Solar Power Discussion & The Latest News

[Michaelangelica]

Suprised there is not a solar forum here where I could put this:-


GREEN LEAVES INSPIRE SOLAR CELLS (Innovation & Technology News, 4/9/06) Synthetic molecules that mimic chlorophyll in plants may one day form the basis of highly efficient solar cells, say Australian researchers.
http://abc.net.au/science/news/stories/ ... 2.htm?tech (http://abc.net.au/science/news/stories/2006/1729572.htm?tech)

With the wonders of nanotechnology we may be getting close to duplicating what any-old-leaf does every day. !

[Michaelangelica]

Overview
Page 1 of 6

Sunshine is difficult to accurately forecast, can change rapidly due to moving clouds, cannot be controlled and is not a source of energy 24 hours a day.

However, CSIRO and partners are now on the path to solving the intermittency challenge with the completion of a world-first analysis of solar intermittency in the Australian context.

Download the full report or the summary brochure:
Downloads
Solar intermittency: Australia's clean energy challenge (pdf - 6.21mb)
Summary brochure: Solar intermittency: Australia's clean energy challenge (pdf - 0.71mb)
The study provides a greater understanding of the effects of solar intermittency on electricity grids, directly addressing the concerns of market and grid operators, solar installers and investors. Furthermore, the project found that:
We can ‘fix’ intermittency. With knowledge and tools, such as solar forecasting and energy management, CSIRO can provide the information required to manage solar intermittency.
We need a customised approach. Solar intermittency is not uniform, different sites, regions and countries require individual solutions. Local research and demonstration pilots are required. Australia has a unique electricity network and we need unique solutions.
We need a highly flexible electricity grid. If large amounts of solar energy are to be used as a power source in the near future we need a grid designed with renewable energy sources in mind.
The project was made possible with funding from the Australian Solar institute (ASI) with in-kind support from CSIRO, Australian Energy Market Operator, and Energy Networks Association.
Read the full report: Solar intermittency: Australia's clean energy challenge.
http://www.csiro.au/science/Solar-Intermittency-Report

[Farside]

I gather everyone saw the research MIT did on arranging solar panels in a 3D arrangement to product up to 20 times the output of the same panels arranged on a flat surface:
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2012/three-dimensional-solar-energy-0327.html

Very important finding.

[Michaelangelica]

Sunflowers Inspire More Efficient Solar Power System
ScienceDaily (Aug. 16, 2012) — A field of young sunflowers will slowly rotate from east to west during the course of a sunny day, each leaf seeking out as much sunlight as possible as the sun moves across the sky through an adaptation called heliotropism.

It's a clever bit of natural engineering that inspired imitation from a UW-Madison electrical and computer engineer, who has found a way to mimic the passive heliotropism seen in sunflowers for use in the next crop of solar power systems.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120816100927.htm

[Michaelangelica]

Car park shade
Germany ?
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/207108_468698803163571_1519761616_n.jpg

[S.O.P]

If the water went to tanks, swales, or dams = perfect. Or even wet those trees further back in the frame.

[Michaelangelica]

If the water went to tanks, swales, or dams = perfect. Or even wet those trees further back in the frame.
Pretty sure they are solar panels and hopefully they collect water too