Energy from the sun, stored in a liquid - and released on demand

Apr 13, 2017

An active region on the sun emitting a mid-level solar flare, peaking at 04:47EST (09:47GMT) is seen in an image was captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) November 5, 2014. This is the second mid-level flare from the same active region, labeled AR 12205, which rotated over the left limb of the sun on November 3. REUTERS/NASA/SDO/Handout via Reuters (OUTER SPACE - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY) THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - RTR4D4QA

The cost of installing solar panels has fallen dramatically but storing the energy has been problematic. Image: REUTERS/NASA/SDO/Handout

Catarina Walsh

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Image: Energy and Environmental Science

A view of solar panels, set up on what will be the biggest integrated solar panel roof of the world, in a farm in Weinbourg, Eastern France February 12, 2009. Bright winter sun dissolves a blanket of snow on barn roofs to reveal a bold new sideline for farmer Jean-Luc Westphal: besides producing eggs and grains, he is to generate solar power for thousands of homes. Picture taken February 12. To match feature FRANCE-FARMER/SOLAR REUTERS/Vincent Kessler (FRANCE) - RTXC0A6

Image: REUTERS/Vincent Kessler

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