Lasted edited by Andrew Munsey, updated on June 15, 2016 at 12:43 am.
Solar energy technologies cover the various innovations used to harnessing energy from the light/heat of the Sun. It has been used in many traditional technologies for centuries and has come into widespread use where other power supplies are absent, such as in remote locations and in space. Its use is spreading as awareness increases about the environmental costs and limited supply of other power sources such as fossil fuels.
:       "The sun's rays falling upon the earth's surface represent a quantity of energy so enormous that but a small part of it could meet all our demands. By normal incidence the rate is mechanically equivalent to about 95 foot pounds per square foot per second, or nearly 7,300 horsepower per acre of ground. The energy of light rays, constituting about 10% of the total radiation, might be captured by a cold and highly efficient process in photo-electric cells which may become, on this account, of practical importance in the future." -- PowerPedia:Nikola Tesla ("Our future motive power" Everyday Science and Mechanics Dec. 1931)
http://www.enfsolar.com - "Over the last 8 years I have built up a directory of over 17,000 solar companies which I believe helps the industry to grow faster by knowing all their suppliers and customers."
Solar Power 2009 - A primer site on what solar power is about.Directory:Solar > Directory:Solar > Here Comes the Sun - Here's a great documentary by a Dutch public service TV station, VPRO, about how the sun could easily provide the planet with sufficient energy, if only we are willing to change and to invest in harvesting that solar energy. "This documentary will leave you feeling totally refreshed and recharged. Show's how fear is striking the hearts of oil producers already." -- Andrew Lee (YouTube / VPRO Backlight Oct. 21, 2008)
A Solar Grand Plan - A massive switch to solar power plants in the Southwest could supply 69% of the U.S.’s electricity by 2050. Excess daytime energy would be stored as compressed air in underground caverns. A new DC power transmission backbone would deliver solar electricity across the country. $420 billion in subsidies would make it cost-competitive. (Scientific American Jan. 2008)
Solar Power Beginner - A site for 'solar power rookies' that explains the basics.Latest:
There was an error working with the wiki: Code- Directory page for civic leaders who want to implement cost-effective, green utilities, away from dependence on polluting fossil fuels. Recommends the best technologies/companies in each of the major sectors. (PESWiki Oct 23, 2008)
FPL Sees Renewables Soon Competitive With Coal - Power generation from low-carbon energy sources like wind, solar and nuclear should soon become competitive with electricity generated by coal, the cheapest of fossil fuels, the chief executive of FPL Group Inc., which will spend US$1.5 billion aimed at building solar thermal energy in Florida, California or other states. (Reuters Sept. 27, 2007)
Solar Power Wins Enthusiasts but Not Money - While the idea of solar power has grown in popularity, the practicality of widespread implementation is said to be decades away yet. (NY Times July 16, 2007) (Backup)
http://SolarPowerNotes.com - Brief memos on the workings of photovoltaic cells and types of solar cells.
World’s Cheapest Solar Power Lands In Austin, Texas — Under 4¢/kWh! (Sort Of) (CleanTechnica July 2, 2015)
Directory:IAS - Utility scale solar presently in process of being commercially installed for first time alleged to produce electricity at 3-5 cents per kilowatt-hour. Highly-efficient bladeless turbine has wide range of waste-heat-harnessing applications. Methanol production technique will draw CO2 out of the environment, reversing global warming.
Directory:Solar Hydrogen Energy Corporation (SHEC) Labs - Has developed a process that will convert landfill and other waste methane into clean hydrogen, using the power of the Sun for the reformation, at a price comparable to traditional hydrogen production methods.
Directory:Stirling Energy Systems - 20-year purchase agreement between Southern California Edison and Stirling Energy Systems, Inc. will result in 20,000+ dish array covering 4,500 acres capable of generating 500 MW, at a cost competitive to grid power.
Directory:Advanced Diamond Solutions' amorphous nanostructures - Semiconductor industry company serendipitously developed thermionic solar cells using amorphous diamond nanostructures that offer potential efficiencies of 50% at half the cost of silicon solar cells. Also has good promise as a thermal electric generator.
Directory:ECS Solar Systems - ECS Solar Energy Systems, Inc. is a state licensed, solar contracting company that specializes in the installation and maintenance of solar hot water, solar pool heating and solar electric systems. We are licensed for both residential and commercial Solar Systems. ECS is 100% owned and operated by Tom and Shirley Lane who have over 27 years experience in installing and servicing solar energy systems.
