As energy blackouts become more common in California, a German energy company called Sonnen believes virtual power plants (VPPs) can solve the issue. Rather than rely on utility companies, virtual power plants involve connected sets of solar panels and batteries that produce and … [Read more...] about A giant virtual power plant is coming to California to avoid blackouts
Solar energy
Two new innovations allow solar cells to harness more light
Solar cells work by absorbing light waves, harnessing the photons' energy to knock electrons off of atoms, thereby generating electricity. Here's the thing, though: different light waves have different levels of energy, and current solar cells can't use low-frequency wavelengths … [Read more...] about Two new innovations allow solar cells to harness more light
New design makes solar energy capture 35 percent more efficient
Even newer and more efficient solar panel models typically only convert about 22 percent of the light they capture into energy. Part of this is because, as they are angled in one direction, they only receive sunlight during certain hours of the day. A new and revolutionary design … [Read more...] about New design makes solar energy capture 35 percent more efficient
Get clean water wherever you go with this portable solar power purifier
As camping and hiking activities are expected to continue rising amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a new device could provide adventurers with a more convenient, sustainable way to access clean water anywhere. Dubbed the GoSun Flow, the device is a portable solar-powered device with … [Read more...] about Get clean water wherever you go with this portable solar power purifier
How renewables took over the grid during the pandemic
If there has been a winner to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, it would be the solar industry. The reduction in driving, flying, and industrial activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to smog-free skies, which is proving a boon for solar energy generation. Pollution … [Read more...] about How renewables took over the grid during the pandemic
