Solar

Capturing energy from the sunMIT investigators are inspired by a deep-sea bacterium that is able to harvest tiny amounts of incoming solar energy with exquisite efficiency.

Michael Liebreich sees shift to cleaner energy as inevitableChief executive officer of Bloomberg New Energy Finance says clean energy will eventually be the norm.

Flexible, light solar cells could provide new opportunitiesMIT researchers develop a new approach using graphene sheets coated with nanowires.

Harnessing solar energyNovel approach yields both electricity and heat.

Funneling the sun’s energyMIT engineers propose a new way of harnessing photons for electricity, with the potential for capturing a wider spectrum of solar energy.

In profile: Seeing the lightArchitect Christoph Reinhart studies how buildings — and whole communities — can use daylight to become more energy-efficient.

New interactive map assesses solar power potential of CambridgePublic launch for project taking place Oct. 3

Patterning defect-free nanocrystal films with nanometer resolutionNew process developed at MIT could enable better LED displays, solar cells and biosensors — and foster basic physics research.

Bringing power to the people — and heat as wellSun-powered system developed by MIT students could provide electricity, heat and cooling to rural schools and clinics.

Researchers explain how dye-based nanotubes can help harvest light’s energyTiny cylinders help reveal how natural-light-harvesting antennae collect light with exceptional efficiency.

New technique allows simulation of noncrystalline materialsMultidisciplinary team develops mathematical approach that could help in simulating materials for solar cells and LEDs.

All-carbon solar cell harnesses infrared lightNew type of photovoltaic device harnesses heat radiation that most solar cells ignore.

Textured surface may boost power output of thin silicon solar cellsMIT team finds new approach to trapping light efficiently in thin-film silicon solar cells.

A new dimension for solar energyInnovative 3-D designs from an MIT team can more than double the solar power generated from a given area.

MIT student inventor Miles C. Barr receives Lemelson-MIT Student Prize

New tool for analyzing solar-cell materialsWebsite offers a way of optimizing solar cell materials and production.

Turning heat into powerA new kind of high-temperature photonic crystal could someday power everything from smartphones to spacecraft.

Harnessing nature’s solar cellsPhotovoltaic panels made from plant material could become a cheap, easy alternative to traditional solar cells.

Solving energy problems, one molecule at a timeMaterials scientist explores new possibilities in topics from molecules to rooftop solar panels.

Here comes the sunA new sunflower-inspired pattern increases concentrated solar efficiency.

Making her moveMIT senior overcame disabilities to study materials science, hoping to pave the way for other aspiring engineers.

A novel way to concentrate sun’s heatMIT researchers find a way to generate power without the usual mirror arrays.

Student project identifies improvements for campus PVsClass works with Facilities to analyze existing conditions.

A test of teamwork, engineering skill and endurance across the Australian OutbackAfter placing 15th in the 2011 Veolia World Solar Challenge, MIT’s Solar Electric Vehicle Team reflects on their experience and looks ahead to the future.

Shining brightlyVast amounts of solar energy radiate to the Earth constantly, but tapping that energy cost-effectively remains a challenge.

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 powerHybrid solar-thermoelectric systems could provide advantages over conventional solar cells or solar thermal plants.

MIT and Cyprus Institute expanding collaborative research, education

Graphene shows unusual thermoelectric response to lightFinding could lead to new photodetectors or energy-harvesting devices.