ECN receives IEC certification for Metal Wrap through solar panels
ECN, the Energy research Centre of the Netherlands, announces that it has achieved the IEC 61215 industry standard certification for their Metal Wrap Through (MWT) module technology, in collaboration with and on behalf of an undisclosed solar PV company. The certification is the first milestone of a collaborative research framework agreement. This certificate allows sales of PV modules based on ECN's module technology to commercial projects. (Source : ECN)

Self-cleaning technology from Mars can keep solar panels dust free
Find dusting those tables and dressers a chore or a bore? Dread washing the windows? Imagine keeping dust and grime off objects spread out over an area of 25 to 50 football fields. That's the problem facing companies that deploy large-scale solar power installations, and scientists have now presented the development of one solution - self-dusting solar panels - based on technology developed for space missions to Mars. (Source : Science Daily)

Graphene: Solar cells of the future?
A southern California University team has come up with what could be the alternative new breed of economical and flexible solar cells. For some decades now, organic photovoltaic cells (OPV) have been acclaimed as the new solar cell prototypes and extolled for their light weight, flexible substrates, low cost and easy manufacturability. Research is now being done on them.  (Source : Alternative Energy)

SolOptics solar film increases panel output 10%
A simple, cheaply produced thin plastic film placed on top of solar panels that could boost their power by 10% has just passed extensive testing by the NREL. The light-bending film was developed by researchers focused on innovative applied optics and light ray management at Genie Lens Technologies in Colorado, and the company would license the production of its FUSION film through a subsidiary, SolOptics. (Source : Susan Kraemer, Clean Technica)

Solar and the Smart Grid
Perhaps as you've done your research into going solar, you've heard mention of the so-called "Smart Grid" and the challenges and opportunities it presents. Such a broad term can be confusing, however (and perhaps even bring to mind visions of a Terminator-esque future). So we'll give you the low down on the Smart Grid, and how an investment in a solar powered home will make you a part of the next generation of electricity users. (Source : Solar Feeds)