Few details are known at this point, but Hadfield referred to the damage on the solar panel as a “bullet hole,” and said that he was “glad it missed the hull.” We’re not sure exactly what would happen if a small rock like that collided with the ISS hull, but judging from Hadfield’s sigh of relief, nothing good would come out of it.

We’re guessing that the hole didn’t cause too much severe damage to the solar panel, or else the ISS would be in deep trouble. We’re not sure how large the small hole is, but it doesn’t look big at all — merely a small speck compared to the sheer size of the solar panels on the station.

Of course, this isn’t the first time that Hadfield has talked about small meteoroids hitting the ISS. He hosted a Reddit AmA back in February where he discussed “micro-meteorites would sometimes hit the hull and make a loud “ping” noise, which leaves dents on the outside of the station. However, Hadfield notes that a larger piece of rock could come along and cause greater damage.

Shams Power Company has opened the new Shams 1 concentrated solar power station that has a capacity of 100 MW and can power up to 20,000 homes and save up to 175,000 tons of CO2 every year, which according to Shams, is the “equivalent to planting 1.5 million trees or taking approximately 15,000 cars off the road.”

The Shams 1 CSP plant uses over 258,000 parabolic mirrors that collect sunlight and concentrate it onto oil pipes that flow through the center of the mirrors. This heats the oil, and after being moved on to a heat exchanger, the heat creates steam that powers turbines that generate electricity. The entire plants covers just over 1.55 square miles.

Of course, this isn’t the first CSP plant to be built. These types of solar power plants date back to the 1980s where the first ones were built in California in the US. However, it wasn’t until today when the Shams 1 plant took the crown for the world’s largest CSP plant. Of course, we’ll most likely see larger ones being built in the future as green tech becomes more popular.

[via TreeHugger]

Luci is unique and what the company calls “solar justice” and the reason behind that is many solar devices don’t seem to work as advertized, or always take forever to charge. MpowerD’s little lantern is only about 5-6 inches tall, and almost something you’d find floating in the pool during the summer months. For those granola types who are always out camping, you’ll want to check this out.

Luci puts out 1200 lumens of bright light using LEDs, and will last anywhere from 8-12 hours depending on charge. Using a few extremely durable and lightweight solar panels you’ll have a full 8-12 hours of light in just 4 hours charge time. Take it camping and charge her up at night, then use Luci to keep camp bright all night long. With a clear plastic round design the light emits in all directions, and Luci states she’ll brighten a 15 square foot area for hours.

“Just charge in the sun, open, and light up your world.”

MpowerD’s new little lantern that is powered by the sun has a few awesome things going for it. It’s extremely lightweight, durable, and completely collapsible to be under an inch tall and smaller than your hand. Then open it up and light up your world — as they say. For the low price of $15.99 Luci can be lighting up your campsite all summer long. It features low, high, and SOS emergency settings with the touch of a button. I’ll be taking this little lantern on a few mountain bike trips this summer. That is for sure.

According to the announcement, the same technology used to construct these mats will also be implemented into devices at the consumer level via gadgets and cars, as well as in unmanned systems and industrial platforms. According to the company’s CEO Chris Norris, the next decade will be one where consumers expect “transparently available” mobile power. There’s mention of using the charging mats in emergency situations, such as Hurricane Sandy, which left many without power.

The smallest charging mat is 4 ounces, and is said to be slightly larger than a piece of paper in terms of dimensions, in addition to being flexible and highly portable. All the chargers are designed to be rugged for both rough handling and harsh conditions. They’re specifically designed to be low-light sensitive, with the 10 watt version producing up to 60W/h per day in “strong solar climates.”

CEO Chris Norris offered this statement. “There are nearly limitless opportunities for always-available mobile power. We are initially targeting applications where the need is well understood and the opportunity is substantial. Over time, we see huge markets being enabled by this kind of mobile power.”

Said Zhenan Bao, the study’s senior author, “Carbon has the potential to deliver high performance at a low cost. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a working solar cell that has all of the components made of carbon. This study builds on previous work done in our lab.” Silicon solar panels are rigid, while the newly-built solar cell is a thin film that “can be coated from solution.”

