PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLSBrendan Bossidy

SOLAR CELLS

Converts light directly to electricity Made of monocrystalline silicon Solar energy panel will produce 3,285

kWh in a year

PHOTOVOLTAIC EFFECT

Creation of electric current in a material on exposure to light (silicon)

Electrons are transferred between different bands within the material, resulting in the buildup of voltage between two electrodes

PHOTOVOLTAIC EFFECT

USAGE

Off-Grid Energy

Large Scale Energy Production

ADVANTAGES

Sunshine is only fuel, renewable and local resource

No waste product, no emissions Quiet and unobtrusive systems Can utilize empty space on roofs Low maintenance Can be constructed to fit any needs Low environmental impact, chemical

easily controlled

DISADVANTAGES

Toxic chemicals such as cadmium and arsenic used in process, minor usage and impact

High cost to manufacture a PV device Variable energy source, dependent on

the sun Requires batteries to store energy,

batteries must be changed periodically over years

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Very little No emissions or waste product Harmful chemical used in small

amounts, easily controlled through recycling

USAGE

Produced and used in year round sunny countries such as California, United States sun belt, and the Mid West

Used in developed countries around the globe that intake a lot of yearly sunlight (Japan, China, Germany)

Little market in developing countries, very expensive now but hope for future

USAGE

REPLACE CONVENTIONAL ENERGY

Can replace coal burning or nuclear power plants when used to create off-grid or large scale energy

PERFORMANCE

In US, $2.43/watt , well below nuclear power

Large scale is $1.00/watt Low maintenance once constructed Last for several years without battery

change, panels last for longer $5,500 to $22,500 for 0.5kW - 3kW

residential PV systems initial cost