For centuries we have used the sun's natural energy to our advantage. For example, it has been used in ancient times to provide natural lighting in temples, for photosynthesis and natural heating for growing crops, to desalinize and purify water, and it has been magnified and intensified to heat thermal power plants. So, … Continue reading
There are two main types of solar power, solar thermal and photovoltaic. Solar thermal uses the sun light's infrared energy to either heat a liquid or to warm a mass of material that will later on release its stored heat. Harnessing solar thermal energy involves building a house in such a way to collect the sun's heat … Continue reading
Solar power energy systems are not inexpensive. That said it's important to compare them within context of other types of home improvement projects. Home buyers and realtors view a solar photovoltaic or solar hot water heating system as a significant value-added improvement – similar to adding a deck or remodeling your … Continue reading
A transparent thin film barrier used to protect flat panel TVs from moisture could become the basis for flexible solar panels that would be installed on roofs like shingles. The flexible rooftop solar panels - called building-integrated photovoltaics, or BIPVs - could replace today's boxy solar panels that are made with … Continue reading
A new technology that was developed at the University of NSW allows traditional panels to catch more light from the blue end of the spectrum, the short wavelengths, and is expected to influence future panel production around the world. Many existing solar panels end up reflecting back the shorter wavelengths of light due … Continue reading