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.

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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.