Learning about photovoltaic cells in-depth opened the door of possibilies to me. These photovoltaic cells that can harvest the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity without any form of pollution are fantastic. Other forms of renewable energy, such as nuclear energy carry their own hazards along with them. However, harvesting the sun’s energy carries no hazards, and the Sun is constant in showing up every day. The only problem is the lack of solar energy during the night. However, as we went around the lab visits, one of the professors explained to us that it might be possible to store energy into photovoltaic cells to harvest them later at night. Furthermore, what amazed me was the progress we’ve had in solar energy. Since I hadn’t heard much of photovoltaics in a couple of years, I had completely forgotten about this method of renewable energy. However, today’s labs visit opened up my mind once again to solar energy as one of the best sources of renewable energy. The wind is unreliable, nuclear power is hazardous, and geothermal power is extremely expensive. This is why investment into solar energy is crucial. Furthermore, the tiny photovoltaic cells that the professor and his colleagues were inventing was a big surprise to me. If the concept of the tiny photovoltaic cells worked, then cities would be able to be lit up without the emission of greenhouse gases. This will definetely revolutionize not only how we harvest our energy, but it’ll revolutionize the economy and perhaps even cultures.
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2002/solarcells.htm
http://www.nrel.gov/
http://www.howstuffworks.com/solar-cell.htm
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/renewable/solar.html
http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/technology/solar-power/photo-voltaics/
