PHOTOVOLTAICS& SOLAR PANELS

Presented to you by:Chin Ming Fwu (2i3’03)Gaw Ban Siang (2i3’06)Kyle Foo (2i3’09)

AGENDA

What is photovoltaics? Video =D Scientific explanation Examples… So why it this a better choice? Statistics & Benefits

What are photovoltaic cells? How do they actually generate electricity?

INTRODUCTION

SOLAR ENERGY

“Green” source of energy Using the sun’s energy to convert into

electricity for our own usage.

PHOTOVOLTAICS? WHAT?

Converting light directly into electricity Done at the atomic level

Absorb photons of the light

Release electron

s

Electrons

Captured

The resulting electric current is then used as electricity.

THE SOLAR PANEL

Many photovoltaic cells are arranged together to form an array, or a “solar panel”.

Can be used to generate electricity.

THE SOLAR PANEL

THE SOLAR CELLS

N-type and P-type silicon come into contact. Free electrons in N-type silicon attracted to

the positive ions in the P-type silicon. At the junction between the free

electrons and the positive ions, an electric barrier is formed. Acts as a diode, allowing electrons to travel

from the P-type silicon to the N-type silicon but not N-type to P-type.

THE SOLAR CELLS

N-type

P-type

Electric Barrier

THE SOLAR CELLS

When photons hit the solar cell, electrons will be dislodged and sent from the N-type to the P-type silicon, causing a disruption of electrical neutrality.

If there is an external current path such as a wire, the electron will flow from the N-type to the P-type and as such a current is created.

THE SOLAR CELLS

N-type

P-type

Current

ElectronDislodged by

photon

Let us watch a short video to learn more!

VIDEO!! (:

THE VIDEO

CLICK HERE (:

How is solar energy utilised in our daily lives?

EXAMPLES OF USAGE

WORKSHEET ACTIVITY!

Can you think of some examples of the usage of solar energy in our society? ^^

CARS & VEHICLES

• Solar-Powered Cars

• Technology has allowed us to use solar energy to power up our cars.

• No need to rely on toxic petrol and natural gases.

• No carbon emissions, no global warming.

TOYS & PLAYTHINGS

• Solar-Powered Toys

• Solar Panels have also been installed in our toys.

• Able to move by itself once put under bright sunlight.

• Better as compared to the traditional toys

• Safe for environment.

BACKPACKS

• Voltaic Backpack

• Even our backs can absorb energy from the sun.

• Can be used to charge mobile phones and iPads when they are put into the backpack.

SCHOOLS AND BUILDINGS

• Solar-Powered School

• Schools & buildings usually need the most electricity.

• Lights, air conditioners and fans are turned on for almost the whole day.

Redding, CA Elementary School

… AND EVEN TRAFFIC LIGHTS.

• Solar-Powered Traffic Light

• Turned on the entire day (everyday) to coordinate traffic.

• Portland started using such lights, and: Before

(installation)After (installation)

Kilowatt hoursper year

6.1 million 1.2 million

Electric costper year

$420,000 $85,000

Energy savingsper year

$335,000

Yes. Even we are using solar energy to our advantage.

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION

HERE IN HCI

Hwa Chong has a long-lasting tradition Using lights to brighten up the clock tower

every night, throughout the night. However…

Conventional Electricity does not work out Pollutes the environment Costly

HERE IN HCI

Why should we bother to choose solar energy over conventional forms?

BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES

COST-WISE

Reduces utility bill by up to 70%. Money used to buy the system can be

recouped in only about 10 years. Do not require much maintenance. Can last up to 40 years

Warranty of about 25 years (on avg). Unlimited supply of solar energy

Hedge against price instability and fluctuation

COST-WISE

Cost of solar energy usage will reach grid parity by Year 2014 (Inglin, 2010) Cost if solar panel installation going down Cost of conventional electricity – steady

increase 2010 – $5 per watt peak

2014 – $3 per watt peak (equal to utility bills of conventional

electric use) Price has decreased sevenfold in only

20 years.

ENVIRONMENTALLY-WISE

Renewable, clean & abundant in Singapore

Production of solar energy ZERO carbon emissions ZERO pollution

Sun’s energy is (theoretically) unlimited Can be harnessed forever Unlike fossil fuels, which we are depleting

too fast

SPACE-WISE

Only a thin sheet of silicon and other photovoltaic materials.

Put on rooftops like a cover Not bulky at all.

Unlike the traditionally huge power stations to burn the fossil fuels.

(Only applies to small-scale domestic use)

DISADVANTAGE

The cost price – takes about $20,000 to get a photovoltaic cell system.

However… The price is decreasing steadily due to

rapid advancements in technology. Even now, it can be earned back within 10

years.

CONCLUSION

Solar Power helps us in many ways: Cost - Efficient Space – Saving Environmentally – Friendly

Use Solar energy! (:

Please, please, please visit!

OUR WEBSITE

LOOK HERE

Our Website (20112i3photovoltaics.wiki.hci.edu.sg)

Contains more in-depth information and examples of solar-energy usage Japan – Domestic Usage Googleplex