Spray-on solar cells a step closer
Researchers have developed some of the tiniest solar cells ever made and believe the organic material could potentially turn any surface into a power source.
View ArticleAntarctic bases turn to renewables
Renewable energies are gaining a foothold in Antarctica, curbing fossil fuel use despite problems in designing installations to survive bone-chilling cold and winter darkness.
View ArticleHome fires feed Asia's brown cloud
Fuel burned for home heating and cooking makes up the majority of a huge brown cloud of pollution that hangs over South Asia during the winter months, say researchers.
View ArticleDiscovery to help power up space station
The space shuttle Discovery has blasted into earth orbit on a mission to outfit the International Space Station with a final pair of solar wings ahead of the arrival of an expanded space crew.
View ArticleNanotube tech transforms CO2 into fuel
Titanium oxide nanotubes powered by sunlight are turning carbon dioxide into methane, which could be used as a future energy source, say US scientists.
View ArticleSolar thermal surge possible by 2050
Solar thermal power has the potential to generate up to a quarter of the world's electricity by 2050, according to a new report by pro-solar groups.
View ArticleSolar energy researcher
ACE DAY JOBS: Nicole Kuepper researches new solar technologies that can be commercialised. Watch Ace Day Jobs to find out how she made a career out of renewable energy.
View ArticleSolar cells achieve new energy record
A team of Australian and US researchers have set a new record for solar cell efficiency.
View ArticleHidden fibres capture solar power
Using what they call the world's first 3-D solar panel system, scientists in the US have created photovoltaic cells that work underground.
View ArticleNext-generation solar cells get boost
Scientists have worked out how to make printable solar cells more efficient by stacking them on top of each other.
View ArticleCircuit uses light to power itself
Scientists have created a circuit that can power itself, as long as it's left in a beam of sunshine.
View ArticleNew twist on solar cell design
Scientists in the US have developed a new flexible and lightweight solar cell, which uses a fraction the amount of silicon used in conventional cells, while still achieving high light conversion rates.
View ArticleTrapping light to improve solar cells
Scientists have uncovered why thinner solar cells with well organised patterns on their surface are better able to trap and absorb light.
View ArticleEnergy efficiency and cracking knuckles
DR KARL ON TRIPLEJ: Will a shadow cast on a solar panel reduce its efficiency? Is it possible to harness energy through compost? Which renewable resources are most effective in Australia? Is cracking...
View ArticleSolar panel attraction deadly for insects
New research has found solar panels have a mesmerising, lethal attraction to certain aquatic insects, drawing them to the panels' surface and trapping them until they die.
View ArticleBusting the baseload power myth
OPINION: Baseload power is not a fundamental requirement of modern energy production, argues Dr David Mills.
View ArticleSolar guru receives Australia Day honour
SHINING BRIGHT: Australia needs to look to Germany if it is to realise the potential of solar cell technology, says an expert who is being honoured today.
View ArticleCan solar storms unleash communications chaos?
GREAT MOMENTS IN SCIENCE: The more reliant we become on electronic gadgetry, the more vulnerable we are to a solar superstorm. Dr Karl tries to look on the sunny side.
View ArticleGermany sets new solar power record
SOLAR RECORD: German solar power plants produced a record 22 gigawatts of electricity - equal to 20 nuclear power stations at full capacity.
View ArticleBoost in low-cost solar cell efficiency
SOLAR CELLS: The efficiency of low-cost solar cells has been increased by 30 per cent, say Australian researchers.
View Article'Popeye' solar cells on the way
SPINACH POWER: The power of spinach is being used by researchers to help build cheaper and more efficient solar cells.
View ArticleThe most important motor race in the world?
VIDEO FROM THE VAULT: The World Solar Challenge has proven to be a testing ground for technologies that drive today's clean 'green' cars.
View ArticleFly eyes inspire solar panels
GREAT MOMENTS IN SCIENCE: The eye of a 45-million-year-old fly can increase the power output of a solar panel by 10 per cent. Dr Karl is inspired by how an ancient insect helped solve a modern problem.
View ArticleSolar cell technology: how it works and the future of sunshine
SOLAR CELL BASICS: One in seven homes in Australia has solar panels on their roof - more than anywhere else in the world. So what's going on in all those shiny rooftop structures?
View Article
