Notre Dame researchers develop paint-on solar cells

Imagine if the next coat of paint you put on the outside of your home generates electricity from light-electricity that can be used to power the appliances and equipment on the inside. A team of researchers at the University of Notre Dame have made a major advance toward this vision by creating an inexpensive "solar paint" that uses semiconducting nanoparticles to produce energy.

 "We want to do something transformative, to move beyond current silicon-based solar technology," says Prashant Kamat, John A. Zahm Professor of Science in Chemistry and Biochemistry and an investigator in Notre Dame's Center for Nano Science and Technology (NDnano), who leads the research.

 "By incorporating power-producing nanoparticles, called quantum dots, into a spreadable compound, we've made a one-coat solar paint that can be applied to any conductive surface without special equipment."

 The team's search for the new material, described in the journal ACS Nano, centered on nano-sized particles of titanium dioxide, which were coated with either cadmium sulfide or cadmium selenide. The particles were then suspended in a water-alcohol mixture to create a paste.

 When the paste was brushed onto a transparent conducting material and exposed to light, it created electricity.

 "The best light-to-energy conversion efficiency we've reached so far is 1 percent, which is well behind the usual 10 to 15 percent efficiency of commercial silicon solar cells," explains Kamat.

 "But this paint can be made cheaply and in large quantities. If we can improve the efficiency somewhat, we may be able to make a real difference in meeting energy needs in the future."

 "That's why we've christened the new paint, Sun-Believable," he adds.

 Kamat and his team also plan to study ways to improve the stability of the new material.

 NDnano is one of the leading nanotechnology centers in the world. Its mission is to study and manipulate the properties of materials and devices, as well as their interfaces with living systems, at the nano-scale.

(Source: http://www.solardaily.com/reports/Notre_Dame_researchers_develop_paint_on_solar_cells_999.html)

South Africa’s Solar Power Potential

As the United Nations climate change conference rages on, quite literally, in Durban, South Africa, experts from COP17’s host city point to one alternative energy source that could help it mitigate its emissions: solar power.

According to Dick Berlijn, of Subsolar Energy, Durban has one of the highest and most stable solar radiation levels in the world. “The variable is around 3%. That means that on a good day, solar radiation in South Africa is 100% and 97% on bad days. These conditions are extraordinary,” MD for Pretoria-based Subsolar Energy toldIndustry Leaders magazine.

With so much solar radiation, Berlijn believes solar is better qualified to produce clean energy for South Africa than wind. Besides, South Africa also has plenty of space to build solar photovoltaic (PV) plants.

South Africa needs to start moving towards alternative energy as the country still relies heavily on coal for electric power (90%). The country is the 16th biggest emitter in the global ranking, having dumped 369,4 million tons of CO2 in the atmosphere in 2009.

SolarPlaza’s Solar Future South Africa convention which will take place in Johannesburg in January 2012 will be discussing the country’s solar potential and related topics such as job creation, Feed-in Tariffs and business opportunities.

Article by Antonio Pasolini, a Brazilian writer and video art curator based in London, UK. He holds a BA in journalism and an MA in film and television.

(Source: http://blog.cleantechies.com/2011/12/02/south-africa%E2%80%99s-solar-power-potential/)

A Light Wave of Innovation to Advance Solar Energy: Researchers Adapt Classic Antennas to Harness More Power from the Sun

Some solar devices, like calculators, only need a small panel of solar cells to function. But supplying enough power to meet all our daily needs would require enormous solar panels. And solar-powered energy collected by panels made of silicon, a semiconductor material, is limited -- contemporary panel technology can only convert approximately seven percent of optical solar waves into electric current.

Profs. Koby Scheuer, Yael Hanin and Amir Boag of Tel Aviv University's Department of Physical Electronics and its innovative new Renewable Energy Center are now developing a solar panel composed of nano-antennas instead of semiconductors. By adapting classic metallic antennas to absorb light waves at optical frequencies, a much higher conversion rate from light into useable energy could be achieved. Such efficiency, combined with a lower material cost, would mean a cost-effective way to harvest and utilize "green" energy.

