PV Gap

Leon Said:

what is an element that is for use in making photovoltaic cells that are constructed w semi-conductors?

We Answered:

silicon and cyanide and arsenic

Karl Said:

I am trying to understand photovoltaic cells... is there a kit or assembly available that would?

We Answered:

here is a kit
this looks pretty cool and seems to come with everything you would need

http://www.hometrainingtools.com/product…

http://www.siliconsolar.com/build-your-o…

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_71640235/MA…

if none of these are what you were looking for i would recommend sending these folks a request
http://www.solarhome.org/customerservice…

good luck ;)

http://www.newenergyshop.com/htm.Solar.P… check out the last kit assembly

Julio Said:

what is The use of improved photovoltaic cells?

We Answered:

1. Get electrical energy from sunlight
2. Get more electrical energy from sunlight per unit area than "unimproved"
3. Get more electrical energy from sunlight per unit cost than "unimproved"
4. Get more electrical energy from non-sunlight light sources than "unimproved"
5. Last longer than "unimproved"

Louise Said:

what are the advantages and disadvantages of photovoltaic cells?

We Answered:

Advantages:
Non polluting free energy source (after initial expense)
Can be used in remote locations off the grid
Have long life expectancies (25 year warranties on meny brands)
Can be used while on the grid with a line-tie inverter
Meny state and federal tax rebate offers
Can be used in conjunction with wind generators

Disadvantages:
High initial cost
Need for batteries to store power for night and cloudy days

Tommy Said:

what is the new photovoltaic cells?

We Answered:

Sounds like you're thinking of Solyndra CIGS (that's Copper-Indium-Gallium-(di)Selenide).

http://www.solyndra.com/


I'm not sure they're much better. To cover an area you actually use more solar cell material, and this is where all the cost comes in. I don't think it's that sensible.

Whether it's worth it depends on the relative cost/benefit of a tracking system for a normal module.

Maurice Said:

what are the use of improved photovoltaic cells?

We Answered:

There are several places I have seen reference to using the highest quality photovoltaic cells. These include:

Solar racers that might participate in the world Solar challenge, the American solar challenge or the English Brighton to... race.

Concentrated solar may focus many suns on the highest quality solar cells.

Combined heat and power arrays may make use of the better quality solar cells.

These last two make the greater expense of high quality worth the expense by increasing overall efficiency of the unit.