Research

Breaking research reveals solar cells can be used as lens-free, high-speed optical detectors in underwater environments. The research team said the devices may offer a lower-cost alternative to lensed devices.

While there are mechanical and cost issues that currently block widespread adoption of wave energy, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is exploring new ways to harness the power of the ocean’s waves.

In studies led by NREL researchers, the DOE pursues an energy cost goal of five cents per kilowatt-hour.

Project Nexus is a pilot project that aims to build solar panel canopies over a portion of Turlock Irrigation District’s existing canals to operate and research a how water-plus-energy can meet California’s needs for climate resiliency.

Researchers from Temple University have found that managed sheep grazing on an acre of recovering agricultural soil with native plants installed may sequester one ton of carbon per year, which may accumulate for 12 to 15 years before reaching saturation

Also on the rise: Nova Scotia utility proposes net-metering fee. Research into how rooftop PV systems may affect air and building temperature in urban environments vice versa. Vanadium redox flow battery in microgrid project. Important step for Indiana solar: Utility’s net metering calculation overturned in court. Maxeon to offer IBC solar panels in the US.

Researchers have investigated how rooftop PV systems may affect air and building temperature in urban environments and, conversely, how the urban heat island (UHI) effect may have a negative impact on PV system performance. Their work considered urban air temperature, urban air pollution, the partial shading of the PV system, soiling, building heating and cooling loads, and outdoor shade.

Compiled by an international research group, the best practices were collected from all available guidelines published by national agencies, regulatory bodies, and trade associations.

Nitricity has put together an experimental plasma reactor that uses solar electricity to produce competitively priced, environmentally clean, nitrogen fertilizer. Their onsite fertilizer production eliminates emissions from transporting fertilizers, and provides a viable alternative to fossil consuming nitrogen fixation methods like the Haber-Bosch process.

U.S. scientists have assessed the viability and potential supply chain impact of extracting lithium from geothermal brines, and they have reported promising results.