Energy self-sufficiency is at hand


CSA Z462 Arc Flash Training – Electrical Safety Compliance Course

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 6 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$249
Coupon Price:
$199
Reserve Your Seat Today

Solar water-splitting catalyst enables low-cost electrolyzers for home solar, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells, powering off-grid energy systems. Boosting output 200-fold, it advances personalized energy, distributed generation, and renewable power for homes and small businesses.

 

Top Insights

A catalyst that speeds solar water electrolysis, enabling hydrogen-oxygen production and onsite energy storage.

  • Boosts electrolyzer output up to 200x for water-splitting
  • Stores surplus solar as hydrogen and oxygen for later use
  • Feeds fuel cells at night to supply reliable electricity
  • Enables affordable, distributed, off-grid home energy

 

U.S. scientists say they've made a discovery that could bring the era of energy self-sufficient homes and small businesses one step closer.

 

Scientists at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society have reported the discovery of a powerful catalyst, a solar power advance, that would be a key element in inexpensive solar energy systems that could free homes and businesses from dependence on the electric company, a society release said.

"Our goal is to make each home its own power station," study leader Daniel Nocera said. "We're working toward development of 'personalized solar energy' units that can be manufactured, distributed and installed inexpensively.

"There certainly are major obstacles to be overcome — existing fuel cells and solar cells must be improved to raise sunlight-to-fuel efficiency, for instance. Nevertheless, one can envision villages in India and Africa not long from now purchasing an affordable basic system."

Such systems would use solar panels to generate electricity needed for heating, lighting and cooking during the day. Surplus energy created would be stored in an "electrolyzer" which breaks ordinary water down into hydrogen and oxygen, which would be stored in tanks.

At night, with no energy coming from solar panels, the system would feed the hydrogen and oxygen back into fuel cells that produce electricity.

The newly discovered catalyst can boost the output of the electrolyzer 200-fold, researchers say.

The catalyst has been licensed to a company, Sun Catalytix, known for an artificial leaf concept, which says it is working to develop safe, super-efficient versions of the electrolyzer, suitable for homes and small businesses, within two years.

 

Related News

Related News

Japan opens part of last town off-limits since nuclear leaks

Futaba Partial Reopening marks limited access to the Fukushima exclusion zone, highlighting radiation decontamination progress,…
View more

'That can keep you up at night': Lessons for Canada from Europe's power crisis

Canada Net-Zero Grid Lessons highlight Europe's energy transition risks: Germany's power prices, wind and solar…
View more

Net-Zero Emissions Might Not Be Possible Without Nuclear Power

Nuclear Power for Net-Zero Grids anchors reliable baseload, integrating renewables with grid stability as solar,…
View more

Russian Strikes Threaten Ukraine's Power Grid

Ukraine Power Grid Attacks intensify as missile and drone strikes hit substations and power plants,…
View more

27 giant parts from China to be transported to wind farm in Saskatchewan

Port of Vancouver Wind Turbine Blades arrive from China for a Saskatchewan wind farm, showcasing…
View more

The biggest problem facing the U.S. electric grid isn't demand. It's climate change

US power grid modernization addresses aging infrastructure, climate resilience, extreme weather, EV demand, and clean…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Download the 2026 Electrical Training Catalog

Explore 50+ live, expert-led electrical training courses –

  • Interactive
  • Flexible
  • CEU-cerified