Solar Cell Breakthrough?
Series: January 2009 - Isla Earth Radio Series
From: Pat Maxwell
Length: 00:01:30
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- Solar Cell Breakthrough?
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- Pat Maxwell
The biggest power plant on earth is high in the sky -- it’s the sun. But, we only get one percent of our energy from it because it typically costs more than other sources of power. A Dutch researcher wants to change that. Martin Aagesen has developed a material called “nano flakes” he believes could make solar energy more competitive. Engineered at the molecular level using nano technology, he says nanoflakes have “the potential to convert 30 percent of solar energy into electricity -- which is twice what we can convert today...”
Also in the January 2009 - Isla Earth Radio Series series
Saving Seeds: Svalbard
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I don’t know if Santa Claus ever collected seeds, but one of his neighbors sure does.
The New Power Suit
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The Power Suit is back. Yep. Thanks to scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Elephant DNA Maps
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Over the years, treasure maps have been of such interest that the Library of Congress devoted a volume to them! Now, a new kind of map is proving to be a treasure to ...
Plug and Drive?
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Hybrid vehicles on a wall socket: The next “plug-and-play” technology? We might have an answer soon.
Where Are The Caves?
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Nature builds neighborhoods in the most interesting places. Caves, for example, are pretty spectacular neighborhoods.
Wind Turbine Warning?
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
With wind turbine blades approaching 90 feet in length whipping around at 150 miles an hour, they’ve been called everything from “raptor-matics” to “cuisinarts of the sky.” ...
Saving Taz
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Sometimes the devil makes for good company -- at least that's what they think in Tasmania.
Down With Carbon
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
There’s a bounty on carbon dioxide molecules these days. And for good reason.
Piece Description
The biggest power plant on earth is high in the sky -- it’s the sun. But, we only get one percent of our energy from it because it typically costs more than other sources of power. A Dutch researcher wants to change that. Martin Aagesen has developed a material called “nano flakes” he believes could make solar energy more competitive. Engineered at the molecular level using nano technology, he says nanoflakes have “the potential to convert 30 percent of solar energy into electricity -- which is twice what we can convert today...”
Additional Credits
Isla Earth is produced by the Catalina Island Conservancy with support from its Fund for a Sustainable Planet.






