Directly coupling DC power sources with DC loads can result in a significantly cheaper and more sustainable solar system.
From the sixteenth to the twentieth century, urban farmers grew Mediterranean fruits and vegetables as far north as England and the Netherlands, using only renewable energy.
Contrary to its fully glazed counterpart, a passive solar greenhouse is designed to retain as much warmth as possible.
Energy storage is often ignored when scientists investigate the sustainability of PV systems.
Almost all solar PV panels are now produced in China, where the electric grid is about twice as carbon-intensive and about 50% less energy efficient than in Europe.
Modern research, which combines ancient knowledge with fast computing techniques, shows that passive solar cities are a realistic option, allowing for surprisingly high population densities.
To power industrial processes like the making of chemicals, the smelting of metals or the production of microchips, we need a renewable source of thermal energy.
Increasing the share of renewable energy will not make us any less dependent on fossil fuels as long as total energy consumption keeps rising.
Researchers are overly optimistic when they present the sustainability advantages of solar PV panels.