Science
From mathematics and AI to medicine and psychology, The Optimist Daily features the latest news on discoveries, technological advances, and breakthroughs in the world of science. Our Science section is here to engage and enlighten you.
California solar generation grew 1,378% in 5 years
The total electricity generated from solar in the US state of California between 2009 and 2014 increased an astonishing 1,378%. This is one of the key findings from the 8th edition of Next 10’s California Green Innovation Index, released in late June. In addition to the mind-blowing solar Read More...
UK solar energy breaks new record
The UK solar industry broke a new record in June, generating 23.9% of UK electricity demand, according to the UK Solar Trade Association. The UK solar industry had plenty of reasons to celebrate its third “Solar Independence Day” on Monday, with the UK’s solar trade body, the Read More...
Clean, renewable batteries: Microbes that poop electricity
Many devices depend on batteries that are unsustainable because they require rare earth metals like lithium. Now, scientists have discovered a clean, renewable alternative: a microbial-fuel cell that does not require an external power source to create an electric current. The microbial cells Read More...
How your electric car could store power and transfer it to your home
As Tesla's possible purchase of SolarCity shows, carmakers want to get into the energy storage business. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan are all working on home batteries that integrate electric vehicles into residential power systems. The vision is for homeowners to charge up batteries from solar Read More...
SolarCity PV modules have useful lives of 35 years or longer
The solar photovoltaic modules used by SolarCity in its residential and commercial installations have useful lives of 35 years or longer, going by new data and information recently presented by the company. The new findings are the result of independent, third-party, accelerated stress testing of Read More...
Study: Even at current prices, energy storage makes economic sense for many renewables projects
Even at current market prices, various different energy storage options make economic sense for renewable energy projects in some locations, according to new research from MIT. The energy storage options profiled by the study included: battery systems, pumped hydroelectric storage, and compressed Read More...
Google buys 12-year output from Norwegian wind power farm
Google has bought the entire 12-year power production from a yet-to-be-built Norwegian wind power farm to supply its European data centers with renewable energy, its developers said on Thursday. Norway's Zephyr and Norsk Vind Energi said the 160-megawatt capacity onshore Tellenes wind power farm Read More...
World Bank commits $1 billion for India's solar-energy program
The World Bank Group signed an agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), consisting of 121 countries led by India, and committed to provide $1 billion in support to Indian solar energy projects. The World Bank-supported projects include solar rooftop technology, infrastructure for Read More...
As nuclear plants shut down, renewable energy could boom
While the safety, cost, and long-term environmental impacts of nuclear energy have been contested for the past half century, there is no debate that nuclear power plants are a significant source of carbon-free electricity. So is this the best time to be shutting them down? It is in California. One Read More...
More and more businesses branch out and are making money from solar
Companies typically put solar panels on their roofs to support clean energy and cut emissions, but a growing group of them are branching out to earn profits from selling solar energy. Apple and clothing company Patagonia are leading this trend that was initiated by Google which received a license Read More...