Directory:Solar >DIY Solar Panel System Built Cheaply - A solar panel system is still expensive if bought off-the-shelf, although they’re cheaper than last year. Thus you could pay up to $10,000 for such an installation and you could cover the system’s price in just over 10 years. Here's how to build one from scratch, with parts purchased from eBay. (The Green Optimistic)
Directory:Solar >Open Source Solar Turbine - An Open Source Ecology project for doing a community solar thermal concentrator steam turbine, claiming $1 per watt for producing electricity for 50 years for a 60 kW solar system. (Open Farm Tech Nov. 13, 2008)Latest:
There was an error working with the wiki: Code/ Directory:Solar >OS:Stirling Engine by GreenPowerScience - Green Power Science host, Dan Rojas, presents the basics of Stirling engine operation, suggesting how make one from off-the-shelf parts including a timing chain wheel for the flywheel, metal cans for the displacer piston, drill paddle bit for the shaft. (PESWiki Jan. 24, 2009)
Directory:Solar >Fresnel / Peltier DIY Project - An Open Source project which uses a Fresnel lens to focus solar energy on a Peltier cell. A fan is used to blow air across a heat sink on the other side of the cell, creating the necessary temperature gradient for the Peltier cell. (Instructables.com Oct. 3, 2009)
Directory:Solar >A Solar-powered mobile phone - Add a small solar panel to your cellphone to reduce the "low battery" messages. The objective is to looks great and not get in the way of using the phone normally. (Instructables Jan. 11, 2009)
Solar Mower - The project entails replacing the gasoline engine of a used 22" gas powered mower with a 12 Volt electric motor and battery - along with gauges, circuit breaker/power switch and charging connector. Using 12 Volts keeps the design simple and relatively safe. (Art Tec June 2005)
Directory:Closed Loop Ammonia Turbine - The return of Tesla's solar (and other low heat input) design for home and commercial power systems using inexpensive technology discarded last century due to then cheap oil prices.
Directory:Creative Science and Research - Company sells plans for devices that they say can provide "free power for your home, garage, car or truck". They claim to have heaters, engines, and other devices that are over unity or that require no fuel. A few buyers say the kits do not operate as claimed. Others are satisfied.
SolarBotics - Solarbotics offers robot kits, solar-powered robots, books, electronic components, motors, parts and information on the expanding field of BEAM Robotics.
Build and integral passive solar water heater - A snap to build, install, and use. Parts list includes discarded electric water heater tank, a homemade plywood box to house it, a can of black paint, etc. (Mother Earth News Jan/Feb 1984)
Cheap Solar Energy Projects - XenoTechResearch design built for $2.00, with simple aluminum frame.
High temperature solar furnace - "can boil steel (dangerous)"
Cheap variable focus heat source - "can cause remote ignition (fires)"
Masters Course for Solar Engineers - The European Solar Engineering School (ESES) in Borlange, Sweden, is accepting applications for its Masters Programs. One-year Masters Program offers courses in "Advanced PV engineering," "Advanced solar thermal engineering," "Applied solar energy" and "Utilization of solar energy." (Renewable Energy Access Feb. 10, 2006)
See also Academy
Solar PV Design and Installation Course - Infinite Solar Inc. (Infinite Solar) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is accepting applications for its solar training courses. Solar PV Installation and Design Class covers fundamentals in design, installation, and evaluation of residential and commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The course curriculum is based on standards set by the IREC.
Solar Thermal Design and Installation Course - Infinite Solar Inc. (Infinite Solar) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is accepting applications for its solar thermal training courses. Thermal Design and Installation Course incorporates instructor-led lectures, presentations and hands-on labs, including the use of site-assessment tools in the design of solar thermal systems. Our solar training will prepare you for becoming a professional, successful solar installer.
Online Solar Training Courses - Infinite Solar Inc. (Infinite Solar Online)is offering Internet-based solar training programs that provide students with practical knowledge and relevant skills that can be applied directly in the field.
PVO EXPLORE Free Online Course - Infinite Solar Inc. (Infinite Solar Online)is offering a free online solar course for those who wish to learn the basics of solar energy and solar PV technology. After completing this course you will have a better understanding of the opportunities within the photovoltaic energy industry and become more familiar with terminology commonly employed by solar power technicians.
Solar Panel Installation Training - CleanEdison (CleanEdison) offers a Solar PV Entry level Boot Camp that thoroughly covers the topics outlined the NABCEP Photovoltaic Entry Level Learning Objectives. This course is designed to introduce solar energy in both theory and application and to immerse students in the key concepts of solar PV design, installation and safety.
Solar Energy Training - CleanEdison (CleanEdison) offers a Solar Thermal Entry level Boot Camp that provides real world, hands-on installation techniques, top instructors and state of-the-art training equipment in order to deliver the knowledge and skills needed to start providing solar thermal solutions to clients.
Technical Sales Solar Training - CleanEdison (CleanEdison) offers a Solar PV Technical Sales training course that introduces the fundamentals of solar energy, solar photvoltaic technology and markets for new professionals. The course also delves into special topics including communicating with customers, estimating systems and communicating needs to the installer.
Advanced Solar Training - CleanEdison (CleanEdison) offers an intensive 5-day Advanced Solar PV training course that thoroughly covers industry standards to PV system design and installation best practices. The advanced Solar PV course is designed to teach individuals how to integrate solar PV installations and provides 40 credit hours towards fulfilling the education requirement necessary to sit for the NABCEP PV Installer Certification Exam.
Before we go into detail a nice introduction of ongoing solar energy technology can be found here
Directory:Black Silicon (directory) - Silicon surfaces rendered black by pits and bumps only nanometers large could in the future help make solar power cells more efficient, enabling a more complete absorption of the sun's rays.
http://ultrasolartech.com - "The only product that allows anyone to get more power from any solar panel anywhere."
Directory:Concentrated Solar Power (Separate page) - Methods of concentrating solar energy to increase conversion efficiency, using mirrors and lenses to focus the sun's rays on photovoltaic cells or heat absorbers.
See: Directory:Dye Solar Cells - separate page
See also Directory:ElectrolysisDirectory:Solar / Directory:Electrolysis / Directory:CO2 Sequestration > Solar-powered process could decrease carbon dioxide to pre-industrial levels in 10 years - In the Solar Thermal Electrochemical Photo (STEP) carbon capture process, the sun’s visible light and heat are used via an electrolysis cell to capture large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it to solid carbon for storage or carbon monoxide for fuel generation. (PhysOrg July 22, 2010)
SOLAR BALLOONS: SunHope Renewable Energy - A project by Dr. Joseph Cory of Geotectura and Dr. Pini Gurfil of Technion is a low-cost deployable system that would harness solar energy. Awarded for "Forward Thinking" by the Re:Vision competition. (Inhabitat April 10, 2008)
Directory:Floating Solar Chimney - A variant of the concrete Directory:Solar Tower concept. The floating chimney is a light-weight structure made of a set of lifting balloon rings filled with a lighter than the air gas. Result is projected to be cost-competitive with grid electricity generation.
Directory:SHPEGS - Solar Heat Pump Electrical Generation System - The Solar Heat Pump Electrical Generation System (SHPEGS) utilizes a solar or geothermal powered absorption heat pump to improve the efficiency and location independence of SEGS/CSP solar thermal systems.
Energy Companies Competing for Desert Land - The Bureau of Land Management has been swamped with applications for solar projects across millions of acres of desert and has seen a 78% increase in applications, now totaling 223. The applicants are all looking to capitalize on desert land in California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado, with California leading with 107 applications alone. (EcoGeek Jan. 12, 2009)
Solar Thermal Power in North-Africa: How Much Land to Power the World? - Spiegel Online published a series of pictures titled "Desertec: Strom aus der Wüste" (translation: Desertech: Electricity from the desert). It includes this image of how much land would be needed to power the world, Europe or Germany with solar-thermal power. (TreeHugger April 28, 2008)
How Much Land to Power The Whole World with Solar? - Solar power systems installed in the areas defined by the dark disks could provide a little more than the world's current total primary energy demand (assuming a conversion efficiency of 8 %). That is, all energy currently consumed, including heat, electricity, fossil fuels, etc., would be produced in the form of electricity by solar cells. (TreeHugger April 4, 2007)
Direct conversion of solar energy to mechanical motion.
Directory:Nanotechnology > Tiny boats made of nanomaterials are powered directly by sunlight - Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, are using carbon nanotubes to build small, simple waterborne machines propelled directly by sunlight. In theory, they say, these machines could be scaled up to make energy-generating pumps directly powered by the sun. (MIT Technology Review April 13, 2009)
Directory:Solar / Directory:Magnetism > Solar power without solar cells: A hidden magnetic effect of light could make it possible - A dramatic and surprising magnetic effect of light discovered by University of Michigan researchers could lead to solar power without traditional semiconductor-based solar cells. At the right intensity, when light is traveling through a material that does not conduct electricity, the light field can generate magnetic effects that are 100 million times stronger than previously expected. (PhysOrg Apr. 14, 2011)
See Directory:Solar Paint - separate index page
Energy-Generating Solar Roadways - Solar Roadways claims that a series of roads built out of solar panels could supply all of our country's energy needs several times over. The three layer roadways would also contain a revised version of the nation's electric grid and a network of communications cables. (TreeHugger Aug. 20, 2007)
Directory:Solar Pavement - Featuring the general concept of pumping water through pipes in pavement to use the black-body absorption of the asphalt to collect solar heat and transmit it to the water.
Converting photons to electrical current using antennas, see
See Directory:Solar:Photosynthesis Imitation - separate index
For directories of technologies that convert photons to electrical current, see
See: Directory:Plastic Solar Cells (separate index at PESWiki) - Technologies that use plastic in the process of harnessing solar energy, either as the solar cell itself or as a crucial infrastructure component.
