Tag Archives: solar energy

Third generation photovoltaic cell is on the way

Posted on 08/06/2014 by Admin1

Third generation photovoltaic cells are solar cells that are potentially able to overcome the Shockley–Queisser limit of 31-41% power efficiency for singlebandgap solar cells. This includes a range of alternatives to the so-called “first generation solar cells” (which are solar cells made of semiconducting p-n junctions) and “second generation solar cells” (based on reducing the cost of first generation cells by employing thin film technologies). Common third-generation systems include multi-layer (“tandem”) cells made of amorphous silicon or gallium arsenide, while more theoretical developments include frequency conversion, hot-carrier effects and other multiple-carrier ejection. Continue reading →

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Home Solar Systems: Worth the Cost?

Posted on 22/04/2012 by admin

Humanity has acknowledged the power of the sun since prehistoric times, awed by the glowing orb whose presence creates day and whose absence plunges the world into darkness.

For all our advances in science and technology, most of the power from the sun still eludes us. NASA reports that we use only one ten-thousandth of the sun’s energy.

Photovoltaic (PV) solar electrical systems offer new and ever-changing ways to harness that energy. The term “photovoltaic” literally means light-electricity.

In 1839, French physicist Edmond Becquerel discovered that sunlight could produce an electric current. Another century would pass before scientists fully understood that this process happens at the atomic level. Albert Einstein’s only Nobel Prize was awarded for his work on the photoelectric effect. By 1958, the space program was using solar cells. Continue reading →

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The Future of Renewable Energy

Posted on 01/10/2010 by

If you think it’s all about solar and wind, think again.
Green’s all the rage these days, but as the market gets flooded with everything from hybrid cars to reusable shopping bags (even Subway is hawking them now), the ability to do something truly innovative will be paramount. Here are five companies that are leading the charge to recycle the green movement’s relevancy. Continue reading →

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Types of Alternative Energy

Posted on 01/10/2010 by

We have traditionally used fossil fuels to provide most of our energy needs. These fossil fuels, like gasoline and coal, have some significant disadvantages. First, the world’s supply of these nonrenewable resources is diminishing. Second, the prices continue to skyrocket, making it unaffordable for many people. Third, fossil fuels are damaging to the environment. Because of these three reasons, we are beginning to look at alternative energy sources. We really need to look carefully at these sources. Fossil fuels will not be around forever, and we are currently using them as if we have an unlimited supply. This supply, if we continue as we are today, will be gone. Fortunately, there are other options out there, and many of them do not have the same concerns that fossil fuels have, as these alternative sources are environmentally friendly, renewable, and more affordable in some cases. Continue reading →

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