Innovative solar cell structure stores and supplies energy simultaneously
In a quest for a smaller, more self-sustaining solar power source, a UW-Madison electrical engineer has proposed a design for solar panels that can simultaneously generate power from sunlight and store power reserves for later, all within a single device.
Hongrui Jiang and his students developed the idea, published in the journal Advanced Materials June 6. Jiang is the Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor of electrical and computer engineering at UW-Madison and specializes in microscale devices. He and his students developed the technology as an offshoot of a National Institutes of Health grant to design a self-focusing contact lens that adapts to the eyes of adults suffering from presbyopia, a natural aging process that stiffens the lens and reduces the eye's ability to focus, especially at short distances.
To power that contact lens, Jiang and his team have worked out a design that balances energy harvesting, storage and usage. "We needed a multi-functional and small-form-factor device in order to integrate it all into a single contact lens structure," says Jiang.
The top layer of each photovoltaic cell is a conventional photo electrode, converting sunlight into electrons. During that conversion process, the electrons split off into two directions: most electrons flow out of the device to support a power load, while some are directed to a polyvinylidene fluoride polymer (PVDF) coated on zinc oxide nanowires. The PVDF has the high dielectric constant required to serve as an energy storage solution. "When there's no sunlight, the stored power will come back through the nano wires to power the load."
Canada Ranks #5 for Near-Term Investments in Renewables
Canada is one of the top-five countries that will be considered for mergers and acquisitions in renewable energies over the next 18 months.
SOLAR ENERGY WORLD HELPS MARYLAND HOMEOWNERS GO GREEN
This month, Solar Energy World is hosting a free workshop for homeowners at their Maryland headquarters in Elkridge. Homeowners will learn about solar power, how it can be incorporated in their homes, and what the costs and incentives are for going solar. RSVP is required for free admission.
Module performance and maintenance strategies seriously important for optimized PV plants in Chile
Rigorous testing and maintenance strategies for modules key to ensuring long-term yield for PV plant owners and developers in Chile.
Baker Electric Solar Releases CSUSM Senior Experience Marketing Video
Baker Electric Solar is pleased to announce it has completed a seventh Cal State San Marcos Senior Experience Project sponsored by the Baker Electric companies. The video project was formally released on May 16 at the Senior Experience Tradeshow.
National Energy Globe Award given to Water Missions International
Charleston, S.C.-based safe water nonprofit recognized for sustainable solar-powered safe water solution in Malawi.
Renewable Energy is Declining in Canada
The share of renewable energy in Canada continues to decline as a percentage of total energy consumption, in sharp contrast to the growth rates in most developed nations.
TRA Snow and Sun has hired Jake Owsley as an Inside Sales Representative
TRA Snow and Sun, manufacturer of engineered snow retention and solar mounting systems, has hired Jake Owsley as an Inside Sales Representative. ‘Owsley' contributes extensive construction experience to the TRA Snow and Sun customer service team.
Next stop on the KMB Design Group Nationwide Tour: Intersolar 2013 from July 9th-11th in San Francisco, CA!
Reno to Host GEA National Geothermal Summit
‘The Biggest Little City in the World' is a Center for
Geothermal Excellence
aleo solar presents self-consumption solutions at Intersolar
Intersolar in Munich from June,19 to 21
Energy storage and self consumption at Intersolar Europe
Electricity prices are increasing, and so is the demand for storage systems: This year, 170 exhibitors in the product group energy storage have registered at Intersolar Europe. Most of them will present their products from 19th to 21st June in hall B5. Furthermore, in various expert's lectures and panel discussions, topics such as self consumption and storage solutions for residential or industrial buildings will be discussed.
8 new solar water-pumping systems in Northern Paraguay
meeco supplies 15.68 kWp of remote solar water-pumping in Pitiantuta, Chaco
COPENHAGEN: SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, MARKET AND POLITICS UNITE FOR EUROPE'S LARGEST GATHERING OF BIOMASS EXPERTS
The political opening of the conference provided a clear reminder of Europe's target of reaching 20% renewable energy by 2020 and the need to achieve this target in an environmentally sustained way.
AXYS to exhibit at Renewable UK Offshore Wind Conference & Exhibition 2013
Renewable UK Offshore Wind Conference & Exhibition in Manchester, June 12-13 at Stand 216
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Solar & Wind - Featured Product
SolarEdge Technologies - EV Charging Single Phase Inverter
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