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Solar Power

Stephen Forrest

Russel Lecture: Fighting climate change with organic electronics

The researcher-entrepreneur who helped bring OLED displays to the masses envisions a future of efficient lighting and next-gen solar power.|Medium Read
An electron microscope image shows the semiconductor nanowires. These deliver electrons to metal nanoparticles, which turn carbon dioxide and water into methane. Credit: Baowen Zhou, Mi Group, University of Michigan.

‘Green methane’ from artificial photosynthesis could recycle CO2

A catalyst on a solar panel can make methane, the main component of natural gas, with carbon dioxide, water and sunlight.|Medium Read
Xiaheng Huang conducting lifetime test of the organic solar cells using the high-intensity aging system.

Can organic solar cells last – even into the next millennium? These might.

Finally, proof that organic photovoltaics can be as reliable as inorganic, with real-life desert testing|Short Read
Researchers in the lab with a large device

The “Magic Ratio” that could power tomorrow’s solar cells

A Q&A with Rachel Goldman|Medium Read

New research for the future of sustainable power and energy

Take a look at some of the exciting new projects that will help define the next evolution of sustainable power and energy. |Short Read
A transparent aerogel could reduce the energy loss in absorbers for solar thermal power plants by 67 percent. Credit: Lenert Lab, Michigan Engineering

$1.6M for solar cell windows and high-temperature solar power

New sustainability research garners support from Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office. |Medium Read
The University of Michigan solar car Novum contends with clouds during a practice run on the American Solar Challenge race route

U-M’s top-ranked Solar Car Team readies for race on Oregon Trail

The 2018 American Solar Challenge will be a real test for a young team.|Short Read
A solar array on U-M’s North Campus

The material that could power tomorrow’s solar cells

‘We estimate that a finished solar cell could be about ten times cheaper than an equivalent gallium arsenide cell.’ |Medium Read
a photo of solar tech in the hands of a scientist

Organic solar cells reach record efficiency, benchmark for commercialization

The multi-layered organic solar cells will be able to curve in clothing or be transparently built into windows.|Medium Read
GRID Solar students

Installing an alternative on spring break

Students put up solar power systems and learned the local issues of a Native American reservation while on spring break.|Medium Read
Self-powered camera

Solar cells enable self-powered camera

A solar cell combined with a camera sensor collects photons to provide electricity.|Medium Read
a photo of a solar cell

Semiconductor breakthrough may be game-changer for organic solar cells

Buildings, clothing could generate power.|Medium Read