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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Different Solar Cells

7. How Solar Cells Are Used

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Sources http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225090826.htm