Facebook’s solar-powered internet plane takes flight
21st Jul 2016 Facebook has announced the first successful test flight of a high-altitude solar plane to bring internet access to remote parts of the world. The Aquila drone has the wingspan of an airliner but weighs less than a car. When cruising it consumes just 5,000 watts – the same as three hairdryers or […]
California’s biggest utilities break own record for solar power
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. California’s booming solar industry had a record day this week when the state’s largest utilities generated more power than ever from the sun. The state’s largest power grid, the California Independent System Operator, or ISO, on Tuesday, managed enough solar energy to power 2 million homes. Its 8,030 megawatts recorded at 1:06 p.m. […]
Engineering researchers strive to create cheaper, more efficient third-generation solar cells
A humming laboratory is birthing tiny solar cells — the first such devices created on campus — as Kennesaw State researchers strive to develop better photovoltaic technologies. Sandip Das, assistant professor of electrical engineering in the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, along with a team of three undergraduate research assistants, has recently […]
United Solar Initiative: Where We Started, Where We Are Now, and Where We Want to go
My journey with United Solar Initiative began in January of 2015 when Alex Wilhelm, founder and co-president of USI, and Charlie Egan, project development coordinator of USI, gave a presentation to my class about what USI is. They spoke about the non-profit’s plan to help replace dangerous kerosene lamps used in remote communities in Nicaragua […]
Solar Roadways are coming to historic Route 66
Solar Roadways are finally gaining traction in the United States. Scott and Julie Brusaw have been developing their energy-generating roads for the last several years, hoping to replace asphalt with solar panels that can withstand the weight of cars. Now they are bringing their dream to a section of the historic Route 66 highway in […]
NASA’s Juno Spacecraft Arrives at Jupiter
The Juno spacecraft successfully entered orbit around Jupiter on July 4. The solar-powered craft will spend 20 months studying the planet’s composition and history, then burn up in Jupiter’s atmosphere. A Five-Year Trip Juno spent two years looping through the inner solar system, then slingshotted past Earth to gain speed for its long trip to […]
Floating Solar: A Win-Win for Drought-Stricken Lakes in U.S.
Floating solar panel arrays are increasingly being deployed in places as diverse as Brazil and Japan. One prime spot for these “floatovoltaic” projects could be the sun-baked U.S. Southwest, where they could produce clean energy and prevent evaporation in major man-made reservoirs. The Colorado River’s two great reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, are in […]
What it’s really like to fly Solar Impulse 2: Exclusive Video reveals all about life on board
In a video filmed exclusively for WIRED, Bertrand Piccard offers a unique insight into the round-the-world mission In the coming weeks, Solar Impulse 2 is set to complete its round-the-world journey. The aircraft, being flown in shifts by Swiss entrepreneur Andre Borschberg and psychiatrist Bertrand Piccard, is an attempt to promote clean transport. In an […]
Larry Bleymir Gomez: Tourism and Publicity Coordinator for Sister Communities of San Ramón, Nicaragua
USI: Can you describe your role with the Sisterhood Communities of San Ramon? How did you get involved with them? Larry Bleymir: It has been almost two years since I started working for Sister Communities of San Ramon (SCSRN), a non-profit organization. My current position is Coordinator of Tourism and Advertisement. Every year, we offer […]
Stephen Kalland: Executive Director of NC Clean Energy Technology Center
Stephen Kalland has worked with energy efficiency and renewable energy for over 20 years. His work with the North Carolina Clean Energy Center includes public policy as well as workforce and economic development. Here, Steve speaks to the solar momentum in North Carolina as well as how the next generation should continue to look forward. […]