Three-dimensional system based on optical fiber could provide new options for PV. by John Toon, Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia, United States [RenewableEnergyWorld.com] Converting sunlight to electricity might no longer mean large panels of photovoltaic cells atop flat surfaces like roofs. Using zinc oxide nanostructures grown on optical fibers and coated with dye-sensitized solar cell [...]

Solar company Konarka has developed a transparent solar cell that it hopes will be built onto electricity-generating windows. The Lowell, Mass.-based company on Tuesday said it has reached an agreement with Arch Aluminum & Glass to use Konarka’s plastic solar cells in building materials, including windows. Under its Arch Active Solar Glass development, the company [...]