by: Eric Bridges Vytautas Smetona Photovoltaic Cells by: Eric Bridges Vytautas Smetona

Main Goal? To convert solar energy into electrical energy Reduce dependence on nonrenewable resources as fuels To reduce pollution

How Can it Make a Difference? Solar energy will reduce the dependence on fossil fuels There will be less waste and greenhouse gasses produced and released into the atmosphere It will reduce air pollutants by 90 percent

How Does it Work? Photovoltaic cells are made of special materials called semiconductors such as silicon When light strikes the silicon, a certain amount of the light is absorbed The energy from the light is transferred to the semiconductor, which knocks the electrons loose allowing them to flow freely

How Does it Work? These PV cells have electric fields which makes the electrons flow in a certain direction This flow of electrons is a current. By placing metal contacts to the top and bottom of the PV cells, we can harness the energy and use it externally

Different Solar Cells

How Solar Cells Are Used

Technological Obstacles Requires a large amount of silicon to produce If there is a shortage of silicon the prices will rise rapidly Solar cells require a flat surface to be placed on like roofs or places where it can disturb wildlife

Political Obstacles Solar cells cost a large amount of money to produce Since most research is done by private companies, giant corporations buy out the companies in order to keep the technology out of major production

Negative Environmental Impacts The manufacture of solar cells requires the use of toxic chemicals such as: lead, mercury, and cadmium One of the by products of producing solar cells is carbon dioxide

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