How to safely watch an eclipse: Advice from an astronomer
If you've ever wondered why you can look at a solar eclipse and why it can harm your eyes, the answer is in the sun's rays.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Articles on Solar
Displaying 1 - 20 of 39 articles
FactCheck Q&A: is coal still cheaper than renewables as an energy source?
On Q&A, an audience member said renewable energy is 'now cheaper than coal'. Senator Matt Canavan disagreed, saying renewables are not 'at the moment, cheaper than coal'. Let's look at the numbers.
All roads to sustainable energy lead to the sun
If harnessed properly, the sun holds tremendous potential to provide sustainable energy for the earth.
It only takes a few countries to kickstart a decarbonisation revolution
New research shows it only takes a few countries to kick-start the kind of global transformation required to meet the Paris Agreement’s long-term goals.
In China and Pakistan’s coal romance, where’s the love for the climate?
Massive new coal plants planned for Pakistan will further harm the environment in a country already suffering the effects of climate change. Solar energy is a clear alternative.
An algorithm to improve the renewable energy production
Relying less on fossil fuels is one of the key challenges of energy transition, and taking weather variations into account can help increase the overall efficiency of a renewable-energy system.
Does ‘green energy’ have hidden health and environmental costs?
No energy source is perfect, but solar and wind have a much lower health and environmental footprint than fossil fuels, a study finds. Biopower, though, is a mixed bag.
We can still keep global warming below 2℃ – but the hard work is about to start
Global emissions from fossil fuels have stalled. That puts us in the right place to keep warming below 2℃, but there's plenty of work still to be done.
South Africa’s new energy plan has sparked strong emotions. Here’s why
South Africa has a new energy plan. Renewable energy in the form of wind, gas and solar feature high on its agenda.
Clinton says the ‘clean energy economy’ will create millions of jobs. Can it?
Will government policy to promote clean energy be disastrous or a boon? A close look at the 2009 stimulus, which plowed $90 billion into energy, can tell us a lot.
Company results wrap: energy companies are facing disruption
Energy companies shouldn't rely on government regulation to protect them from the growing disruption from renewables and increased consumer control.
Customer power: are you the kind of energy user who makes a difference?
A place for everyone, and everyone in their place. A guide for how you can help build a sustainable energy future.
Getting more energy from the sun: how to make better solar cells
Solar power has enormous potential, but provides only about one percent of world electricity today. An engineer explains the many steps it takes to make solar panels that are efficient, clean and cheap.
Why low-carbon urban development in African cities makes economic sense
From an economic point of view, low-carbon plans in rapidly urbanising areas can have massive benefits for East African cities.
How new energy technologies can help South Africa ease its energy crunch
South Africa his rich in minerals that, combined with the development of nanotechnology, can be used to help it develop new energy technologies.
To cut emissions faster, U.S. should ditch tax credit-based subsidies for renewable energy
The wind and solar industries scored a huge win by getting extended tax credits, but research shows this isn't the best policy for lowering emissions through renewable energy.
Explainer: South Africa’s developing solar energy landscape
Solar power is a key piece of South Africa's energy puzzle.
How a global solar alliance can help developing countries
Strength in numbers matters in the world of solar energy.
How South Africa can spread renewable energy to low income areas
South Africa has been slow to adopt renewable energy sources. One option, which has proved successful elsewhere, would be to install solar photovoltaic panels on rooftops in low-income areas.
Mozambique needs a community-driven approach to electrification
Mozambique has long standing energy challenges and widespread energy poverty. To change this, particularly for people living in rural areas, it needs to democratise the way it supplies energy.
Top contributors
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Senior Lecturer in Epidemiology, Durham University
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Professor of Physics, University of Johannesburg
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Director, Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto
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Associate Professor, Biological Sciences, University of Sydney
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Researcher at the Australian German Climate and Energy College, University of Melbourne
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Program Director, Energy, Grattan Institute
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Professor of Engineering, Australian National University
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Lynette Molyneaux is a Friend of The Conversation.
Researcher, Energy Economics and Management Group, Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland
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Director, Energy Change Institute, Australian National University
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Pep Canadell is a Friend of The Conversation.
CSIRO Scientist, and Executive Director of the Global Carbon Project, CSIRO
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Professor Emeritus and Former Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Melbourne
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Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Nanophotonics for Photovoltaics, Monash University
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Senior Researcher, Center for International Climate and Environment Research - Oslo
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Dean of Engineering, University of Melbourne
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PhD Candidate in Energy Storage, University of Melbourne
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