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PHOTOVOLTAIC EFFECT
In 1905, Einstein unlocked a mystery of light that seemed almost impossible, unknowingly laying the foundation for smartphone cameras, solar panels, burglar alarms and technologies yet to comeAlbert Einstein explained the photoelectric effect in 1905. This interaction of light and matter powers many modern devices. His theory rev...
Scientists taught cameras to watch birds around solar panels; after 19,000 hours of footage, they discovered how the birds were actually using themResearchers are examining how birds interact with solar panel systems, utilizing AI-enhanced cameras to capture extensive footage of avian ...
In a 2023 China tea-field trial, bushes grew beneath tracking solar panels; fresh-leaf yield was 15.3% higher while annual average PAR was 52.9% of the controlA recent Chinese agrivoltaic study revealed that solar panels can boost tea bush production. While these plants receive diminished light, t...
Storm in a wine glass: As climate change and young consumers reshape the wine world, can India take advantage?Global wine regions face climate challenges and declining demand. India's wine tourism is experiencing significant growth and expansion. Yo...
In 2020, researchers tested a self-moistening hydrogel mat under solar panels; it cooled them by at least 10°C and boosted output by up to 19%New research introduces a cooling gel for solar panels. This gel absorbs moisture at night and releases it as vapor during the day. The coo...
In 2025, First Solar began production at a 2.4-million-square-foot Louisiana plant. 1 year later, it can turn raw glass into 12 finished panels every minuteA massive Louisiana solar panel factory operates independently of new import tariffs. This plant produces panels using a unique cadmium tel...
In a Biosphere 2-linked Arizona study, cherry tomatoes grew beneath solar panels with 50% less irrigation; midday water stress was about 40% lower across cropsUniversity of Arizona researchers studied the effect of solar panel shade on crop growth. Their findings suggest agrivoltaic systems reduce...
In 2022–2023, Bar-Ilan University grew tomatoes between 24 tracking solar modules; the most shaded rows saw fruit yields fall by up to 57%Research conducted by Bar-Ilan University delved into the concept of agrivoltaics, where solar panels and crop growth coexist. The findings...
In 2024, New Jersey regulators halted a floating solar project on the 2,000-acre Wanaque Reservoir. 2 years later, a 10-MW state incentive revived plans for what could become America's largest floating solar farmWanaque Reservoir floating solar is back in development, with New Jersey supporting a new 10 MW project on a major drinking-water reservoir...
Satellite researchers studied China’s desert solar farms; vegetation developed across 30.8 square kilometres within and around the installationsSolar farms in the arid deserts of China are transforming barren landscapes into vibrant green spaces. Between 2011 and 2018, researchers n...
In July 2019, scientists watched mayflies mistake solar-like glass for water; females landed and deposited eggs on the dry surfaceFemale mayflies are confusing solar panels for water surfaces, which is causing difficulties with their reproduction. This issue, termed po...
Earlier this year, a California startup received approval to launch a 59-foot mirror into orbit. Two years later, the demonstration could redirect sunlight onto chosen points on Earth, allowing crews to keep working after darkA California startup just got FCC approval to test a 59-foot mirror satellite in orbit. The spacecraft, named Eärendil-1, will catch sunlig...
Rainfall experiments found solar panels cut soil erosion beneath their surfaces by 27–63%, while concentrated dripping created new erosion hotspots along panel edgesSolar panels significantly reduce soil erosion directly beneath them during rainfall events. However, concentrated runoff at panel edges ca...
In 2025, researchers in Italy’s Puglia region grew grapevines beneath solar panels; the shaded vines produced 277% more grapes than those in full sunGrapevines under solar panels in Italy showed significantly increased productivity. This shade moderated soil temperature and retained mois...
In 2010, researchers tested solar panels with white lines; the modified surfaces were up to 26 times less attractive to polarotactic insectsSolar panels, with their shiny surfaces, can inadvertently attract insects seeking water. This phenomenon leads to ecological harm, disrupt...
In a 2023 Brazilian study, sheep under photovoltaic panels experienced 30% less radiant heat and up to 8°C lower wool-surface temperaturesA recent study shows sheep benefit from solar panel shade during hot weather. These animals experience significantly less radiant heat expo...
Earlier this year, Los Angeles made 8 trips to Encino Reservoir searching for one endangered bird; they found none, but 60 wildlife species emerged before a 10-acre solar project moved aheadCity biologists made eight separate field trips to Encino Reservoir searching for one endangered songbird. They found zero Least Bell’s vir...
In 1956, solar power was priced at about $1,865 per watt and survived largely because spacecraft needed lightweight power. Decades later, prices fell below 50 cents per watt and solar became the cheapest new electricitySolar power once cost a staggering $1,865 per watt in inflation-adjusted terms. Today, solar panels can cost only a fraction of a dollar pe...
Premier Energies Q1 Result: Profit jumps 53% to Rs 472 crorePremier Energies reported remarkable growth, with profits soaring more than 53% in the latest quarter. The uptick in revenue can be attribu...
At about 11,000 feet, a Tibetan Plateau solar farm still used for sheep grazing made nearby soil freeze earlier and thaw laterA solar farm in Tibet has unexpectedly made the ground colder. Researchers found the soil beneath panels stayed frozen for fifty extra days...