solar power
China tests technology that could beam solar power from space to Earth
Chinese researchers have successfully tested a full-system model of technology that could one day wirelessly transmit solar power from outer space to Earth. A model power station at Xidian University in Shaanxi province captures sunlight high above the ground and converts it into microwave beams. It then transmits through …
Record-breaking new solar cell has the highest efficiency yet
A study on the new solar cell titled “Triple-junction solar cells with 39.5% terrestrial and 34.2% space efficiency enabled by thick quantum well superlattices” has been published in the journal Joule. VIEW GALLERY – 2 IMAGES Researchers from the United States Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have created a solar cell with …
UK rail line becomes first in world to be powered by solar farm | Business
The world’s first solar farm to directly power a railway line is set to plug into the track near Aldershot, paving the way for solar-powered trains. About 100 solar panels at the trackside site will supply renewable electricity to power the signalling and lights on Network Rail’s Wessex route. The 30kW pilot scheme could pave …
Wisconsin professor pioneers microgrid technology | Wisconsin
APPLETON, Wis. (AP) — Proponents of a less centralized electric system envision a future in which residents, businesses and communities own and operate solar panels augmented with batteries and other generators hooked together in so-called microgrids. So what exactly is a microgrid? It’s a self-contained electric system that can seamlessly connect and disconnect from the …