Solar power, with a side of hot running water
New system for flat-panel solar power could be combined with hot water systems for greater performance.
Solar power goes viral
MIT researchers use genetically modified virus to produce structures that improve solar-cell efficiency by nearly one-third.
Turning windows into powerplants
New technology from MIT could enable a building’s windows to generate power, without blocking the view.
The house of the day after tomorrow
A 1948 solar house designed by women stole the show at a 1950 symposium.
New way to grow microwires
Researchers find simple, inexpensive method to produce silicon wires for sensors, batteries and solar cells.
Graphene electrodes for organic solar cells
Researchers identify technique that could make a new kind of solar photovoltaic panel practical.
Solar leader sees bright future
Founder of Chinese company that is world’s leading maker of silicon photovoltaic panels says the technology is close to grid parity.
Fine-tuning photosynthesis
MIT analysis shows how synthetic systems for capturing the sun’s energy could be made more efficient.
Power to the people
Entrepreneurs at MIT’s Legatum Center are trying to bring clean-energy solutions to developing countries.
Catching the sun’s heat
Storing thermal energy in chemical form has the potential to make it indefinitely storable and transportable.
Solar funnel
New antenna made of carbon nanotubes could make photovoltaic cells more efficient by concentrating solar energy.
Solar cell, heal thyself
New self-assembling photovoltaic technology can keep repairing itself to avoid any loss in performance.
Silicon can be made to melt in reverse
Material that shows melting while cooling might someday lead to applications in solar cells and other devices
Explained: Phonons
When trying to control the way heat moves through solids, it is often useful to think of it as a flow of particles.