See also Directory:Emergency Preparedness
SkyBuilt aims to be the Dell of renewable energy systems - If you have a unique power need that is off grid, and you want something that can deploy quickly, is rugged, and will last for a long time, SkyBuilt is who you call. The CIA shouldn't be the only one to benefit. (PESN Oct. 20, 2005)
Portable “micro utilities - Ecos LifeLink folds out of a shipping container to meet the demand for off-grid water, energy and communications. It has 16 kW of photovoltaics, an optional wind turbine, a wireless communications control center with a range of 30 miles, and can filter 30 gallons per minute of contaminated ground water. (TreeHugger Mar. 2, 2007)
Solar powered water desalination - Spectra Watermakers' portable Solar Cube is powered by sunlight and wind, and can provide up to 3,500 gallons of clean drinking water per day from polluted water or salt water. It can also provide enough emergency electricity to refrigerate medical supplies or power communications equipment. (Inside Greentech Mar. 7, 2007)
Solar Integrated - Solar Tent provides shelter and also produces up to 6 kW of portable power in remote locations for disaster recovery missions, military applications, and emergency medical care.
Independent Energy Systems - Powerwagon XL combines solar PV panels, deep cycle batteries, tracking controller, inverter, and backup generator to make a portable power station that you can tow with your pickup.
Caravan Solar Panels - Caravan solar panels usually include a solar controller or regulator, which controls the amount of energy that charges the correctly sized battery bank for the appliances you wish to run. They then draw electricity from the battery bank as you require.
SolarOne Solutions - Harvester™ Micro-Utility System -- platform optimized for remote power includes expandable solar array, inverter and deep cycle battery. It is clean & silent, 100% pollution and noise free, and offers easy plug and play set up.
SinoStar Lighting - The Duxlite small solar system is a portable solar generator that can generate power from 100W to 500W. Applications include remote homes, solar pumps, solar fans/TVs, yards, car parks, and road sign illumination.
Evacuated Tube Thermosiphon Solar Panel - Navitron evacuated tube, thermosiphon solar panels with water resevoir between 85 and 220 liters, no power required. Applications include disaster areas, remote areas, military, eco homes.
Directory:Silicon - Page addresses the silicon shortage for solar photovoltaics and solutions, including more efficient use of silicon, alternate silicon manufacturing methods, and alternatives to silicon. (PESWiki)
The Molten Salt Solution to Storing Solar Energy - The difference between the molten salt and other liquids that are used in this sort of system is that the molten salt retains heat for a long enough time that it can effectively time-shift the stored solar energy from when it is most efficiently generated to when it is most needed. SolarReserve video (TreeHugger June 30, 2008)
See also Directory:Storage
See Directory:Concentrated Solar Power - separate page
See Directory:Solar Thermal - separate page
Thin layer metal alloy converts light into energy at a fraction of the cost of silicon. Roll-printed cells are lightweight and flexible. They can be integrated into consumer products like cell phones, tents and roof tiles.
See Directory:Thin Film Solar (separate index at PESWiki)
Directory:Solar Tower - Resemble an inverted funnel, with a wide, clear skirt to collect air to then turn a turbine in the tower. A 50 kW prototype in Manzaneres, Spain is the basis of several ramp-up designs presently under way, with towers nearly 1 km high.
See Directory:Solar Windows - separate index page.
See: Directory:Space Based Solar Power - separate index page
See Directory:Solar Sails - separate index page
See Directory:Solar Energy Research and Development - separate index page
Ablesales.com.au - Supplying petrol and diesel generators to household and commercial solar and off the grid systems in Australia.
Airwater.com.au - Australian company sells solar power units for remote signs (e.g. billboard, traffic lights) as well as for mobile devices such as PDA's, laptops and cell phones. They also sell water-from-air devices.
Alpha Solar -- The Complete Renewable Energy Resource - provide cost-effective, state-of-the-art energy products, accessories and complete electric systems for homes, cabins, boats, remote site and back-up power including solar panels, solar controllers, wind generators, inverters, batteries.
American Institute of Renewable Energy -- AIRE is a Renewable Energy Research, Development Training and Technology Company. Committed to develop a highly skilled workforce to bring Integrated Engineering and Advanced Technological Solutions to provide Clean Affordable Renewable Energy to people, communities and countries worldwide.
The American Solar Energy Society - ASES is a national organization dedicated to advancing the use of solar energy for the benefit of US citizens and the global environment.
