PV Gap

Kristina Said:

How much energy can a calculator solar cell generate?

We Answered:

That is correct, you will get some that are slightly higher depending on the LCD display and function. The one on my desk is less than that. You have to remember that the working voltage for a micro chip is extremely low and has to be not to fry it. You will get more voltage and amperage with a larger solar cell, one that I have for a fountain on my deck is 6 vdc +- on a sunny day, I never checked the amperage, but the cell is 6"x4".

Andre Said:

Can you please explain how a solar cell converts optical energy to electrical energy?

We Answered:

Please read the excellent article on the subject here:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/solar-cell.…

Kay Said:

Solar cell energy production?

We Answered:

Owl homework problem?
Well here is what you do...
So at 100% you get 925 watts/ m^2
You first convert W/m^2 to W / cm^2 because the area of solar cell is in cm^2.
925 watts/m^2 x m^2/10,000 cm^2 = .0925 watts/cm^2

now in the question it says 1 W = 1 J/s
so .0925 W/Cm^2 = .0925 J/s per cm ^2
but this is at 100% still.

so at 25% efficiency= .0925 J/s x .25 = .023125 J/s
they want it in J/min so you convert J/s to J/min by multiplying by 60 seconds.
.023125 J/s x 60s/min = 1.3875 joules/min.

Rafael Said:

Where in Canada is there wind, solar, tidal and fuel cell energy being produced?

We Answered:

There are plenty of wind power thingies in southwestern Ontario, have a look. I think its called Epcor Wind Farm and Harrow Wind Farm

Ivan Said:

what is solar cell, and how they convert light into energy?

We Answered:

silicon

Simple explanation:
Photons in sunlight hit the solar panel and are absorbed by semiconducting materials, such as silicon.

Electrons (negatively charged) are knocked loose from their atoms, allowing them to flow through the material to produce electricity. