Abstract: The present disclosure describes a hybrid photovoltaic (PV) panel that includes: a first photovoltaic (PV) layer comprising photovoltaic cells capable of converting energy from incident solar power into electricity; a second transparent layer arranged underneath the first PV layer such that a portion of the incident solar power passes through; and a third thermal collection layer arranged underneath the second transparent layer and comprising absorbing material capable of absorbing energy from the portion of the incident solar power that has passed through the second transparent layer, wherein the second transparent layer includes a thermally insulating material to provide a thermal barrier between the first PV layer and the third thermal collection layer such that when the PV panel is operated, the first PV layer operates at a temperature lower than a temperature of the thermal collection layer.

Abstract: An electrocatalytic catalyst is provided. The electrocatalytic catalyst includes a xerogel including copper (I) oxide and copper.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system including: at least one ceramic foam comprising a porous top surface, porous channels, and a porous bottom surface, wherein the at least one ceramic foam is over a surface of a solar panel such that when dust particles are poured onto the porous top surface of the at least one ceramic foam, the dust particles permeate through the porous channels of the at least one ceramic foam and then exit from the porous bottom surface of the at least one ceramic foam to form a layer of dust, with a pre-determined thickness, on the surface of the solar panel.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system including: at least one ceramic foam comprising a porous top surface, porous channels, and a porous bottom surface, wherein the at least one ceramic foam is over a surface of a solar panel such that when dust particles are poured onto the porous top surface of the at least one ceramic foam, the dust particles permeate through the porous channels of the at least one ceramic foam and then exit from the porous bottom surface of the at least one ceramic foam to form a layer of dust, with a pre-determined thickness, on the surface of the solar panel.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a hybrid photovoltaic (PV) panel that includes: a first photovoltaic (PV) layer comprising photovoltaic cells capable of converting energy from incident solar power into electricity; a second transparent layer arranged underneath the first PV layer such that a portion of the incident solar power passes through; and a third thermal collection layer arranged underneath the second transparent layer and comprising absorbing material capable of absorbing energy from the portion of the incident solar power that has passed through the second transparent layer, wherein the second transparent layer includes a thermally insulating material to provide a thermal barrier between the first PV layer and the third thermal collection layer such that when the PV panel is operated, the first PV layer operates at a temperature lower than a temperature of the thermal collection layer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a working electrode adapted for reduction of carbon dioxide comprises layering a gold film (Au) over a shrinkable polymer to create a layered structure, heating the layered structure to cause shrinking, for instance, at a temperature of about 130° C., and removing the shrinkable polymer layer. The heating creates a contracted, wrinkled Au film surface owing to a difference in thermal coefficient between the Au film and the underlaying polymer prior to removal of the polymer, and the wrinkled film contains c-shaped wrinkles containing confined spaces in which a local elevated pH level is attained.

Abstract: A system for generating electricity from solar energy comprises a first vertically-oriented bifacial photovoltaic module, a second vertically-oriented bifacial photovoltaic module positioned a horizontal distance form the first bifacial photovoltaic module, and a macro-textured structure positioned between the first and second bifacial photovoltaic modules. The macro-textured structure includes a plurality of protruding features having reflective surfaces, and the protruding features are operative to reflect light incoming within a range of 0 to 10 degree of vertical toward the first and second bifacial photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: A system for generating electricity from solar energy comprises a first vertically-oriented bifacial photovoltaic module, a second vertically-oriented bifacial photovoltaic module positioned a horizontal distance form the first bifacial photovoltaic module, and a macro-textured structure positioned between the first and second bifacial photovoltaic modules. The macro-textured structure includes a plurality of protruding features having reflective surfaces, and the protruding features are operative to reflect light incoming within a range of 0 to 10 degree of vertical toward the first and second bifacial photovoltaic modules.