Applied Materials Launches Strategy to Reduce the Cost Per Watt of Solar Power - "The solar industry has reached the inflection point..., as solar customers seek economies of scale with suppliers who can better meet their needs for global support and who can provide advanced systems that meet technology, throughput, quality and yield goals." (BusinessWire Sept. 5, 2006)
Austin Energy to Pay Customers to Generate Their Own Power - City Council approves rebate of $5,000 per kilowatt for solar array installations for their residential and commercial customers. (Pure Energy Systems News May 27, 2004)
Avenir Energie's Geopack for home heating - "For every kW of electrical energy consumed to operate the generator, the [solar] system produces between 3.9 and 5.1 kW of energy to heat the building." (Innovations Report Feb. 23, 2005)
Coffee: Wake Up and Smell the Solar - Cutting-edge solar coffee-drying test site being installed in Costa Rica. (Renewable Energy Access Nov. 26)
David Allan's Solar Home - integrates seven different forms of collection: trombe wall, solarium convection, photo-voltaic cells, propylene-glycol heat exchange, eutectic salt chamber, berm-insulation, black chimneys for passive solar air-conditioner.
Energy Innovations' Raytracker GC Single-Axis Solar Tracker - RayTracker supports a wide range of available PV panel types. PV panels mounted on a RayTracker system can yield an up to 38% increase in annual energy production compared to stationary PV panels, according to the company. (Renewable Energy Worldwide May 23, 2008)
EnergyQuest Tests Solar-powered Water Purification System - Using only solar power, a new water-purifying system by EnergyQuest, that is both easy to store and portable, will undergo testing by the Texas Water Resources Institute of Texas A & M. (Renewable Energy Access Jan. 4, 2006)
Energy Unlimited Hawaii - install & service.
Power on the go - Fraunhofer researchers are working on micro power engineering solutions to provide the mobile power needed by modern communications devices. A solar powered cell phone design would require just two hours of sunlight a day to keep the phone operational. (Fraunhofer.de March 30, 2006)
GO Solar Company - Provides information and consumer guides relating to solar energy and its various applications. Online solar catalog.
Greenshine Solar Outdoor Lighting - Greenshine New Energy LLC. Specializes in developing and manufacturing customized solar powered lighting systems for a wide range of outdoor lighting applications.
HESolarLLC - "Solar panels in Austin, TX -- Free Estimates & Competitive Pricing"
Honda FCX Fuel Cell Car Powered by the Sun - Hydrogen produced from a 700 square foot solar array at a custom filling station is capable of supporting 200 miles per week -- the national average. Range 170 miles. Prototypes: $2 mil each. (LA Times Aug. 29, 2004) [free subscription to access]
ICP Solar Introduces Sunsei - Said to deliver 50% more power per square inch than competing solar technologies perform even under cloudy conditions available worldwide. (Renewable Energy Access Nov. 2005)
InfiniteEnergy.com.au - Perth, Western Australia based solar power system and solar hot water installers. Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited.
Infinite Solar Inc. - Solar energy training school, Infinite Solar, provides innovative solar panel installation training & solar thermal classes giving you the skills to jump start your green career.
Solarize Portland - A community initiative aimed at helping homeowners in Portland, OR save money by buying solar energy in bulk. Similar initiatives have later been adopted in other parts of the country.
Jade Mountain - "The world's largest selection of renewable energy products."
JC-SolarHomes.com - Passive Solar Home Design
Kyocera announces 13.8-Megawatt Solar Electric Plant in Salamanca, Spain - One of the largest PV systems in the world will be commissioned September 18. It is comprised of ~ 70,000 Kyocera PV modules on a 36-hectares (89-acres), powering about 5,000 homes in a central distribution model. Kyocera plans to have capacity to produce 500 megawatts of PV modules per year by March 2011. (BusinessWire Sept. 11, 2007)
Lotus Energy - Nepal company designs, manufactures, installs and services a multitude of Solar and Alternative Energy Systems and products.
Maine Solar House - The step by step building of a solar house. Solar land, solar plan, solar heat, solar power, solar data. Featured in TIME magazine.
MetalRoofs.org - Solar Installation - Integrates crystalline PV solar panels, and thin-film photovoltaic laminates with standing seam metal roofing systems.
Oerlikon expects grid parity by 2010 - Oerlikon Solar has said its facilities will achieve grid parity by 2010 in connection with the opening of the company’s new fully-automated thin-film pilot line at Trübbach, Switzerland. (Video) (Renewable Energy Focus Sept. 8, 2008)
OptiSolar - OptiSolar manufactures photovoltaic (PV) modules and produces power from their own large-scale solar farms.
Quality Solar Concepts - Distributor of Alternative Energy Products including solar street lights, solar panels, solar heat and hot water, wind turbines and more
SatCon - offers diversified and sophisticated power products for the Alternative Energy, Hybrid-Electric Vehicle, Grid Support, High Reliability Electronics and Advanced Power Technology markets.
