Photovoltaic By: Matheiu Alexandre Aaron Burrell Sam Didinsky Michael Mauri

Photovoltaics

DESCRIBE HOW THE INITIAL FORM OF ENERGY EXISTS IN NATURE. HOW IS IT FORMED? HOW ABUNDANT IS IT? Photovoltaics is the direct conversion of light into electricity at the atomic level. Some materials exhibit a property known as the photoelectric effect that causes them to absorb light and release electrons. When these free electrons are captured, an electric current results that can be used as electricity.

How is the energy converted into a form used by humans? Each cell consists of layers of semiconductor materials with different electronic properties. In a typical cell one of the layers of silicon is “doped” with a small quantity of boron to give it a positive (or p-type) character. Another layer at the front of the cell is doped with phosphorus to give it a negative (or n-type) character. The interface between these two layers contains an electric field and is called a junction.

These are some examples of photovoltaic technology to convert the energy into a usable form.

The benefit of using this technology and the impact humans have on the environment. The Photovoltaic systems( solar energy) are used to power everything that runs on electricity in a house and where it is needed. The Photovoltaic system which is powered by the sun and the solar modules take the suns energy and save it for when the energy is needed. The stored energy can be used for powering lights, TV's, etc.