The technology was recently presented at Photonics West in San Francisco and published in the conference proceedings.

Receiving and transmitting green energy

Both radio and optical waves are electromagnetic energy, Prof. Scheuer explains. When these waves are harvested, electrons are generated that can be converted into electric current. Traditionally, detectors based on semiconducting materials like silicon are used to interface with light, while radio waves are captured by antenna.

For optimal absorption, the antenna dimensions must correspond to the light's very short wavelength -- a challenge in optical frequencies that plagued engineers in the past, but now we are able to fabricate antennas less than a micron in length. To test the efficacy of their antennas, Prof. Scheuer and his colleagues measured their ability to absorb and remit energy. "In order to function, an antenna must form a circuit, receiving and transmitting," says Prof. Scheuer, who points to the example of a cell phone, whose small, hidden antenna both receives and transmits radio waves in order to complete a call or send a message.

By illuminating the antennas, the researchers were able to measure the antennas' ability to re-emit radiation efficiently, and determine how much power is lost in the circuit -- a simple matter of measuring the wattage going in and coming back out. Initial tests indicate that 95 percent of the wattage going into the antenna comes out, meaning that only five percent is wasted.

According to Prof. Scheuer, these "old school" antennas also have greater potential for solar energy because they can collect wavelengths across a much broader spectrum of light. The solar spectrum is very broad, he explains, with UV or infrared rays ranging from ten microns to less than two hundred nanometers. No semiconductor can handle this broad a spectrum, and they absorb only a fraction of the available energy. A group of antennas, however, can be manufactured in different lengths with the same materials and process, exploiting the entire available spectrum of light.

When finished, the team's new solar panels will be large sheets of plastic which, with the use of a nano-imprinting lithography machine, will be imprinted with varying lengths and shapes of metallic antennas.

Improving solar power's bottom line

The researchers have already constructed a model of a possible solar panel. The next step, says Prof. Scheuer, is to focus on the conversion process -- how electromagnetic energy becomes electric current, and how the process can be improved.

The goal is not only to improve the efficiency of solar panels, but also to make the technology a viable option in terms of cost. Silicon is a relatively inexpensive semiconductor, but in order to obtain sufficient power from antennas, you need a very large panel -- which becomes expensive. Green energy sources need to be evaluated not only by what they can contribute environmentally, but also the return on every dollar invested, Prof. Scheuer notes. "Our antenna is based on metal -- aluminium and gold -- in very small quantities. It has the potential to be more efficient and less expensive."

(Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110125955.htm)

Cool Gadgets Powered by Solar Energy

Everyone loves cool gadgets.  How about solar powered gadgets?  We think they’re even cooler.  We’ve put together a list of the some of the coolest solar powered products on the market and thought we’d share them with our readers.  Enjoy and feel free to share any nifty solar gadgets that you’ve come across.

1. Solar Backpack

This backpack combines the traits of a top quality bag with a new, powerful, thin-film solar module.  This solar powered backpack features multiple organizer pockets for your smart phones, iPods, accessories, and features a separate padded laptop cavity.  Coolest of all, the integrated thin-film solar charging module provides up to 4 watts of power to charge your handheld electronics quickly and efficiently.

2. Power Monkey
The Power Monkey houses a massive 9000mAh capacity Lithium Polymer battery, offers users real power in a compact, durable, solar powered shell. The unit is capable of recharging most 5V devices, including an iPhone up to 6 times, a Garmin Edge 800 up to 6 times, and standard mobiles up to 12 times. It can also be recharged in 3 ways: via the universal mains charger, via the solar panel, or via USB. The Power Monkey also has an auto shut-off function that will turn itself off after 2 minutes, so the user does not have to monitor the device and it saves power.

3. Solar Powered Fan
The Natural Light Solar Gable 20 Watt Fan is designed for home or commercial use but can also provide practical use in different applications that require air circulation. This solar energy product will provide years of use that will help reduce overall energy consumption and energy costs! It includes a 20w solar panel, gable vent fan, solar mounting rail, power cable, and mounting hardware.

