Solar

First Solar added $2.75 billion in value and $5.32 billion in output to the US economy in 2023 alone, and its economic impact is forecasted to soar. First Solar (Nasdaq: FSLR) today released an economic study revealing the substantial impact of its US solar manufacturing operations. This analysis, a collaboration with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center, gives us a look at First Solar’s spending both now and in the future, specifically looking at 2023…

European scientists have developed a solar module that can produce electricity and heat at the same time — in a potential breakthrough for low-cost clean energy generation.  The device is made up of a concave mirror and a thin, glass tube filled with photovoltaic cells. When the sun’s rays strike the module, the mirror reflects them at the tube, generating electricity.   The heat produced in the tube then warms up a transfer fluid that flows along the back of the solar cells in a system of…

When the Moon passes in front of the Sun in a solar eclipse, the jaw-dropping spectacle seems to change our world momentarily.However, the effects on our planet are far more profound than a few moments of darkness during the daylight hours. And one effect that might surprise you? Clouds dissipate, and quickly – from the point at which just 15 percent of the Sun is obscured by the Moon.It's not all types of clouds, obviously; otherwise, we'd never hear complaints about eclipses being spoiled by overcast weather.A team led…

The Korea Institute of Energy Research has significantly advanced semi-transparent perovskite solar cell technology, achieving a world-leading efficiency of 21.68% and demonstrating exceptional durability. This breakthrough, aimed at enhancing solar cell application in windows and tandem configurations, addresses key challenges in achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Through innovative research, the team has improved the stability and efficiency of these cells, making a substantial contribution to the field of solar…

A recent surge of solar activity has captured the attention of astronomers and space weather enthusiasts alike, as a hyperactive sunspot unleashed its third X-class solar flare within a 24-hour period. This remarkable series of events marks the most potent solar eruption in six years, raising concerns about potential impacts on Earth's space environment.The latest flare, labeled X6, emerged from sunspot AR3590, a colossal dark patch on the surface of the Sun that spans several times the size of Earth. This eruption,…

A private lander touched down on the moon Thursday but managed just a weak signal back, as flight controllers scrambled to gain better contact with the first U.S. spacecraft to reach the lunar surface in more than 50 years.Tension mounted in the company's command centre in Houston, as controllers awaited a signal from the spacecraft some 400,000 kilometres away, which arrived about 10 minutes later.Despite the spotty communication, Intuitive Machines, the company that built and managed the craft, which is called Odysseus,…

A private U.S. lunar lander tilted over at touchdown and ended up on its side near the moon's south pole, hampering communications, company officials said Friday.Intuitive Machines, the company that built the six-footed lander, initially said it was upright. But CEO Steve Altemus said Friday that the lander "caught a foot in the surface and tipped" and landed on its side, and, quite possibly, is leaning against a rock. He said the lander had come in too fast and may have snapped a leg."So far, we have quite a bit of…

February 23, 20243min readComet 12P/Pons-Brooks will make its closest approach to the sun this April—right after North America is treated to a total solar eclipseBy Meghan Bartels12P/Pons–Brooks is a Halley-type periodic comet with an orbital period of 71 years. It was discovered in 1812 and later recovered during passages in 1883 and 1954. It is expected to brighten to an apparent magnitude of 4.5 (visible to the naked eye) during its upcoming passage in April 2024. Credit: Brandon Ghany/Horizon Productions SFL/Flickr…

Photo: Clearway Energy Group Renewable developer Clearway Energy Group has completed a 452-megawatt (MW) solar farm in West Texas – and it’s huge.  The $660 million Texas Solar Nova solar farm, completed in two phases, is in Kent County, Texas. It’s built on around 5,000 acres of land and features over 1.1 million solar panels. It will generate an estimated $5.4 million in property taxes and wages to be paid in the first year. Texas Solar Nova will generate enough electricity to power…

The current solar cycle is expected to peak this year, according to scientists. Consequently, we've seen an increase in the number as well as the intensity of solar phenomena such as solar flares, solar storms, CMEs and more. In a new incident, the Sun has hurled out as many as three solar flares towards Earth, and one of them is the strongest solar flare of the solar cycle 25! This poses a potential solar storm danger. Know details.Solar storm dangerAccording to NASA, the Sun spewed out two solar flares just 7 hours…