42.8% Efficiency: A New Record for Solar Cells

Narrowly edging out the previous record set by Spectrolab late last year, two scientists at the University of Delaware have just created a new device that can convert 42.8% of the light striking it into electricity. The solar cell, built by Christina Honsberg and Allan Barnett, splits light into three components — high, medium and low energy light — and directs it to several different materials which can then extract electrons out of its photons.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/08/428_efficiency.php
(FYI;  Sometimes article logs slow)

New Solar Energy Material Can Utilize Infrared Spectrum

63% : New Material’s Theoretical Efficiency Limit
A Spanish team of researchers has designed a new solar material which can theoretically harness 63% of the sun’s rays. 

By adding titanium and vanadium into the semiconducting material you can alter the material so that it can use the infrared spectrum of light as well as the visible.

It’s because of the utilization of the infrared spectrum that this material has a theoretical absorption limit of 63%, which compares to about 40% for ordinary solar cells.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/08/new-solar-material-can-use-infraredspectrum.php
(FYI – Article loads slow)

Passing the Olympic Torch: An Evolution of Form

 

New York Times presents an interactive look at the evolution of the Olympic Torch since 1936.. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/08/01/sports/20080802_TORCH_GRAPHIC.html?hp#