photo: Adam Tinworth via flickr

Two new illustrations about how the US has stiff competition around the world in renewable energy: New York Times reports on how China has beaten the United St

MIT's Test Cell Patrick Gillooly, MIT

Solar cells are intended to mimic the photosynthesis of plants -- converting light into energy in the most efficient manner possible. But what other characteristics of plants could be handy for the renewable energy sector to mimic? How about the self-assembly of chloroplast, the component of plants that do all the vital photosynthesis.

Photo: Youtube grab

J. R. Ewing is Back
I'm too young to have seen Dallas during its original run, but I vaguely remember that my parents sometimes watched it and talked about this "J.R." guy.

photo: BLM

There've been multiple gigawatts of solar thermal power plants planned for various places in the California desert for some time, but finally some more of them are getting the approvals need so that construction can start: The US Bureau of Land Management has issued a fin

Images via Voltaic Systems

We usually hear about new solar-charging bags from Voltaic Systems, known for its very high quality backpacks, laptop cases and messenger bags. However, the company is bringing us something new -- stand-alone chargers. They have three new models available, each boasting about four times the charging power of most solar chargers out there on the market.

Photo: NASA

Who Knew Deserts Were Dusty?
Dust is annoying enough to clean in my small apartment, I can't imagine the headaches that it must give the owners of large solar farms. Dusty solar panels capture fewer photons and thus produce less power, so keeping them clean is important. Thankfully for solar developers, help is coming...

Image: Eurostat

The latest EuroStat report about energy production and usage in Europe in 2009 contains some good news (unless you are rooting for coal). While overall renewable energy production increased by 8.3% between 2008 and 2009, for a total share of 18.4% of energy production in the EU, coal consumption went the other way and dropped 16.3%.

Image of toothbrush via ingridtaylor; image of solar powered brush via Canada.com

It's one thing to have an electric toothbrush that charges with solar power.

Photo: Flickr, CC

Part of the State's 25% Renewables by 2025 Plan
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has signed two bills into law yesterday (House Bill 6202 and 5429)) that will mandate the state's utility companies to buy more solar power and protect the right of homeowners to set up solar panels on their homes,

Image credit: Neddy's Palaver

Legends abound about the Archimedes "death ray", constructed from giant mirrors, which he allegedly used during the siege of Syracuse in 212 BC to set Roman ships ablaze.