Sion solar electric car begins pre-production validation and certification

German automotive startup Sono Motors has announced that 37 series-validation prototypes are being produced to take the Sion solar electric family car through validation and certification, ahead of planned series production in 2023.Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading Sion solar electric car begins pre-production validation and certification

Electrostatic tech could keep solar panels dust-free in arid regions

Ordinarily, water is used to clean off the layer of dust that continuously accumulates on solar panels. In arid regions, however, doing so can be challenging. A new system addresses this problem, by substituting electrostatic repulsion for water.Contin… Continue reading Electrostatic tech could keep solar panels dust-free in arid regions

Automated solar-panel-cleaning system doubles down on drones

In order to keep running at peak efficiency, solar panels regularly have to be cleaned of accumulated dust and other debris. Such panels can often be difficult to reach, though, which is why the Helios system uses not one but two drones to get the job … Continue reading Automated solar-panel-cleaning system doubles down on drones

Project Nexus aims to cover California canals with solar panels

While solar farms are a great source of green energy, many people don’t like the fact that they occupy land which could otherwise be utilized for agriculture or housing. A new project is exploring an alternative, by placing solar panels over canals tha… Continue reading Project Nexus aims to cover California canals with solar panels

Hybrid system produces electricity and irrigation water in the desert

In remote desert locations, at least two things are likely to be lacking: an electrical grid, and a source of water for agriculture. An experimental new system addresses both problems, by combining photovoltaic panels with an absorbent hydrogel.Continu… Continue reading Hybrid system produces electricity and irrigation water in the desert

Modular building facade heats and cools rooms with solar power

Heating and cooling buildings is a major consumer of energy, especially older ones that weren’t built with modern energy efficiencies in mind. Now, engineers at Fraunhofer Institute have developed a modular facade powered by solar panels that can heat … Continue reading Modular building facade heats and cools rooms with solar power

New system will use drones to clean hard-to-reach solar panels

Solar panels continuously accumulate dust, dirt and other debris, plus they’re often located atop tall buildings or in remote areas – this means that they need to be cleaned, but doing so is difficult. That’s why a drone-based setup is now being develo… Continue reading New system will use drones to clean hard-to-reach solar panels

Green Roofs Could Help Improve Solar Panel Efficiency

There’s been a movement in architecture over the past couple of decades to help tie together large urban developments with plant life and greenery. We’ve seen a few buildings, and …read more Continue reading Green Roofs Could Help Improve Solar Panel Efficiency

World’s strongest glass can scratch the surface of a diamond

Material scientists in China experimenting with carbon in its many forms have conjured up a form of glass so hard that it can scratch the surface of a diamond. As reported by the South China Morning Post, the transparent material is also incredibly str… Continue reading World’s strongest glass can scratch the surface of a diamond