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Jacob Rossi. Photovoltaic Power Cycle. The Solar Cell. Conversion of sunlight into electricity via the Photovoltaic Effect. Photovoltaics in use today. Photovoltaics at . Suniva (Prof. Ajeet Rohatgi ). Solar Decathlon. Solar Jackets. What it’s made of:.
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Jacob Rossi Photovoltaic Power Cycle
The Solar Cell Conversion of sunlight into electricity via the Photovoltaic Effect
Photovoltaics at Suniva (Prof. AjeetRohatgi) Solar Decathlon Solar Jackets
What it’s made of: In the most basic form, it’s really similar to normal semiconductor materials: Impurities: Copper Gold Silver Aluminum Indium Selenium Sulfur + Oops: The photovoltaic was accidentally discovered at Bell Labs when impurities were added to Silicon semiconductors.
The Unfortunate Reality Today’s best photovoltaic cells have a power cycle efficiency of only 25-30% But, tomorrow’s could approach the theoretical limit of 50-80% Because of some quantum energy stuff, there exists a “thermodynamic efficiency limit.” Basically, lots of it gets converted into kinetic energy (heat). So don’t worry, it doesn’t break the 1st Law. Why?
But it’s all good Even with current technology, the U.S. could become completely independent from oil by building a solar power plant in the Southwest. Its size? 30,000 sq. mi.