Thin-Film Solar Cell Approaches Efficiency Record
A Copper Zinc Tin Selenide (CZTSe) solar cell technology has achieved an efficiency of 9.7% and an open-circuit voltage of 0.41 volts, a bit less than the 0.5 volts that most silicon-based solar cells achieve. (Solar cells are generally connected in series, which multiplies their voltage by the number of cells in the series connection.) The new solar cell technology is based on thin-film CZTS solar cells which were developed due to the abundance as well as the low cost (relatively…
Extraordinary Solar Light Now Available for Off-Grid Victims of Energy Poverty
This is a low-priced ($39.00) and sustainable light that some 25 percent of the world’s population – living off the grid – needs. Why? So dangerous kerosene lamps can be relegated to museums only. The following mission statement comes from WakaWaka designers and manufacturer of what the company contends is the “most efficient solar lamp in the world.” The solar-powered light can provide 16 hours of light from a single day of sunlight.
Rooftop Solar Array on University Park Elementary School Will Generate Clean Energy and Revenue for Town and County Public Schools
This story about an elementary school solar array in University Park, MD provides a good example of how shared clean energy can benefit more than one user, environmentally and financially.
Sustainable Innovations: Cranfield Experts Help Develop Solar Cooker
The development of sustainable tools that utilize renewable energy is critical as we advance into the 21st century. We still need to meet the challenges of providing clean energy. Read the following story from Cranfield University about a solar stove developed by COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad. A solar cooker able to harness the sun’s energy to cook food and purify water has been developed by Cranfield University and COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad. The cooker will significantly improve…