Satcon Introduces 1 Megawatt Photovoltaic Inverter - Satcon (NASDAQ CM: SATC), a leading provider of utility scale distributed power solutions for the renewable energy market, announced that they are taking orders for their PowerGate™Plus 1 megawatt (MW) commercial PV inverter system, designed with advanced features for large scale utility installations. (BusinessWire Sept, 3, 2008)
Solar Depot Grand Opening - New 24,000 sq. ft. headquarters facility for 1979-established systems integrator and wholesale distributor of solar energy equipment, including solar electric power systems, solar thermal hot water and radiant floor heating systems. (SolarAccess News June 28, 2004) (About Solar Depot) (SolarDepot.com)
Sol-Lite Malaysia - implementing domestic and commercial applications.
Solardyne Corporation - direct source for renewable energy equipment and high-efficiency home appliances
Solar Century's Complete Solar Roof - The "Complete Solar Roof" integrates solar electric and solar thermal technologies in a tile that is installed like a conventional roofing tile.
Solar Energy International - renewable energy education offering hands-on workshops in solar, wind, and water power and natural building technologies in 11 locations.
SolarMarket.com.au - Provides Australians with unbiased and independent advice about making the switch to solar energy. They also provide 3 free quotes from CEC accredited installers too.
Solar Water Heater by KuzeySAN - Evacuated Tube Collectors can be used in both closed or open-loop configuration
Special Materials Research and Technology Innovative Antireflective Technology - SPECMAT Inc. is a research-oriented small business with a focus on the room temperature wet chemical growth (RTWCG) of oxides used in microelectronics and photonics (optoelectronics). Low-cost, RTWCG SiOX antireflective coating (ARC) technology increases the efficiency of c-Si, and mc-Si solar cells by up to 30% or more. (Submitted by Orry)
500 Solar Flashlight Give Away - SunNight Solar developed, with the assistance of the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program, supported by NASA, shaped by specific field work on their prototypes in Africa in the harshest conditions by scientists from the US Department of Energy and funded by research grants from the Rockefeller Foundation — they offer the next generation of portable, reliable and environmentally friendly lights for nightly use, for camping and outdoor activities, and a product which should be in every family’s emergency preparedness kit. (http://digg.com/environment/SunLight_is_Giving_Away_500_Solar_Flashlights?OTC-em-sh1Digg July 21, 2008)
U.S. Govt. Shirking Space Solar Power Relay Program - Scientists will be gathering to discuss NASA research program abandoned in 2001. (Wired June 22, 2004)
WorldWater and Power Installs Largest Solar Irrigation Pumping System - California array drives 200 horsepower pumping system. The 267 kW system is grid-connected, so it can run off either, as well as return excess electricity for credit. (Renewable Energy Access Dec. 13, 2004)
http://www.batec.dk Producer of solar water heating systems in Denmark
http://www.solarwall.com Fresh air heating
http://www.solarconstruct.com/ Production in Uganda
http://www.estif.org/ Home of the European Solar Thermal Industry
http://www.ises.org/ The International Solar Energy Society - A Global Alliance
http://www.soltherm.org/soltherm.htm - "A solar water heater for every European!"
Tips for Green Lawn Care - For a slightly less cool, but still extremely green option, there are battery-powered hand mowers like a model from Solaris available with solar charging stations. That's right, you can take your lawn mowing completely off the grid. (Wired How-To Wiki May 2008)
Solar Helium Balloons - Researchers have developed helium balloons coated with solar cells to generate energy. The balloons are expected to overcome surface area issues in cities where large solar cell panels are not feasible. The same cable that brings the helium to the balloon will also carry the electricity to the ground, and your home may require only one or two balloons. (TreeHugger Jun. 25, 2007)
Sea Solar Power Inc. to Tap Sea Temperature Gradient - Those hot ocean waters have a more useful purpose than just generating hurricanes. A reverse refrigeration process generates electricity from the difference in temperature between surface and deep water. (PESN Jan. 4, 2006)
Basic Research Needs for Solar Energy Utilization - 276-page report of the Basic Energy Sciences Workshop on Solar Energy Utilization, held April 18-21, 2005 discusses leading solar advances and how they can bring affordable solar energy conversion. (U.S. Department of Energy)
Imagine Energy - Website offers comprehensive education about cutting-edge renewable energy products and services, along with an e-commerce store where visitors can purchase clean energy lifestyle products.
Creative Energy Technologies - Solar & Wind Powered Products and Appliances
Online Courses - Solar Energy International (SEI), a solar energy training and education provider since 1991, is now offering PV Design Online and Solar Home Design courses online, commencing Sept. 6, then Oct. 31, 2005.
