Solar power gathered in space could be set to provide the renewable energy of the future thanks to innovative research.

Bright future for solar power from space

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Using tiny solar-panel-like cells surgically placed underneath the retina, scientists have devised a system that may someday restore sight to people who have lost vision because of certain types of degenerative eye diseases.

Tiny solar-panel-like cells help restore sight to the blind

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Flexible, lightweight and inexpensive dyes could be used to harvest the power of the sun rather than our relying on costly and fragile semiconductor solar panel that use crystalline silicon, new research suggests.

Solar power to dye for: Flexible lightweight inexpensive dyes could harvest energy from sun

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In a post-Solyndra, budget-constrained world, the transition to a decarbonized energy system faces great hurdles. Overcoming these hurdles will require smarter and more focused policies. Two writers outline their visions in a pair of high-profile analyses.

Use of public and private dollars for scaling up clean energy needs a reality check, say scholars

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To produce the maximum amount of energy, solar cells are designed to absorb as much light from the sun as possible. Now researchers have suggested — and demonstrated — a counter-intuitive concept: solar cells should be designed to be more like LEDs, able to emit light as well as absorb it.

Solar cell that also shines: Luminescent ‘LED-type’ design breaks efficiency record

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Forests of carbon nanotubes are an efficient alternative for platinum electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells, according to new research.

Nanotube electrodes improve solar cells

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An innovative X-ray technique has given researchers new insight into how organic polymers can be used in printable electronics such as transistors and solar cells.

Structure of printable electronics revealed

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Researchers have constructed a molecular catalyzer that can oxidize water to oxygen very rapidly. In fact, these scientists have managed to reach speeds approximating those of natural photosynthesis. The speed with which natural photosynthesis occurs is about 100 to 400 turnovers per seconds. Scientists have now reached over 300 turnovers per seconds with their artificial photosynthesis. The research findings play a critical role for the future use of solar energy and other renewable energy sources.

Artificial photosynthesis breakthrough: Fast molecular catalyzer

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A low-temperature method could be used to ‘grow’ transparent zinc oxide films for use in displays and solar cells.

Electronics: Low-temperature method could ‘grow’ transparent zinc oxide films for displays and solar cells

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Research to green alternative energy technologies has led to a dye-sensitized solar cell that uses a bacteria and dye to generate energy. It is also friendlier to the environment and living organisms.

Bright future for alternative energy with greener solar cells

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