New Scientist Environment reports a scientist at the University of California suggested adding a coating to a polymer solar cell that will convert ultraviolet photons into visible life to prolong their lifespan. Experiments conducted using polymer blue polyfluorene did in fact reduce the damage caused by UV lights.
Business Green.com reports research conducted at Northwestern University has found solar cells that are cheaper to manufacture and increased solar cell voltage by 40%. The researchers found by applying a thin layer of nickel oxide to each solar cell it acted as an excellent conductor and blocked misdirected electrons from straying. The use of plastic-like organic materials allow solar cells to be printed in a similar process to how newspaper is printed.
WJZ.com reports $30,000 in educational materials on solar panels will be distributed to eighth graders of Frederick County Public Schools by BP PLC. BP Solar is also conducting tours, providing classroom speakers, and solar modules for a planned earth & space lab.
Columbia Basin Herald reports a new city services complex in Moses Lake City, Washington has been approved for construction. The complex will cost between $8-$10 million to build and will utilize photovoltaic solar panels for higher energy efficiency. The building will also use recycled materials in some portions.
Compoundsemi Online reports Solar Systems of Melbourne, Australia signed a $290 million development agreement with TRUEnergy to develop a solar photovoltaic power station in Victoria, Australia. This agreement will help fund one of the largest solar manufacturing facilities and has allowed Solar Systems to be part of a 10 year agreement to support photovoltaic power technology across the Asia Pacific Partnership countries.
ABC Science reports Australian National University professor, Dr. Prest, supports introducing a higher rebate for homeowners who sell their solar power to the grid, but he’s afraid the government will back down on its proposal. The Chief Minister responded to say they will not be backing down. The government will have to introduce a feed-in tariff, but they are looking at doing it in a way that won’t affect the poor.
PR-USA.net reports Becancour Silicon Inc. has been approved for an expansion to increase annual production of their solar grade silicon. The expansion will create 14,400 metric tonnes, an increase of 10,800 tonnes. The project will cost approximately $65 million and will bring new production lines to the plant.
Reuters reports BTU International Inc., a manufacturer of thermal processing equipment, is building two solar research labs as an attempt to double its solar business. The labs will provide space for their customers to test photovoltaic cells on BTU systems. The facilities will be located in China and Massachusetts.
Sys-Con.com reports AquaCell Techonolgies, Inc. has sold and installed their first solar power air conditioning unit in Mumbai, India. India is an ideal market for this product as they experience regular power grid failures and have 300 sunny days a year. AquaCell has begun discussions with major companies in India to use their grid-free air conditioners that use only two solar panels with photovoltaic power.
PressZoom.com reports a seed grant of $50 million was given to create the world’s largest photovoltaic solar power station in Victoria. TRUEnergy will invest $290 million to build the 154MW station that will begin construction in 2009. This solar power station will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 396,000 tonnes a year and will create 44 permanent jobs.
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