Photovoltaics & Solar Panels
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Transcript of Photovoltaics & Solar Panels
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 levelAbsorb 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
CurrentElectron
Dislodged 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