Latest news with #SolarQuarter
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers make remarkable breakthrough on next-gen energy source: 'Has the potential to surpass the efficiency limits'
A recent study published in the Advanced Electronic Materials journal has made great strides in investigating the untapped potential of solar panels. Led by associate professor Yang Bai at the University of Oulu, Finland, the researchers targeted ferroelectric materials and the bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) as the source of electrical output, rather than semiconductors — the traditional technology used in solar cells. Manipulating BPVE-based cells by applying an electric field in a certain way can improve their electrical output by 35%. The BPVE phenomenon, according to SolarQuarter, "has the potential to surpass the efficiency limits of traditional semiconductor-based solar cells." Conventional solar panels rely on certain "junctions" formed within the semiconductor cells to convert sunlight into electrical energy. These junctions significantly limit the efficiency of the energy conversion process. BPVE-based cells, on the other hand, generate their own "self-junction": a phenomenon that could increase the electrical output of each cell. BPVE technology on its own has a relatively low power output, per SolarQuarter — but Bai's team found that its efficiency shoots up when enhanced by a poling electric field, making BPVE-based cells more practical. The science behind BPVE was first established in the 1960s and 1970s, wrote Interesting Engineering, but its "real-world applications have been slow to develop." Bai's research is the first to identify how to use BPVE to successfully manipulate ferroelectric crystals to enhance output power and efficiency. "The findings have potential implications for future photonic, computing, sensing, and energy harvesting devices," reported Lexie Corner of AZoMaterials. Bai intends to take his team's discovery one step at a time, starting with small-scale devices to test the potential of BPVE technology. Still, with more research and experimentation, his findings may soon make sweeping changes to the solar-cell game. If scientists and engineers develop BPVE-based solar cells grounded in Bai's research, annual energy savings for solar panel owners could skyrocket. Conventional solar panels already save users up to $1,500 in utilities, plus another $4,600 in tax benefits, on average. With BPVE-based cells that yield even more electricity with cutting-edge efficiency, users will likely save even more on utilities — all while reducing their carbon outputs and helping combat the changing climate. The increased savings potential of BPVE cell technology may incentivize more individuals to go solar. As battling the changing climate requires a collective effort, the more we opt for renewable-energy alternatives to dirty-fuel power sources, the better. If you were to install home solar panels, which of these factors would be your primary motivation? Energy independence Lower power bills Helping the planet No chance I ever go solar Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Solar company reveals off-grid system that could set a new industry standard: 'Instrumental in bringing this vision to life'
Solar tech leader Solis is making waves in Southeast Asia with its new energy solution. According to a company announcement published in February and SolarQuarter's report, Solis launched an off-grid Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Myanmar, offering clean and reliable power without relying on old-school grids and generators. The solar inverter tech company announced the project in collaboration with PowerX, whose technological contributions helped bring the system to life. According to Solis, BESS is built to deliver efficient electricity from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., even in less-than-ideal conditions. The system has a 450 kilowatt-peak solar capacity and six hybrid inverters — with a total output of 300 kilowatts — that help convert energy into usable electricity. BESS also boasts 668 kilowatt-hours of battery storage. A specially designed powerhouse with AC cooling ensures performance even in extreme heat and humidity. BESS is tailored for homes and businesses. It's built to drastically cut pollution by eliminating generator dependence. The system is also designed to reduce grid charging to near zero. Through a Power Purchase Agreement model, BESS supports long-term affordability and sustainability. This enables users to benefit from stable and low-cost electricity over time, setting a new benchmark for green energy access in the country. Innovations like this off-grid system reflect a more direct push for accessible, eco-friendly energy not just in Myanmar but also in other parts of the globe. Battery storage projects in Denmark help stabilize energy availability across regions. Off-grid solar homes in Japan also showcase what personal energy independence can look like. With outages becoming more common, city residents are turning to solar as a smarter backup. Many are switching to rooftop solar to shrink utility costs and to stay prepared for unexpected outages. Recognizing the teamwork behind the momentous project, Solis credited PowerX Director Hla Min Htet in its company announcement, noting, "His expertise and leadership have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life." What kind of solar tech would you be the most willing to use? Rooftop panels Community solar A portable solar generator None of the above Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Unlikely international partnership could bring major energy breakthrough — and help address a global crisis
Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands are getting greener with a massive new solar energy installation, according to SolarQuarter. Taiwan-based Billion Electric has rolled out a 495 kilowatt-peak (kWp) solar panel project and 1,997 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of battery storage across the Pacific Islands while maintaining diesel as a backup source. Should we be harnessing the ocean to power our homes? Absolutely Leave it be It depends I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Billion Electric has estimated that this will reduce carbon emissions by 800 metric tons (about 882 tons) annually. It also says local aquaculture centers and demonstration farms will show 50% renewable energy self-sufficiency. Livestock farms, offices, and dormitories on the islands are now relying entirely on sustainable energy, according to the manufacturer. The Pacific Islands are at particular risk of sea level rise, putting them on the front line of the climate crisis. Solar negates the need to rely on polluting dirty fuels to keep grids running. Burning those fuels is one of the big reasons for temperatures increasing and sea levels rising, and small nations like Tuvalu are rapidly losing land as a result. Besides sustainability, solar is also among the most affordable energy sources available. Transitioning to eco-friendly electrical grids can't happen if the budgets don't make sense. It's great to see large-scale solar installed anywhere in order to help combat these challenges. The Pacific Islands aren't significant polluters in the grand scheme of things, however. More solar power in the United States puts a bigger dent into the challenge. Commercial giants like Meta are making big investments, which helps push the needle in the right direction. China and India are making big strides in solar deployments as well. "We develop flexible and scalable microgrid solutions for diverse applications, enabling the energy transition in off-grid and remote regions," said Billion Electric Group president and CEO Tim Chen in a statement. "By fostering local service teams and forming global partnerships, we ensure system reliability, accelerate green energy adoption, and enhance grid resilience." Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