Solar Powered Retinal Implants - A solar-powered chip that stimulates retinal cells by spraying them with neurotransmitters could restore sight to blind people. Does not cause heating, uses very little power, does not need external batteries. (TreeHugger Apr. 21, 2006)
Solray Solar Energy - The solar turbine offers the possibility of providing base-load power by capturing and storing solar energy as heat in liquid salt. The system will then use this heat to drive a closed-cycle jet engine, producing power on scales from kilowatts to megawatts per installation.
Solarsphere - Technology combines elements of both direct intercept dishes and Solar Towers. The design philosophy that focuses on spheres and lightweight, thin film materials presents opportunities for concentrators that are large, cheap and mass producible.
Day4 Energy - The Day4 Electrode uses a new method of contacting and interconnecting crystalline silicon PV cells to replace solder-ribbon bonding on the front of the panel, decreasing shading and series resistance to increase power 5 to 10 percent.
More-Efficient Solar Cells - Day4 Energy has developed a new electrode that, together with a redesigned solar-cell structure, allows solar panels to absorb more light and operate at a higher voltage. This increases the efficiency of multicrystalline silicon solar panels from an industry standard of about 14 percent to nearly 17 percent. (MIT Technology Review August 14, 2008)
Drake Landing Solar Community - DLSC is heated by a district borehole thermal energy storage system that supplies 90% of each home’s space heating requirements. The solar thermal energy is captured by flat-plate collectors on garage rooftops during the summer months and stored underground for space heating needs during winter months.
Solmetric - SunEye™ is a hand held electronic device that allows users to instantly assess total potential solar energy given the shading of a particular site. This allows the solar installer to optimize new systems for maximum production and analyze existing installations to solve problems of under production. (Thanks [mailto:firstname.lastname@example.org Daniel Weinreb])
Solar Charged Electric Lawnmower - Plans to convert an older non-working gas mower into an electric powered mower by replacing the gas engine with an electric motor that runs from a 12 volt battery that will be charged using a PV solar panel. It will be easier to use, there is no messy dangerous gasoline to deal with, and it eliminates the emissions of an internal combustion mower.
New antireflection coatings for solar cells and LEDs - Researchers have developed a new type of nanostructured coating that can virtually eliminate reflections of a wide range of wavelengths to 10 times less than current coatings. It would increase solar cell light absorption by a few percentage points and a 40 percent improvement could be seen in LEDs. (MIT Technology Review Mar. 06, 2007)
See Directory:Solar Applications - separate index page
See Directory:Solar:Installation and Consultation - moved to a separate page
Interior Dept Designates Solar Energy Zones - Hoping to speed up the development of renewable energy resources on federal lands, the U.S. Interior Department designated about 670,000 acres of land, divided into 24 solar energy zones spread across six western states that could generate nearly 100,000 megawatts of solar electricity. (Planet Ark July 1, 2009)
Directory:Solar > Directory:Solar:Installation and Consultation >Solar Red hopes to transform solar installation - Solar Red Disruptive Residential PV aims: to 1) reduce the cost of attaching panels, by integrating the process into the construction of a house, or periodic renovations and 2) push down the learning curve enough that regular roofers and construction workers can put on the panels. (VentureBeat Dec. 8, 2008)
There was an error working with the wiki: Code - Professor Anil Bhalla from India has a renewable energy concept with a rudimentary prototype that he would like to get patented and developed into market readiness. The technology involves a solar panel and a fuel cell. He believes it will compete price-wise with conventional energy as well as in 24-7 reliability. (PESWiki Sept. 21, 2007)
Home Solar - SunRun is the nation's leading home solar company, offering solar power services that allow homeowners to switch to solar for little or no cost and simply pay monthly for their electricity. In addition, SunRun takes complete care of the home solar system, including monitoring, maintenance, performance guarantee, insurance, and inverter replacement.
Colorado Governor's Energy Office - The GEO has just added a Residential Solar Program to their Renewable Energy Program for grid-tied Photovoltaic (up to $12,000 USD) and solar hot water (up to $3,000 USD) systems. (Thanks Congress:Member:Robert L. Pritchett)
Home Depot Selling Solar to Mainstream America - Home Depot has teamed up with BP Solar to provide affordable solar installation service to customers. Financing options available, as well as free, in-home consultations. "Now you can save money on your electric bill, increase your home's value and make the world a cleaner place." (TreeHugger Oct. 24, 2006)
Aelco Solar Leasing - The UK is seeing a new wave of Solar panel Lease schemes. The income you earn each month from the feed-in-tariff and reduced energy bills will not only cover your monthly payments, you will have receive a small income too!
(buyer beware) Citizenre Corporation presents solar to residential customers at grid pricing - New company, scheduled to begin installing in Sept. 2007, manufactures, permits, owns, maintains, and operates the residential solar photovoltaic system. Homeowners pay for the electricity generated from these panels at a fixed rate that is at or below their current electricity price, for up to 25 years. (PESWiki Dec. 20, 2006)
Rich Hessler Solar Finance - New company offering solar financing programs for residential, commercial, government, and non-profit installations. Rates and terms are based on qualification of the property owners.