4. iPod Speakers

The efficient Soulra XL can completely recharge its built-in battery in as little as five hours, depending on sunlight. It can also fully charge your docked iPod or iPhone in as little as four. And if it's rainy or dark, no problem — the included power adapter lets you charge the Soulra XL indoors, too. How much music playback can you expect? The system can deliver up to five hours on a full battery charge.

5. Solar Bikini

A solar film bikini that charges your iPod! (With a USB connection) We realize that this is a little out there, but just had to share it anyway! The suit is a custom made bikini swimsuit retrofitted with 1″ x 4″ photovoltaic film strips sewn together in series with conductive thread. The cells terminate in a 5 volt regulator into a female USB connection. A guy’s version is coming soon…

6. Solar Fountain

The Smart Solar Ceramic Cascade Solar Fountain is a perfect water feature for the hot weather. It lets you enjoy the peaceful sound of nature in your outdoor space as water tumbles from basin to basin. It costs nothing to operate, as the water is recycled via a hidden pump powered by sunlight.

7.Portable Solar Shower

Who knew you could take a hot shower virtually anywhere?  This solar shower features a wide handle grip for comfortable transport, an extra big filling valve with convenient twist off cap, variable flow on/off shower head to save water, a reflective mirror, and even pockets for soap and shampoo. Very cool for a camping trip!

8. Solar Freezer
This solar freezer is very cool (literally) solar product designed for mobile applications. Storing food, produce or any other goods in remote locations or mobile applications can easily be achieved with this freezer.  Made of galvanized steel and an aluminum interior, this environmentally friendly product is great for outdoor use or used with a mobile food cart!

9. Portable Solar Oven

This portable solar oven offers you the perfect 21st century outdoor cooking solution: a high efficiency solar oven that is capable of reaching temperatures near 400 degrees Fahrenheit or more using just direct summertime sunlight. The tri-panel design reflects direct sunlight using its large mirror finish reflector and then traps the energy inside its darkened cooking chamber. In the absence of adequate sunlight, the oven can be plugged into any 110v portable generator.

10. Solar Charged Key Chain Flashlight

This nifty key chain comes with Gama Sonic's solar-charged flashlight—the brightest in the world. Charge it in the sun for 30 minutes and have a compact, handy flashlight or a useful key ring in your pocket. The flashlight has 2 Super Bright LEDs bulbs.

(Source: http://info.ussolarinstitute.com/blog/bid/63161/Cool-Gadgets-Powered-by-Solar-Energy)

Solar Butterfly flits around endlessly (by Edwin)

As long as the sun is out, the Solar Butterfly that you see here will definitely flit around your garden joyfully, even though there is nary a single flower for it to feed on, seeing nothing but patches of weeds everywhere. All you need to do is place the stake with solar panels in your garden outdoors, although you can also opt for your favorite potted plant if you want to, and the Solar Butterfly will flutter around, moving its wings just like the real deal.

Of course, during those downcast, rainy days, if you’re so used to having a faux butterfly move around during the mornings, there is always the option to throw in a single AA battery to keep its fluttering action going. The solar stake stands at 16″ tall, where the butterfly is 2.5″ tall and 2″ wide. You will be able to choose from Orange Monarch or Yellow Swallowtail, and this is one butterfly that won’t die after a few days.

How much, you ask? The Solar Butterfly can be part of your garden’s make up for $11.99. 

(Source:http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20110731/solar-butterfly-flits-endlessly/)

Cool Solar Gadgets For The Solar Powered Addicted Dad (by Gloria Campos)

I think solar powered gadgets are amazing, so I have put together a list of solar powered gift ideas for Father's Day.  If you still need to buy a gift for your dad or your baby's daddy take a look at the list below. You might just find what you are looking for or think of something better along the way. Either way, I hope it helps.

