IBM has revealed a new type of solar array that is capable of capturing more of the sun’s energy than any other design. The IBM prototype can convert 80 percent of the sun’s energy into electricity and hot water. Each array is 30-feet tall and made of concrete, thin aluminum mirrors, and a vascular system of tiny tubes used to cool the solar capturing device. Called a concrete “sunflower,” the device can produce enough energy to power several homes and may someday be used in remote areas to provide power to hospitals.
This article was originally published on September 30, 2014
