!Energy independence !Environmentally friendly !“Fuel” is already delivered free everywhere !Minimal maintenance !Maximum reliability !Reduce vulnerability to power loss !Systems are easily expanded Solar energy has more even distribution across the United States than other forms of renewables such as wind or hydro. Where wind and hydro are availab. Thin wafers of silicon Similar to computer chips much bigger much cheaper! Silicon is abundant (sand) – Non-toxic, safe Light carries energy into cell Cells convert sunlight energy into electric current-they do not store energy Sunlight is the “fuel” The element Silicon is the second most abundant element on the earth's surface, next to Oxygen Sili. Light knocks loose electrons from silicon atoms Freed electrons have extra energy, or “voltage” h+ e- Internal electric field pushes electrons to front of cell Electric current flows on to other cells or to the load Cells never “run out” of electrons photon internal field e- P/Njunction This is intended to be a quick explanation of the basics of di. Cell: The basic photovoltaic device that is the building block for PV modules. All modules contain cells. Some cells are round or square, while thin film PV modules may have long narrow cells.Encapsulation: The method in which PV cells are protected from the environment, typically laminated between a glass superstrate and EVA substrate. Newer light weight flexible laminates use a polymer superstrate and a thin aluminum or stainless steel substrate. This is the most critical part of the module manufacturing process. It keeps out moisture.
