[jsanders2001]

One step closer to proving the existence of our Creator at a time.

[Alex Murphy]

Scientists at MIT and Harvard University have devised a way to store solar energy in molecules that can then be tapped to heat homes, water or used for cooking. The best part: The molecules can store the heat forever and be endlessly re-used while emitting absolutely no greenhouse gases.

[Organic Panic]

If this works as claimed, environmentalists will still be against it. Especially producers of bird killing windmills and solar panels.

[samtheman]

I do believe that solar energy will be the main source of energy for our civilization... eventually.

In the meantime (the next 2-5 decades) it’s good to have plentiful oil and natural gas to bridge the gap.

Too bad we can’t also rely on nuclear power to bridge the gap, but the anti-nuke nannies killed that for us. Anyway, good that we have North Dakota and other energy-rich regions in this country.

[Telepathic Intruder]

Nature already stores solar energy in molecules called hydrocarbons. And they release no more greenhouse gasses than was used to create them.

[Moonman62]

Scientists remain a way's off in building this perpetual heat machine but they have succeeded in the laboratory at demonstrating the viability of the phenomenon called photoswitching.

If this had any economic viability they'd be keeping their mouths shut at this point in development.

[Mariner]

Silly rabbit!

Molecules already store solar energy indefinitely.

It's called gas, oil and coal.

[Svartalfiar]

Scientists remain a way's off in building this perpetual heat machine

That's not a perpetual heat machine. It needs to be replenished with light (sun). But otherwise, sounds like an interesting bit of research.

[mfish13]

Azobenzenes are building blocks for a host of chemicals such as pigments, and are already produced in large quantities. So I hope this works.

[IronJack]

I wonder if they’re talking about the photo-isomerization of azobenzene from cis- to trans- and vice versa. I remember learning about that in Organic Chem 40 years ago. I can’t see the phenomenon as much of a storage for photo energy, but maybe that’s where the density issue comes in.

[IronJack]

I wonder if they’re talking about the photo-isomerization of azobenzene from cis- to trans- and vice versa. I remember learning about that in Organic Chem 40 years ago. I can’t see the phenomenon as much of a storage for photo energy, but maybe that’s where the density issue comes in.