Shedding Light on Solar Panel Shade

Researcher examining solar panel shading effects in a greenhouse setting.

A new study from the UC Davis Wild Energy Center examines how solar installations influence microclimates and plant growth on former agricultural land. Researchers spent a year collecting data at the UC Davis “Solar Farm,” a 16-megawatt ground-mounted solar power plant owned by university and located immediately south of campus.

Storing Carbon in Buildings Could Help Address Climate Change

Building with carbon storage capabilities for climate impact.

Research conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the Center for Energy and Environment, and the UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center delves into the benefits of aerosol envelope sealing techniques for existing residential buildings.

A Clean Energy Boost for Multitasking Lands

Solar panels installed over wildflowers and native plants.

Research conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the Center for Energy and Environment, and the UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center delves into the benefits of aerosol envelope sealing techniques for existing residential buildings.

Video Series Aims at Improving Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality testing with HVAC systems on rooftops.

A new video series developed by experts at the UC Davis College of Engineering and California Department of Public Health aims to help building and facility managers better understand how to manage indoor air quality.

Pathways to Decarbonize Society’s Most Popular Material

Concrete wall being smoothed with a trowel for energy-efficient building insulation.

Sabbie Miller, Director of the UC Davis Materials Decarbonization and Sustainability Center, recently contributed an article in NAE Perspectives addressing the critical need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from concrete, a widely used but emission-intensive material.

Study Reveals Simple, Effective Strategies to Combat Refrigerant Loss

Refrigerant leak detection and repair in HVAC systems for energy efficiency.

Research conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the Center for Energy and Environment, and the UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center delves into the benefits of aerosol envelope sealing techniques for existing residential buildings.