According to Bao, in the future we could see these new flexible carbon solar cells coated on various surfaces, such as windows, rather than the rigid silicon panels often seen on roofs. The solar cell itself uses graphene and carbon nanotubes rather than indium tin oxide electrodes, a material that is becoming more expensive and scarce as demand grows. The active layer is also composed of carbon nanotubes, as well as carbon molecules called buckyballs.

The study’s co-author Michael Vosgueritchian said, “Every component in our solar cell, from top to bottom, is made of carbon materials. Other groups have reported making all-carbon solar cells, but they were referring to just the active layer in the middle, not the electrodes.” So what’s the downside? For now at least, the all-carbon cell is inefficient, mostly absorbing almost infrared wavelengths and offering a lab efficiency under 1-percent. According to Bao, the researchers have a long way to go in terms of efficiency, which they expect to increase by utilizing better processing techniques and materials.

[via Stanford]

The liquid solar cell technology can be implemented under a low-temperature process, which means that it can be printed on plastic instead of glass without concern of the plastic melting. This would allow for cheap, flexible solar panels and more options in applying the solar technology.

Although the new liquid solar nanocrystals are cheaper than traditional single-crystal silicon wafer solar cells to produce, they are also much less efficient. In order to keep the particles stable, organic ligand molecules are used to attach to the nanocrystals to keep them from clumping, but in effect, also insulates them and reduces their conductivity.

Additionally, the current nanocrystals used are made of the semiconductor cadmium selenide, which is considered toxic and is restricted in commercial applications. The researchers are still working on alternative materials for the nanocrystals. Hence, it will still be a few years before we see this technology in commercial use.

[via Gizmag]

Two of the prototype solar-powered phones were tested in the Arctic Circle, while one was in southern Sweden, one in Kenya, and one on a sailboat in the Baltic Sea. And it turns out that location did play a major role, as the phone had better performance in areas closer to the equator where there was more direct sun. However, the power generated from the built-in solar charger was only able to supply enough energy for the device to be on standby with a very limited talk time.

Other limitations included the small size of the phones, which meant small solar panels. The angle of how light entered the solar panels was also important as was the amount of light that could pass through the phones’ weatherproof casings to get to the solar panels. Also, since the phone constantly needs light to stay charged, the phones can’t be carried around, as most folks do, in a pocket or purse.

[via Nokia]

The study on this proposed solution to all of our energy problems was billed as “the first broadly based international assessment of potential paths to collecting solar energy in space and delivering it to markets on Earth via wireless power transmission” – quite a mouthful! This study noted that government funding would be needed to get the project activated and sustained as private-sector funding doesn’t work so well with such “economic uncertainties” and time lags involved in development. This project notes that the space solar power solution would be a long-term energy fix for Earth that would include a potential for “essentially zero” terrestrial environmental impact.

The study’s environmental impact bit is according to the National Space Society advocacy group who is set to hold a news conference in Washington this week to publicize the 248-page IAA report. According to the plan, one satellite would be launched, then another, then eventually batches of satellites capable of collecting solar power would be in geosynchronous orbit around the equator. Each of these satellites would be collecting sunlight for up to a full 24 hours a day across their up to several kilometer wide bodies. Power would be converted to electricity onboard and sent to Earth by lasers or large microwave-transmitting antenna.

Once the power was sent to Earth, it would be fed into a power grid where it could be distributed to all the kids playing Xbox and Playstation and everyone reading their favorite book Ender’s Game by the lamp in the middle of the night.

[via The Vancouver Sun]

Samsung isn’t simply doing this out of the goodness of their own hearts, but it’s nice to see initiatives like this appear to be so close to real action in the world. This project is in place as a result of CSR requirements — Corporate Social Responsibility, that is, and thus far the project is set for greater Africa. For the betterment of Africa too, if I do say so myself. This project will yield units that are both easy to transport to remote areas and able to withstand inclement weather.

The first version of this project’s units are 40-foot shipping containers equipped with rubber solar panels. These panels are able to power the classroom within for up to 9 hours each day and can retain power for up to 1 and a half days without any new sunlight. Inside the unit there are, of course, a whole slew of top of the line Samsung products such as the Galaxy Tab, a 50-inch electronic board, solar powered netbooks, and more.

