solar energy

Jenni Mangala wearing a grey NC State t-shirt stands in front of a Rwandan secondary school.

Aug 18, 2023

Student project aims to install solar panels at a primary school in Rwanda

From more than 7,000 miles away, NC State University student Jenni Mangala, a rising senior majoring in electrical engineering, is coordinating the installation of solar panels at a primary school on an island in Rwanda.

illustration lays out the design of the RoboMapper device and how each component works (see article below for details)

Jul 26, 2023

New robot boosts solar energy research

The robot conducts experiments more efficiently and sustainably to develop a range of new semiconductor materials.

An artist's drawing of a microscopic view of a rectangular section of a solar cell (light brown) and two circular closeups of oxygen molecules (pink) and ions (blue) in channels (grey) on the upper left and upper right of the rectangle.

Feb 28, 2023

Corralling ions improves viability of next generation solar cells

The finding paves the way for a new generation of lighter, more flexible, and more efficient solar cell technologies suitable for practical use.

Overhead view of the SolarPack car crossing the finish line.

Dec 6, 2022

Here comes the solar-powered car

Since 2016, SolarPack has pushed the boundaries of what is possible for a sustainably powered car. Thanks to those years of work and innovative thinking, the team put together a record-breaking car for this year’s Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP).

From left, Nathan Woodward, Aram Amassian and Tonhui Wang examine a microscope slide. The three wear white lab coats, and Wang, who is holding the slide, wears black gloves.

Nov 7, 2022

Integrating robotics, materials science to capture solar energy

In developing more effective solar panels cells, NC State researchers are establishing more inclusive, accessible ways to do science.

gloved hands hold up solar cell panels of different sizes

Jan 26, 2022

New technique boosts efficiency, sustainability of large-scale perovskite solar cells

The technique will reduce the cost and improve the performance of mass-produced perovskite solar cells.

Oct 13, 2011

Grand Challenge Scholars Program helps NC State students engineer solutions

Kyle Cutler has always been interested in medical technology’s potential to improve human life. Making medical treatment more effective, he believes, will be an important challenge facing the engineers of tomorrow.