Nanotechnologies can be used to develop sustainable energy systems while reducing the harmful effects of fossil fuels as they are gradually phased out over the next century. This optimistic scenario is coming closer to reality as new technologies such as biomimetics and Dye Sensitized solar Cells (DSCs) emerge with great promise for capturing or storing solar energy, and nanocatalysis develops efficient catalysts for energy-saving industrial processes. Europe is ready to accelerate development of these technologies, as delegates heard at a recent conference, Nanotechnology for Sustainable Energy.

Researchers are hoping to achieve higher solar cell efficiency involves using special coatings on solar cells that split light into colors like blue and red, which scientists estimate will increase efficiency by 50 percent.

Engineers have just developed one of the world?s most advanced Smart Electricity Meters. The smart meter monitors energy consumption, giving information not just through a traditional power reading, but in a user-friendly way by displaying animated graphics of money on a large clear screen on the meter.

Scientists at the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory have set a world record in solar cell efficiency with a photovoltaic device that converts 40.8 percent of the light that hits it into electricity. This is the highest confirmed efficiency of any photovoltaic device to date.

At 39.7% efficiency for a multi-junction solar cell, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems have exceeded their own European record of 37.6% which they achieved just a short time ago. III-V semiconductor multi-junction solar cells are used in photovoltaic concentrator technology for solar power stations.

Chemical clues from a comet's halo are challenging common views about the history and evolution of the solar system and showing it may be more mixed-up than previously thought.

There is an excellent article from Dan Hahn, over at Solar Power Rocks digging into how oil and coal contributions affects the way US Senators vote on renewable energy legislation. There is the obvious split down the middle with regard to Republicans and Democrats, but there are also some very interesting insights the funding and voting of the two presidential candidates, Obama and McCain. via Solar Power Rocks

Engineers have devised a new way to slice thin wafers of the chemical element germanium for use in the most efficient type of solar power cells. They say the new method should lower the cost of such cells by reducing the waste and breakage of the brittle semiconductor.

For someone who believes that world oil supplies are about to begin an inexorable decline, possibly dragging down civil society in the process, Rob Hopkins is a rather cheery fellow. Hopkins, a 40-year-old doctoral student at Plymouth University in the United Kingdom, is the founder of the Transition movement, which encourages people to wean their neighborhoods, communities, and towns off oil and nudge them onto a path of self-sufficiency in an increasingly energy-scarce world. “The change we have seen over the past hundred years will be nothing compared with what we will see over the next twenty,” he says. But it’s not a dire warning; it’s an adventure. “This is an extraordinary time to be alive. I feel really fortunate to be around—it’s going to be a fascinating time in history.” Read the full story at urbanitebaltimore.com

Many products can be powered by the sun. We take a look at five of the best solar buys. Solar iPod charger Price: $89.96 Available from: Amazon If you’re on the move but want to stay connected, the Solio Solar Charger will give you hours of charge time without slowing you down. How it works: Leave the panels in direct sunlight and the charger will give you up to nine hours charge time while you’re on the go. For its size, it is one of the most powerful solar chargers on the market - it can charge an iPod fully with enough power left to top up a mobile phone. Pros: It comes with assorted adaptors to fit dozens of gadgets and gizmos, including Blackberrys, Gameboys and cameras. Cons: There is no specific information on how to charge some of the gadgets in the pack, so you may need to call the advice line for details. Solar-powered bike bag Price: £99 Available from: The Solar Centre Suitable for charging: mobile phone, MP3 player, AA batteries, GPS player. If you’re a keen, green cyclist, you can keep your emissions down even further with this solar-powered bag that charges your electronics as you ride. How it works: The Nomad Solar Bike Bag’s ...