Inside the first unit is a refrigerator, UPS, a router, Virus Doctor air-purification, Wi-fi enabled camera, and of course a file server. This file server works via a 3G connection and will house the entire South African school curriculum. Sounds like a pretty nice little unit, wouldn’t you say? Certainly seems nicer than the one-room schoolhouses of the generations before us, that’s for sure.

[via Samsung]

What Dwyer did, whilst on a hike in the Catskills of course, was to take a look at some trees. His mind twisted and turned as the leaves on these trees did, and he wondered if the sequence at which the leaves grew from the branches had anything to do with how well the trees were able to soak up sunlight. He then did some advanced learning for his age, finding out all about the Fibonacci sequence, the golden rectangle, and the spiral it creates. Dwyer applied what he learned to the branches he was studying, and what do you know, the leaves adhered to the sequence.

Once he figured this out, his Oak Tree specimen’s secret may well have become Dwyers greatest discovery in his short 13 years on this earth. Taking what he’d learned so far about the placement of the leaves on the tree, he arranged solar panels on a model he’d created specifically for this scientific experiment. He found that by arranging the panels in such a way, he was able to increase efficiency by 20 to 50 percent over straight-line solar arrays.

Dwyer’s write-up on the project concludes with the following:

The tree design takes up less room than flat-panel arrays and works in spots that don’t have a full southern view. It collects more sunlight in winter. Shade and bad weather like snow don’t hurt it because the panels are not flat. It even looks nicer because it looks like a tree. A design like this may work better in urban areas where space and direct sunlight can be hard to find.

Because of this project, the American Museum of Natural History has bestowed Dwyers with a Young Naturalist award. It’s expected that Dwyers has a bright future ahead of him whatever he decides to do with his awesome brain.

[via Atlantic]

The discount is a side effect of a $280 million investment in SolarCity by Google to help finance more solar installations around the country. Google also notes that this is the largest clean energy project investment it has made so far and brings the total invested in clean energy to $680 million. Google also offers a bit of detail on one employee that took advantage of the program with SolarCity.

The partnership with Google and SolarCity allows the user to lease or pay up front for the solar system. Google engineer Michael Flaster will save $100 monthly on his electric bill this year and more than $16,000 on the 15-year lease of equipment after figuring in the cost of the lease payment and lower energy bills. The exact cost of the solar system isn’t offered.

Think about how this tech could change the landscape for tablets and readers. If all you need is a small solar panel of the surface area the lady in the video is holding that could be integrated into the tablet bezel or onto the back of the tablet to allow almost continuous use of the device outdoors or in sufficient sunlight. That would mean unlimited reading at the beach in direct sunlight. The little solar panels are also very cheap.

The panel shown in the video is only $3. ARMdevices reports that this same solar panel tech could be used by OLPC for upcoming netbooks and tablets for emerging markets. It’s interesting that most of us think longer lasting batteries are where the game changer for gadgets will come and just as important are fast charging batteries and components that slurp little power. Check out the video bellow to see the solar device in use.

[via ARMDevices]

Daniel Nocera is the MIT chemist responsible for this amazing piece of technology. He says of this.

Nature is powered by photosynthesis, and I think that the future world will be powered by photosynthesis as well in the form of this artificial leaf.

Researchers claim that this device could power a home in the developing world. Wired UK reports that the scientist has negotiated with Tata Group of India to produce a power plant smaller than a car. Should we think of that like an artificial tree? Nocera said, “One can envision villages in India and Africa not long from now purchasing an affordable basic power system based on this technology.” This deal is slated to wrap up late 2012.

[via Wired UK]

Video demo after the cut

Together, the two sources are good enough to power a portable TV for 4.8hrs, though you can connect two units together to double the runtime. The flexible solar panel sheet is developed by Fuji Electric Systems, and the internal battery can be recharged from a 12V DV input.

There’s also a standard USB port for hooking up portable gadgets like cellphones. OS began shipping the GSR-110B back in January, with the device priced at 60,000 yen ($730).