1. Solar Powered Electric Shaver

This is the kind of shaver dad can take camping, or take on the road with him. It takes the Solar Electric Shaver 8 hour to full charge and yes, it can also be charged by AC, if needed. The solar powered shaver uses Double independent floating blades, a high technique solar panel and a high rotate speed silver palladium alloy motor. It has an indication light to show when charging and a push type shear.

2. Solar Powered Headphones

This is solar powered gadget is a smart idea Unfortunately it still isn't on the market, but my hope is that it will be soon. What is it? Designer Shepeleff Stephen has designed a solar-powered, Bluetooth-connected Q-Sound (quantum sound) headphone set. The headphones have a flexible solar powered panels, wireless technology, and rotating earpieces. One hour in the sun will allow 2.67 hours of power. This is at maximum volume. It can run up to 40 hours when fully charged.

3. Solar Powered Coffee Maker

For the men in your life that need coffee, industrial designer Christopher G. Patton invented a Girasol, a portable solar powered coffee maker. There really isn't any explanation about the solar powered ability of this gadget, except that a, "student design group was commissioned by the Universidad de Quintana Roo in southern Mexico to design a series of coffee makers.  The intent is to generate a source of revenue that would subsidize a charitable project initiated by Quintana Roo." Considering how many people drinking coffee and how many are plugged into homes everyday this invention would save a lot of money in addition to conserving energy.  

4. Solar Powered Flashlight

I actually have one of these flashlights and I absolutely love it. Mine is blue though and I prefer it that way. My husband loves it too. There are 6 super bright LEDs and 3 standard NiMH, AA rechargeable batteries inside. It will fully charge in about 8 hours and can illuminate up to 6 hours every night. There is also a nightglow strip on the flashlight that makes it easier to find in the dark.  Amazon has an amazing collection of solar powered flashlights.

5. Solar Powered Hybrid Oven Cooker

This solar oven can cook in solar mode, electric mode or both (hybrid mode). To cook point it to the sun, adjust the back reflector panel so that the sunshine reflects into the oven's dark cooking chamber" and that is it.  If dinner is taking too long or clouds appear in the sky switch to electric. "The Solar Oven's two setting thermostat automatically controls and maintains the cooking temperature inside the oven chamber so your food is always safe and cooked to perfection even when the weather isn't."

6. One More Just For Fun

Sometimes dad needs some kid fun too. This solar gadget is a Solar Airship. It weighs 230 grams. It is 8 meters long and if you let go it can fly up to 30,000 feet in the air.  To inflate this balloon let it sit in the sun for a few minutes. The material the balloon is made of will absorb the heat from the sun and inflate. To fly it, attach the 50 meter cord provided.


If you find the list interesting feel free to share it with your friends and family. You are also welcome to add your own solar powered gift ideas in the comments section below. May you have a wonderful bright sun shiny day.

Gloria Campos-Hensley
Green Blogger 
InventorSpot.com

(Source: http://inventorspot.com/articles/cool_solar_gadgets_solar_powered_addicted_dad_28454)

Quirky Ray solar-powered charger (by Mark R - on October 10th, 2011)

We have reported on a lot solar-powered chargers here on Coolest-Gadgets, most recently the Eton Mobius.

A company/distributor known as Quirky, which puts devices from independent inventors to the spotlight, has the Ray on their catalog. The Ray is different than most chargers as it has a very powerful suction cup to hold it to where the sun shines the most: on glass. It also has a tilting kickstand that supports multiple positions to capture the sun.

The Ray has a compact battery that can store enough energy to fully charge a cellular phone. It has a USB port for easy charging, and these USB cords can be tucked for storage into the kickstand when folded closed.

I will have to admit what sold me on this Ray is how it can cling to an airplane window. Considering that you will have your cellular phone in airplane mode anyway, you might as well take advantage of the downtime and charge it. Hopefully, the passengers next to you won’t think it is rude if you block their view.

You should be able to get the Ray on the Quriky site for about $39.99. While you are there, check out some other items.

(Source:http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20111010/quirky-ray-solarpowered-charger/#more-61329)