Solar power

The next-generation solar cell is fully recyclable

The next-generation solar cell is fully recyclable

In a study published in Nature, researchers at Linköping University have developed a method to recycle all parts of a solar cell repeatedly without environmentally hazardous solvents. The recycled solar cell has the same efficiency as the original one. The solar cell is made of perovskite and the main solvent is water. Electricity use is…

New study makes surprising discovery while testing sheep grazing alongside solar panels — here’s how it could dramatically change agriculture

New study makes surprising discovery while testing sheep grazing alongside solar panels — here’s how it could dramatically change agriculture

Clean, renewable energy sources like solar are beginning to replace dirty, polluting energy sources like gas and oil. However, one issue with solar that needs to be addressed as it continues to expand is the amount of physical space solar arrays take up. Luckily, there are several viable ways to work around this issue or…

How farmers can install solar panels in fields without damaging the rest of their operation

How farmers can install solar panels in fields without damaging the rest of their operation

As the world races to meet net-zero targets, emissions from all industrial sectors must be reduced more urgently than ever. Agriculture is an important area of focus as it contributes up to 22 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. One approach to decarbonising agriculture involves integrating solar panels – or photovoltaics (PVs) – into…

Experts Uncover Game-Changer Side Effects Of Solar Farms

Experts Uncover Game-Changer Side Effects Of Solar Farms

The solar energy industry has long been portrayed as being at odds with traditional farming, as both require lots of land and are presumably in competition with one another. However, a new approach called “agrivoltaics” is integrating the two industries together and showing that they can coexist while benefiting one another, the Washington Post reported. Agrivoltaics…

Recycling: A Solar Panel’s Life after Death

Recycling: A Solar Panel’s Life after Death

Solar panel recycling plays a role in the energy sector because it tackles the environmental and economic issues linked to disposing of old solar panels. As the global energy installation continues to surge, many solar panels will reach their end-of-life stage in the coming years, resulting in waste. Recycling these panels prevents substances from entering…

Solar farming 101: Maximising energy, minimising disruption

Solar farming 101: Maximising energy, minimising disruption

As the world races to meet net-zero targets, emissions from all industrial sectors must be reduced more urgently than ever. Agriculture is an important area of focus as it contributes up to 22% of global greenhouse gas emissions – almost as much as the energy sector. One approach to decarbonising the agricultural sector is agrivoltaics….

Greek Island Ai Stratis Goes Green Through Renewable Energy Pilot Project

Greek Island Ai Stratis Goes Green Through Renewable Energy Pilot Project

The Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO) has launched another significant green transition project aimed at making the Greek island of Ai Stratis energy self-sufficient through the exclusive use of renewable energy sources. The pilot project, titled “Ai Stratis Green Island”, is designed to meet all electricity and heating needs of the island’s residents by…

Solar-powered desalination system requires no extra batteries

Solar-powered desalination system requires no extra batteries

MIT engineers have built a new desalination system that runs with the rhythms of the sun. The solar-powered system removes salt from water at a pace that closely follows changes in solar energy. As sunlight increases through the day, the system ramps up its desalting process and automatically adjusts to any sudden variation in sunlight,…

Optimizing energy-efficient building renovation: Integrating double-skin façades with solar systems in the Mediterranean landscape

According to the European Environment Agency, 85–95 % of today’s buildings will still be standing in 2050. As a result, there is an urgent need to renovate existing buildings to reduce energy consumption and improve their energy performance >>> Barone, G., Vardopoulos, I., Attia, S., & Vassilliades, C. Energy Reports 12, 2933-2945 (2024) Recent related articles…

Solar farms a ‘blight on the landscape’? Research shows they can benefit wildlife

Solar farms a ‘blight on the landscape’? Research shows they can benefit wildlife

Liz Truss, the new UK prime minister, isn’t a fan of solar farms. In 2014, when she was environment secretary, she described rows of panels arranged in a field to capture energy from the sun as a “blight on the landscape”. Eight years later, as a candidate for the 2022 Conservative Party leadership election, she…