Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

African Photovoltaic Project

Researched byLaura E. Bologna, B.A.

St. Anselm College

What does Photovoltaic Mean?

“Photo” means light.“Voltaic” refers to producing

electricity.

Why is this important?Photovoltaic is:

less costly than relying on other methods, like fossil fuels,

much safer for the environment,

a sustainable resource,

a cleaner, natural power source, and

far more reliable.

How does it work?

Solar panels absorb energy from the sun to produce electricity.

Click on the link below:

http://science.howstuffworks.com/solar-cell.htm/

Comprehensive Overview of

Photovoltaic Technologyhttp://www.itdg.org/docs/

technical_information_service/solar_pv_energy.pdf/

Who Benefits from Photovoltaic Technology?

People in areas without renewable resources, like Africa.

People who live in sunny climates, like Texas or Florida.

What’s this really all about?

Capturing sunlight for energy without endangering the environment.

How long has this technology been helping people?

PV technology has been helping humanity for quite a while:

http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blsolar2.htm/ http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/history/timelines/photovoltaics.html

Why is Photovoltaic Technology a Better

Method?

Photovoltaic energy is affordable, renewable,

highly reliable, and improves quality of life.

How does photovoltaic energy benefit us ?

This electricity can be used to power a light

bulb…a street light or a road sign.

What are the basic components?

The panels themselvesBattery storageOther assemblies that regulate storage & release of electric current

Why choose Solar Energy?

http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId=shellsolar&FC2=/shellsolar/html/iwgen/leftnavs/zzz

_lhn3_0_0.html&FC3=/shellsolar/html/iwgen/why_choose/whychoose_0617.html

Converting Sunlight into Electricity

These energy devices absorb photons of light and release electrons. When these electrons are captured, an electric current results that can be used as electricity.

Can I see this Technology in action?

Click on the following for demonstrations:http://www.eere.energy.gov/solar/multimedia.html/

http://www.eere.energy.gov/kids/solar.html

Will this Technologyhelp to save our planet?

Absolutely!

You can even put one on your own roof!

http://www.oja-services.nl/iea-pvps/ar04/gbr.htm

What is the Potential of

Solar Electric Energy?Could potentially supply 10– 20% of the world energy demand by the year 2050.

Can this present system work realistically?

The energy output from each individual cell can sometimes be small, therefore many cells may be used to produce enough electric current.

What is the overall

efficiency rate of each cell?

The overall efficiency of each cell is fairly low (approximately 20% of the sunlight striking the cell will be converted into energy), but scientists are making breakthroughs in PV technology, inventing some cells with a 40% efficiency rate.

How else are Solar Cells Used ?

Solar cells have been used: in space exploration operations, space vehicles, artificial satellites,

everyday tools : wrist watches, pocket calculators, lighting for our homes,

powering appliances and communications equipment.

Other Uses for Photovoltaic Cells

Aside from generating electricity safely and economically, PV systems are used mostly for water pumping, lighting highways, weather stations, and other electrical systems located far from power lines

Water and Photovoltaic Energy

http://www.harvestcleanenergy.org/remotesolar/sub_solar_stockwatering.htm

Photovoltaic Energy in Action in the US

http://www.eere.energy.gov/tribalenergy/title26/

pueblo_zuni_summary.html

Applications to Water Pump Stations:

http://www.geocities.com/electricaltechnology/papers/

pvpump03.PDF

In Conclusion As a consumer society, we have become

so accustomed to amenities, like electricity or water without taking into account cost, or declining abundance.

Photovoltaic Energy is an extremely important way of producing energy from the Sun. It’s extremely affordable, thus aiding countries without a lot of money. Because it’s powered from the sun, this method of harnessing energy will be constant.