Solarati

Solar thermal power, is an affordable low-tech alternative to photovoltaic panels. Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into electricity by using high grade silicon and the panels require a lot of expensive technology and an energy intensive feedstock in the form of highly purified silicon. This month, in the latest in a string of recent deals, Spanish [...]

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A new electric solar wind sail is almost ready for implementation. Electric sail propulsion might have a large impact on space research and space travel throughout the solar system. The electric solar wind sail uses the solar wind as its thrust source and therefore needs no fuel or propellant. The solar wind is a continuous plasma stream emanating from the Sun. Changes in the properties of the solar wind cause auroral brightening and magnetic storms, among other things.

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Scientists have developed a battery-free wireless 2-channel EEG system powered by a hybrid power supply using body heat and ambient light which could be used to monitor brain waves after a head injury or for other applications. The hybrid power supply combines a thermoelectric generator that uses the heat dissipated from a person’s temples and silicon photovoltaic cells. The entire system is wearable and integrated into a device resembling headphones. The system can provide more than 1mW on average indoor, which is more than enough for the targeted application.

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By using a popcorn-ball design — tiny kernels clumped into much larger porous spheres — engineers can more than double the efficiency of a type of solar cell at converting the sun’s rays to electricity.

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Researchers have created a novel safer lithium-ion battery. It is based on a polymer electrolyte, which is — unlike the liquid electrolyte in conventional lithium-ion batteries — not inflammable. Lithium-ion batteries supply the power for cell phones and PDAs, and larger devices such as laptops, cordless screwdrivers and lawnmowers are becoming increasingly dependent on this power source.

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Renewable electricity is being supported by a growing number of states through the creation of renewables portfolio standards. A new report provides a comprehensive overview of the early experiences with these state-level RPS policies.

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People who want to save energy should always keep an eye on their consumption. The EWE Box offers customers a neat solution: It enables private households to monitor their electricity and gas consumption whenever they want — and save costs thanks to new pricing models.

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Despite oil prices that hover around $100 a barrel, it may take at least 10 or more years of intensive research to reduce the cost of solar energy to levels competitive with petroleum, according to a leading expert on the topic.

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People who want to save energy should always keep an eye on their consumption. The EWE Box offers customers a neat solution: It enables private households to monitor their electricity and gas consumption whenever they want — and save costs thanks to new pricing models.

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Despite oil prices that hover around $100 a barrel, it may take at least 10 or more years of intensive research to reduce the cost of solar energy to levels competitive with petroleum, according to a leading expert on the topic.

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Hide Sites