“Blackest” Solar Cell Ever Designed Absorbs 99.7 Percent of All Light

Natcore Technology scientists have created a black silicon solar cell with an average reflectance of 0.3%, making it the “ blackest ” solar cell ever designed. Compared to the most efficient solar cells currently on the market, Natcore’s development offers a tenfold decrease in reflectance over the solar spectrum. The result is an increase in energy efficiency that could help solar power compete even more effectively with traditional fossil fuels. Read the rest of “Blackest” Solar Cell Ever Designed Absorbs 99.7 Percent of All Light Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: black silicon , black silicon solar cells , blackest solar cell , Natcore , Natcore Technology , NREL , reflectance , solar , Solar cells , Solar Power

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“Blackest” Solar Cell Ever Designed Absorbs 99.7 Percent of All Light

Panasonic Unveils “Photosynthesis” Solar Ecosystem at Milan Design Week

The much-anticipated Milan Design Week kicks off on Monday, and Panasonic just sent us the first images of one particularly exciting project — Japanese architect Akihisa Hirata ‘s “Photosynthesis” Solar Ecosystem . We first wrote about the installation last month, when renderings were released showing what promised to be a fascinating interactive exhibit. “Photosynthesis” uses photovoltaic cells mounted on clear polycarbonate to create a visually stunning array designed to compare our technological need for the sun to a plant’s process of photosynthesis. Now installed at the Interni Legacy exhibit at Università Statale, it certainly lives up to expectations! Read the rest of Panasonic Unveils “Photosynthesis” Solar Ecosystem at Milan Design Week Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: akihisa hirata , Illumated Art , Interni Legacy , Italian Architecture , LED lights , Milan Design Week , Panasonic Electric , Photosynthesis Solar , photovoltaic panel , Polycarbonate Frame , Solar Cell , Universita Statale

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Panasonic Unveils “Photosynthesis” Solar Ecosystem at Milan Design Week

United States Pulls Ahead of China in Clean Energy Race

According to a Pew Charitable Trusts survey, the United States has reclaimed the top spot in clean energy investment, toppling China from its number one global ranking. Meanwhile, investment in renewables around the world continues to surge, reaching $237.2 billion in 2011 , up almost 8 percent from the previous year. Despite austerity measures, expiring tax credits and the continued global hunt for oil, developed and developing nations alike are striving to add more non-fossil fuels to their energy portfolio. Read the rest of United States Pulls Ahead of China in Clean Energy Race Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: “clean energy” , “solar energy” , “wind power” , clean energy investment , investment in renewables , Pew Charitable Trusts , renewable energy , renewables , solar , Solar Power , stimulus , tax credits

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United States Pulls Ahead of China in Clean Energy Race