Photovoltaic Cells By: Charity Henderson & Laura Metzler

What are Photovoltaics? Sunlight = Energy  Absorb solar energy from the sun  Transforms the energy into electricity

What Are Photovoltaics Continued (Rochester Solar)  Flat Silicon Containing Panels  Three Types Poly-Crystalline Micro-crystalline Thin film Panel Multiple silicon crystals Single large silicon crystal several microns thick used for shingles  Can be Mounted on Roof, Pole, Or Ground

Why Use Photovoltaics? (Rochester Solar)  Renewable Energy  Uses only the sun’s energy  2kW system prevents 3,843 lbs of CO 2 pollution by in one year

Why Continued…  An average 2 kW system can reduce electricity consumption in an average house by 30%( Nyserda)  In Energy Star homes it can be as much as 50%( Lessord)  Use of a 2 kW system can reduce energy costs by $32 a month (Nyserda)  New York State offers tax credits and incentives that can reduce cost by 50%

How do Photovoltaics Work?  Consists of 2 sheets of differently coated silicon  Creates an electrical field in the junction between the sheets  Upper sheet absorbs photons of light, releasing electrons from the silicon (New Zealand PV)

How Continued…  Through contact with the electrical field in the junction, the electrons reach the bottom layer of silicon and return to the top layer  The action creates electric current, which is conducted by the metallic contact finger (U of R)

How Continued…  Because the current produced is direct current (DC), and most homes and businesses run on alternation current (AC), a typical PV system also includes a device called an inverter to change the power to a useable form.( New Zealand PV)  Batteries also used to store power not immediately being used.  PV energy can be sold back to a utility company, causing the meter to “run backwards”

Where is PV used?  Germany  137% annual growth rate  Japan  22% annual growth rate (maintained)  United States  25% annual growth rate (IEA PV) Three Largest Markets (94% of growth) Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Israel, Italy, Republic of Korea, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom  Also Used in: Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Israel, Italy, Republic of Korea, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Who is using PV power?  Homes  Businesses  Colleges  Rochester Solar Technologies  HSBC Bank  Westchester Community College  SUNY Brockport??

Conclusion  Photovoltaic Solar Cell technology is a viable source of renewable energy.  It has already been implemented in homes and businesses of many countries.  The market for PV is growing annually because they are a practical energy alternative.  This is a technology that every homeowner can look into; information is abundant and local.

Works Cited  IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Program. Trends in Photovoltaic Applications. Available at:  University of Rochester. What Are Photovoltaics?. Available at:  University of Rochester. What Are Photovoltaics?. Available at:   Lessord, Kara, of Rochester Solar Technologies. (Spoken material)  New Zealand Photovoltaics. Frequently Asked Questions About Photovoltaics. Available at:   Rochester Solar Technologies. Solar Education. Available at :  Solar Electric Energy Pamphlet. NYSERDA.