[youtube XjL1mQFlp7A]

[via OhGizmo]

The phone could also be great for travelling. But for daily use, leaving your phone out in the sun for 2.5 hours at a time probably isn’t realistic. More likely, the phone would charge for 10-15 minutes throughout the day in between uses. In the event the phone goes completely dead, it would take up to 17 hours in the sun to charge it back.

While it is great to be able to use the sun to charge your phone, even supplementally, there are things to consider. Like, will the solar panel get scratched up in your pocket or purse? Will the phone get damaged by extended exposure to sunlight? Maybe a solar powered removable case would be a better idea.

There are two models: one for the US (MTK6573) with support for 850/1900Mhz bands, and one (MTK6516) that works in Europe and much of Asia.

Specs:

• 3.2″ 320×480 Display
• 1GB storage internally, with a microSD card slot
• FM Radio
• Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP
• 3 megapixel rear camera
• 3.5mm audio jack

[via Treehugger]
from MobileCrunch

The Ocean Empire has 4,305 square feet of solar panels installed on its frame. There are large areas of the ship that have been labeled “fishing accommodations.” And, a pair of hydroponic farms. The solar panels are capable of capture somewhere near 70 kW of power, while the 861 square-foot skysail is able to grab another 200 kW of power on its own.

However, that’s not all. The designers also included a Motion Damping Regeneration system, which will make sure that the super yacht doesn’t capsize in rough waters. The system is also capable of pulling down another 50 kW of power in its own right. If you find yourself on the Ocean Empire at some point in the future, it looks like you won’t ever have to worry about running out of power, as there’s plenty of different ways the ship will attain it, and then provide it.

[via DVICE]

Designer Mostafa Bonakdar has designed a new way to collect, purify, and dispense water, and has made it into one of the most accessible ways possible. The design is a simple one: the stand collects and purifies rain water, and transforms it into drinkable water for those sitting under the shade, or anyone passing by. It does this thanks to the solar panels at the top of the shelter, which absorb the sun’s rays during non-cloudy days to power the unit.

Bonakdar says that the Hydroleaf Shelter will be able to hold up to 60 liters of water at any one time, and if anyone wants to test the water inside, they will simply need a vertical piece of glass that would be placed at the top of the storage tank. And, because it wouldn’t be a safe rest stop for anyone walking around at night without lights, the solar energy collected through the day will also be used to power lights, that turn on automatically at night.

[via EcoFriend]

The eco-friendly tricycle features a Mars Electric motor, which provides it with 6.4 horsepower. Hadar says that the tricycle can make it up to 30 miles. The front wheel is measured at 20-inches, while the pair of rear wheels take the cake at 26-inches. But, just having an electric engine wasn’t enough for the designer, so he also included six solar panels onto the motorized vehicle, which should help on keeping you charged while you’re out and about.

[via GearLog]

The latest government facility to get solar power is going to be Luke Air Force base in Arizona. A company called SunPower has announced that it will be building the largest solar power system on US government property at the base. The project will create 550 local jobs during construction according to the company.

The solar installation will be placed on 101 acres of underutilized land and will be large enough to generate 50% of the annual energy requirements for the entire base. The project is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2011. The system will generate enough power for 3,750 homes and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emission by 19,000 metric tons each year.

Solar Roadways received a grant from the Department of Transportation last year, for $100,000, with the intent to build a road that can display warnings for pedestrians, as well as drivers. From the picture, you can see that the two children have stepped onto a panel that would reside in a crosswalk. Subsequently, the road in front of the drivers would light up with LEDs, displaying the message. In this case, you see “SLOW DOWN” displayed quite nicely, and easily read. The panels themselves also come with a heating unit, so that when it snows, the panels are still readable. Microprocessors within the panels work as the communication between panels. Basically, it sounds like Solar Roadways have covered all their bases.

Considering the company’s hard work, we’re not surprised that the company is up for an award. They are one of five selected for the 2010 EE Times ACE Award for the “Most Promising Renewable Energy Award.” But, while we’re excited to see this prototype in still images we’re looking forward to the video which should be out later this month. And what’s next for the company? They want to make parking lots, bike paths, and driveways out of the same panels. We’re hoping that Solar Roadways does indeed get to see their panels in the real world, because we love the future. And, better options for safety.

[via Inventor Spot]