What can make a dent?
Given the enormous scale of worldwide energy use, there are limited options for achieving significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
A new approach to solar power
Hybrid solar-thermoelectric systems could provide advantages over conventional solar cells or solar thermal plants.
Graphene shows unusual thermoelectric response to light
Finding could lead to new photodetectors or energy-harvesting devices.
‘Artificial leaf’ makes fuel from sunlight
Solar cell bonded to recently developed catalyst can harness the sun, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen.
How to make solar power 24/7
MIT team designs concentrated solar thermal system that could store heat in vats of molten salts, supplying constant power.
Sun-free photovoltaics
Materials engineered to give off precisely tuned wavelengths of light when heated are key to new high-efficiency generating system.
Research update: New way to store sun’s heat
Modified carbon nanotubes can store solar energy indefinitely, then be recharged by exposure to the sun.
While you’re up, print me a solar cell
New MIT-developed materials make it possible to produce photovoltaic cells on paper or fabric, nearly as simply as printing a document.
‘Artificial leaf’ moves closer to reality
MIT researchers develop a device that combines a solar cell with a catalyst to split water molecules and generate energy.
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.