Powering Up The Drones With Solar Energy
Advances in solar cell technology can make drones a more powerful tool not only for the battlefield but also for civilian uses, such as firefighting, crop surveying and oil and gas field monitoring. A Silicon Valley company called Alta Devices has been working with AeroVironment to engineer a drone that can stay airborne longer and carry out missions that are impossible before.
The result of the collaboration is a 13-pound prototype drone that can fly for 9 hours and 11 minutes, AeroVironment announced recently. The military contractor credited its new battery and Alta’s solar technology for the feat. A drone similar to the one by AeroVironment typically can fly for one or two hours before it has to land and recharge, said Chris Norris, Alta’s CEO. AeroVironment’s new battery is good for three hours. By embedding Alta’s ultra thin and highly efficient solar cells on the aircraft, the battery is able to recharge twice before daylight fades and keeps the drone in the air three times longer, Norris added.
California-based AeroVironment is still tinkering with the design of the drone, which is part of its Puma AE line. It plans to roll out a design that it could produce and sell in early 2014.
Clenergy's solar system withstands Queensland tornados in Australia
The 9kW system in the Queensland city Australia, installed with Clenergy's SolarTerrace III solar mounting system, survived a series of tornados that ran across and beyond the Bundaberg area. The solar mounting system remained standing as installed, , with the frame only needing one rail replaced.
Clenergy wins Grace Solar Litigation
The Federal Court of Australia made a public declaration that Grace Solar had infringed one of Clenergy's certified innovation patents. Grace Solar is prohibited from selling its infringing products in Australia.
Gehrlicher Solar America Corporation Completes Phase 1 of 7.2 Megawatt Photovoltaic System for UniSource Energy Services
When fully operational, the ground-mounted system will supply power to about 91,000 UES customers in Mohave and Santa Cruz counties
Amonix Achieves World Record 35.9% PV Module Efficiency Rating at NREL
Data for the rating was generated by an Amonix module under outdoor test at NREL from late February to April of this year.
SPI Solar Announces Strategic Initiatives
Appoints New Board Members and Global CEO
Toray Plastics (America) to Build a New Cogeneration Power Facility
US$22.7 Million Investment in Second System Will Enhance Sustainability Initiative and Manufacturing Production
First Solar, Roseville Sign Contract for Lost Hills PPA
The Lost Hills project construction could start in early 2014
Chicago Area EV Charging Station Equipped with Solar Canopy and Lithium-ion Battery
The state-of-the-art battery system helps buffer the electrical grid from the uneven power demands of EV charging while providing enough capacity to charge two vehicles in case of a power outage.
Innotech Solar expands sale of European solar modules in Nordic markets
ITS appoints experienced PV professional Peter Hansen to cover region
Siemens receives 267-MW wind order in the USA
Order for 116 SWT-2.3-108 wind turbines for onshore project
----
Nacelles, hubs and blades to be supplied by Siemens' U.S. factories
Local Code Officials Have New User Friendly Version for Solar PV Online Training
Recent modifications to the training platform make it easier to use.
Waste management solutions become a focal point for Eco Expo Asia 2013
Green building concepts: a key highlight for 2013 exhibitors
Confirmed pavilions aim to showcase the best in technology and products from around the world
After Zimbabwe, meeco expands solar market presence to Malawi
Public-listed Press Corporation Limited and The meeco Group create joint venture company Press Solar Limited
Growth in Wind Energy to Boost Global Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Market, with China to Lead
O&M market to reach $19 million by 2020----
Offshore wind energy to attract higher O&M costs compared to onshore
Records 17251 to 17265 of 30835
First | Previous | Next | Last
Solar Power - Featured Product
FLIR PV KIT - Solar Troubleshooting Kit for Photovoltaic Systems
FLIR PV kits are designed to assess the performance, safety, and efficiency of residential, commercial, and industrial solar panels and photovoltaic systems. PV kits from FLIR help you diagnose faults and potential failures and ensure optimal energy production, system longevity, and compliance with industry standards. With a PV kit from FLIR, you'll be perfectly equipped for any solar installation or repair.
