Solar

Secret of efficient photosynthesis is decodedMIT researchers find that the key to purple bacteria’s light-harvesting prowess lies in highly symmetrical molecules.

NSE-led teams sweep energy innovation contestFuture Energy @ MIT pitch competition focuses on finding solutions to the world’s energy challenges

At MIT, Gov. Deval Patrick highlights clean-energy achievementsEarth Day talk details Massachusetts’ accomplishments since the governor’s MIT speech five years ago, and outlines new goals.

Special deal on photon-to-electron conversion: Two for one!New technique developed at MIT could enable a major boost in solar-cell efficiency.

Power to the peopleFrom afar, MIT grad student Chidube Ezeozue devotes energy to his fellow Nigerians.

Creating tomorrow's home: 'Soft' but resilientMIT-led team’s award-winning housing design unveiled as part of 21st-century model for sustainable urban development

New solar-cell design based on dots and wiresMIT researchers improve efficiency of quantum-dot photovoltaic system by adding a forest of nanowires.

MIT researchers develop solar-to-fuel roadmap for crystalline siliconNew analysis points the way to optimizing efficiency of an integrated system for harvesting sunlight to make storable fuel.

MIT’s Ernest J. Moniz nominated Secretary of EnergyPresident Obama’s pick is head of the MIT Energy Initiative and a former undersecretary of energy.

Capturing energy from the sunMIT investigators are inspired by a deep-sea bacterium that is able to harvest tiny amounts of incoming solar energy with exquisite efficiency.

Michael Liebreich sees shift to cleaner energy as inevitableChief executive officer of Bloomberg New Energy Finance says clean energy will eventually be the norm.

Flexible, light solar cells could provide new opportunitiesMIT researchers develop a new approach using graphene sheets coated with nanowires.

Harnessing solar energyNovel approach yields both electricity and heat.

Funneling the sun’s energyMIT engineers propose a new way of harnessing photons for electricity, with the potential for capturing a wider spectrum of solar energy.

In profile: Seeing the lightArchitect Christoph Reinhart studies how buildings — and whole communities — can use daylight to become more energy-efficient.

New interactive map assesses solar power potential of CambridgePublic launch for project taking place Oct. 3

Patterning defect-free nanocrystal films with nanometer resolutionNew process developed at MIT could enable better LED displays, solar cells and biosensors — and foster basic physics research.

Bringing power to the people — and heat as wellSun-powered system developed by MIT students could provide electricity, heat and cooling to rural schools and clinics.

Researchers explain how dye-based nanotubes can help harvest light’s energyTiny cylinders help reveal how natural-light-harvesting antennae collect light with exceptional efficiency.

New technique allows simulation of noncrystalline materialsMultidisciplinary team develops mathematical approach that could help in simulating materials for solar cells and LEDs.

All-carbon solar cell harnesses infrared lightNew type of photovoltaic device harnesses heat radiation that most solar cells ignore.

Textured surface may boost power output of thin silicon solar cellsMIT team finds new approach to trapping light efficiently in thin-film silicon solar cells.

A new dimension for solar energyInnovative 3-D designs from an MIT team can more than double the solar power generated from a given area.

MIT student inventor Miles C. Barr receives Lemelson-MIT Student Prize

New tool for analyzing solar-cell materialsWebsite offers a way of optimizing solar cell materials and production.

Turning heat into powerA new kind of high-temperature photonic crystal could someday power everything from smartphones to spacecraft.

Harnessing nature’s solar cellsPhotovoltaic panels made from plant material could become a cheap, easy alternative to traditional solar cells.

Solving energy problems, one molecule at a timeMaterials scientist explores new possibilities in topics from molecules to rooftop solar panels.

Here comes the sunA new sunflower-inspired pattern increases concentrated solar efficiency.