Solar

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.

‘Artificial leaf’ makes fuel from sunlightSolar cell bonded to recently developed catalyst can harness the sun, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen.

How to make solar power 24/7MIT team designs concentrated solar thermal system that could store heat in vats of molten salts, supplying constant power.

Sun-free photovoltaicsMaterials 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 heatModified carbon nanotubes can store solar energy indefinitely, then be recharged by exposure to the sun.

While you’re up, print me a solar cellNew 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 realityMIT 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 waterNew system for flat-panel solar power could be combined with hot water systems for greater performance.

Solar power goes viralMIT researchers use genetically modified virus to produce structures that improve solar-cell efficiency by nearly one-third.

Turning windows into powerplantsNew technology from MIT could enable a building’s windows to generate power, without blocking the view.

BigBelly Solar at MIT: smart compactors with a green streak