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PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER CYCLEJacob Rossi
The Solar Cell
Conversion of sunlight into electricity via the
Photovoltaic Effect
Photovoltaics in use today
Photovoltaics at
Solar JacketsSuniva (Prof. Ajeet Rohatgi) Solar Decathlon
What it’s made of:
Oops: The photovoltaic was accidentally discovered at Bell Labs
when impurities were added to Silicon semiconductors.
+
Impurities:
CopperGoldSilverAluminumIndiumSeleniumSulfur
In the most basic form, it’s really similar to normal semiconductor materials:
The Unfortunate RealityToday’s best photovoltaic cells have a power cycle efficiency of only
25-30%
But, tomorrow’s could approach the theoretical limit of
50-80%
Why?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.
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.
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