“Sun in a box” would store renewable energy for the grid
Design for system that provides solar- or wind-generated power on demand should be cheaper than other leading options.
Air pollution can put a dent in solar power
Study finds lost revenue can be millions of dollars annually, suggests ways to quantify haze-related reductions in solar panel output.
Featured video: Pulling drinking water out of thin air
Powered only by solar energy, a new device developed at MIT could provide relief to regions where water is scare.
How to assess new solar technologies
MIT analysis shows when and where advanced photovoltaics would be economic to install.
Engineers turn plastic insulator into heat conductor
Technique could prevent overheating of laptops, mobile phones, and other electronics.
New technique allows rapid screening for new types of solar cells
Approach could bypass the time-consuming steps currently needed to test new photovoltaic materials.
No more blackouts?
New framework guarantees stability of microgrids that supply local power in developing countries.
Transparent, flexible solar cells
Researchers develop a novel technique using graphene to create solar cells they can mount on surfaces ranging from glass to plastic to paper and tape.
Scientists make microscopes from droplets
With chemistry and light, researchers can tune the focus of tiny beads of liquid.
Advanced silicon solar cells
MIT mechanical engineers are leading an effort to detect defects that reduce efficiency.
How to achieve “green” desalination
Workshop explores ways to reduce or eliminate the carbon footprint of seawater desalination plants.
New solar cell is more efficient, costs less than its counterparts
Exposed in step-like formation, layers of new photovoltaic cell harvest more of sun’s energy.
3-D printed structures “remember” their shapes
Heat-responsive materials may aid in controlled drug delivery and solar panel tracking.
Sponge creates steam using ambient sunlight
Bubble-wrapped structure requires no mirrors or lenses to focus the sun’s heat.
The quest for clean water
MIT researchers design a solar-powered desalination device for rural India.