SunMath.com: web-apps for the solar community - SunMath builds web-apps for consumers interested in solar as well as solar professionals. Since SunMath never takes finder's fees, they are 100% unbiased when they do their financial calculations and in their extremely helpful blog posts.Directory:Solar > Directory:Solar > Self-Cleaning Technology from Mars Can Keep Terrestrial Solar Panels Dust Free - In a report at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), scientists described how a self-cleaning coating on the surface of solar cells, based on technology developed for space missions to Mars, could increase the efficiency of producing electricity from sunlight and reduce maintenance costs for large-scale solar installations as well as residential panels. (Solar Daily Aug. 24, 2010)
Solar-Estimate.org: free, solar estimating software and solar sales leads - The web's largest, most comprehensive selection of local, certified pre-screened solar contractors and energy professionals. Very cool, public service. Anyone in the solar business should be using this site.
Open Energy Corporation Unveils Innovative EcoTouch Energy Management System - Open Energy Corporation (OTCBB:OEGY), a developer of innovative and elegant BIPV products, energy management applications and clean solar energy solutions, unveiled an innovative new home energy control panel, the EcoTouch Energy Management System, designed to help homeowners save and control energy by lowering electricity costs from the comfort of their homes. (BusinessWire Oct 16, 2008)
Global Wind/Solar Map - The global wind/solar map can be viewed at Wind/Solar. 3TIER chose to unveil its global wind map at the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC 2008). (Renewable Energy World March 3, 2008)
PHOTON International: The Photovoltaic Magazine - Professional subscription-based news and features based in Europe, in English. Offers a free sample. Companies like Aleo Solar will be clipping at your heels with numbers like $1.00 per Watt!
Find-solar.org Launches - New site launched with intent to be the pre-eminent online resource linking consumers to solar professionals. Nearly 400 solar energy system installers and other solar pros from around the U.S. are currently listed. (PESN Oct. 5, 2005) (Find-Solar.org)
In the hands of scientists - the power of 10,000 Suns Solar research at Paul Scherrer Institut (Switzerland) takes a leap into the future today with the opening of the High-flux Solar Simulator. With this new instrument scientists will be able to ca... (PhysOrg Nov. 2005)
Photovoltaic Breeder and Hydrogen Production Proposal - Company uses the electricity from PV panels to electrolyse and then crystalize more silicon to make more PV panels. An acre of PV can produce 10.5 acres of new PV per year, about one new acre increase every 35 days.
Solar Panel Guides For Beginners - Easy to understand introduction to Solar Energy for amateurs.
Sunshine mapping from space means brighter solar energy future - Accurate and continent-wide scale measurements of ground radiances are provided every 15 minutes by ESA's Meteosat Second Generation satellite. (EurekAlert June 28)Directory:Nanotechnology / Directory:Solar / Directory:Batteries > New nano-material could lead to self-washing windows and solar panels - Researchers from Tel Aviv University have discovered a new nanomaterial that can repel dust and water and could provide a self-cleaning coating for windows or solar panels. The new material is made up of molecules of peptides that “grow” to resemble small forests of grass. The coating also acts as a super-capacitor, thereby possibly providing an energy boost to batteries. (GizMag December 3, 2009)
Sunmetix Track: A Free Solar PV Monitoring Tool - Track is a fun and easy way to keep an eye on the electricity production of your solar power system. By merging near real-time weather data for your site and our powerful algorithms, we can help you keep track of how much power you generate, and the value of that power.
Npact - Renewable Energy Made Easy - Npact is a tool designed to not only monitor the energy use of your home and your solar array, but also to connect you with contractors and products in your area that can help. This app makes the process of going solar simple and easy.
There was an error working with the wiki: Code> Solar tracking circuit - Developed as an open source project, this inexpensive device accurately tracks the position of the sun and can be applied to a wide range of solar tracking devices. It uses GaP LEDs as sensors which feed a comparator chip which in turn drives transistors providing simple bi-directional motor control. The device has been used on solar PV, solar cookers, solar concentrators and more. (GreenWatts)
Crop plants achieve only 1 to 2 percent efficiency in converting sunlight to usable energy, with sugarcane being an exception at 8%. Source
Scientific-grade solar cells are about 15% to 20% efficient with some going as high as 24% Source
AltE - AltE Store is Making Renewable Do-Able™. You’ll find solar panels, wind turbines, solar thermal solutions and energy efficient products for residential homeowners worldwide. More than just a store, they provide extensive solar education and a community with which to share and learn.
Advanced Power & Energy Inc. - The company's goal is to become the Florida leader in Solar and Wind Turbine research, development and inst