Consumers

Solar power projects completed after today could be less economically-feasible, because of the proposed governmental incentive cuts. The financial benefits could be significantly reduced, by up to 50%, starting next spring if the government carries on with its controversial plan. The on-going consultation will end ...

12 December 2011
03:24 GMT

Prices of PV Solar Systems Go Down

Going green implies some significant financial advantages, according to a new study issued by Queen’s University in Ontario. It seems that the price of photovoltaic solar systems has decreased significantly, exceeding the developers' highest expectations. Joshua Pearce, the author of the paper forecast t...

9 December 2011
08:47 GMT

Global Warming Favors European Solar Power Industry

Climate change effects already noticeable in some parts of the globe will also change the way humankind will exploit Earth's resources. Nuclear power plants will have to come up with effective techniques of keeping water cool, while the melting ice in the Arctic can reveal new sources of fossil fuel. But nothing...

9 December 2011
04:05 GMT

Get Paid for Charging Phones with Solar Power

New Changers System brings solar power one step closer. Innovative technology can now be a part of our lives, since the portable solar charging system encourages us to recharge our phones while getting paid for our eco-friendly attitude. Energy savings correlated with financial benefits always counts as a good deal...

9 December 2011
02:37 GMT

IKEA Goes Solar in the US

IKEA knows that a large segment of its clients await for eco-conscious improvements. It seems that these changes will come faster than expected, since the Swedish furniture retailer IKEA has recently announced it is going to count on solar power to provide clean energy for 33 of its 44 facilities in the US. Many more...

8 December 2011
11:24 GMT

Buy Green Energy from Solar-Powered Landfills

In a world highly concerned about its ecological footprint, green solar-powered landfills seem like the next best thing. Eco-conscious companies are doing their best to revolutionize the role and functionality of the places where millions of tons of waste end up every year. Their contribution will definitely change...

7 December 2011
02:25 GMT

Australia Has to Pay $100 Billion (€74.7 Billion) to Go Solar

Australia is eager to fully embrace clean green solar power and money shouldn't represent a bump in the road, even if this ambitious project requires a lot more than pocket change. In order to exploit the entire potential of renewables, Canberra would have to come up with $100 billion. This amount is necessary ...

6 December 2011
05:55 GMT

Court Gives Green Light to Solar Incentive Cuts

Friends of the Earth are keen on fighting the dramatic cuts announced by the government for solar power industry, despite that their first court battle is officially lost. Their legal action was rejected by a High Court. The eco-group is still eager to find ways of blocking the anticipated governmental initiative of...

6 December 2011
05:00 GMT

Solar Energy to Satisfy One Third of Global Demand by 2060

The future seems to be bright and eco-friendly, according to experts from the International Energy Agency who think that up to one third of the global energy demand will be satisfied by clean green solar power by 2060. This strategy would come as an effective response both to climate change phenomenon and fossil fu...

5 December 2011
02:57 GMT

New York Expected to Pass a Solar Bill in 2012

Representatives from environmental groups and major players operating in the solar industry join forces to empower The New York Solar Jobs Coalition, an organization aiming to encourage New York to pass a solar bill by 2012. In their opinion, the development of solar industry implies the creation of thousands of gr...

30 November 2011
04:31 GMT


More: next 50 >>

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