Month: November 2018

The Azraq Refugee Camp and Renewable Energy

The Azraq Refugee Camp and Renewable Energy

The Azraq Refugee Camp and Renewable Energy

11/03/18

“How does the world’s first renewable powered refugee camp work?”

 

The Azraq Refugee Camp is Jordan is not like any other. Built to accommodate 20,000 Syrian Refugees, the site is completely powered by a nearby solar energy farm. Currently at 2 MW of capacity, The farm provides enough energy for the residents to meet their daily needs and carry on their lives. The success of the Azraq refugee camp can serve as a template for other such sites around the world.

 

Image credit: http://www.unhcr.org

Why Installing Solar Energy Would be Greatly Beneficial for the Navajo Nation

Why Installing Solar Energy Would be Greatly Beneficial for the Navajo Nation

Why Installing Solar Energy Would be Greatly Beneficial for the Navajo Nation

11/02/18

“How would the Navajo Nation benefit from the addition of solar energy?”

 

The Navajo is an indigenous tribe located roughly in Northeastern Arizona and Northwestern New Mexico, right on top of some of the greatest solar resources in the world. If the Navajo were to install utility-scale solar energy and send it to nearby communities for profit, they would reap great benefits.

 

Image credit https://www.indianz.com

How ‘Invisible Wires’ Could Improve Solar Cell Efficiency

How ‘Invisible Wires’ Could Improve Solar Cell Efficiency

How ‘Invisible Wires’ Could Improve Solar Cell Efficiency

11/01/18

“How can we solve the silicon wire reflectivity problem in solar cells?”

 

We know that PV modules have a transmission wire reflectivity problem. But some research coming out of Stanford University could change this entirely. Instead of relying upon wires to channel electrons away from the silicon semiconductors, what if we were to use gold sheets with holes in them, and tiny silicon towers on top to redirect sunlight away from the gold sheet and into the holes? This way the maximum amount of sunlight can be absorbed and reflectivity can be minimized. This is just a small example of How ‘Invisible Wires’ Could Improve Solar Cell Efficiency.

 

Image Credit https://news.stanford.edu