2. What are photovoltaics Photovoltaics represent a technology that is capable of transforming light, i.e. solar energy, into electrical energy.

3. How are photovoltaics used Photovoltaic panels look just like the solar grids we have in our part of the world mainly on roof tops (Solar Water Heating). Whereas in SWH there are pipes, in photovoltaics there are photocells (photdiodes) that are connected to each other forming a solar module.

4. How are photovoltaics used The electricity generated can be immediately used, or alternatively it can be stored in batteries, or even enter a transport network. Upon introduction into the transport network, the DC current produced by the photovoltaics, is converted to AC current, i.e. 230V or 50Hz.

5. How are photvoltaics used While in Eastern Europe solar power is still mainly used for water heating, there has been an unprecedented development of photovoltaic parks in other parts of the world. In Germany weather conditions are rather unfavorable to the development of solar systems. However in 2006 1,153 megawatts were installed (in other words more electricity than Cyprus needs) raising the total installed power to 3,053 megawatts (3 gigawatts) Given these numbers, Germany was the leading country in 2006 where electricity production by photovoltaics is concerned. Japan was second with 1,508 megawatts and U.S.A. was third with 615 megawatts.

6. References The information for this presentation was based on an article from the greek newspaper “Sunday Eleftherotypia” (The Science Blog)

7. Lefkara Gymnasium Teacher: Maria Tingiridou Student: Ioanna Alexandrou Class : Γ΄1 School year: 2007-2008