The water footprint of solar power may rarely come to mind. It should because cleaning the dust off of photovoltaic panels requires hundreds of millions of gallons of water per year. In a bid to come up with a solution, MIT scientists have recently invented an alternative … [Read more...] about This is how we could clean our solar panels without water
solar panels
California shades irrigation canals with solar panels to boost energy and save water
Solar energy is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy industries in the world, however, that doesn’t mean that we aren’t faced with challenges in the widespread implementation and harvesting of solar power. One of the biggest issues with solar energy is that the land that … [Read more...] about California shades irrigation canals with solar panels to boost energy and save water
This solar panel covered building reflects Taiwan’s green energy transition
Most projects designed by the Dutch architecture firm MVRDV tend to leave a lasting impression on whoever lays their eyes on them. The company's upcoming project, Sun Rock, is no exception. Designed for Taiwan’s government-owned power company Taipower, the project takes the form … [Read more...] about This solar panel covered building reflects Taiwan’s green energy transition
These sustainably powered homes can raise families out of poverty
Finding and sharing positive ways to tackle the world’s challenges is our favorite activity at The Optimist Daily, so it’s no surprise that we are especially excited about BillionBricks and Architecture Brio’s PowerHyde solar homes, as they tackle both the global housing issue … [Read more...] about These sustainably powered homes can raise families out of poverty
The secret symmetry of pearls revealed
Pearls are created when an irritant, such as a grain of sand or debris, gets trapped inside a mollusk. As protection, a smooth layer of mineral and protein called nacre forms around it. Humans have been fascinated by these iridescent beauties since we first discovered them … [Read more...] about The secret symmetry of pearls revealed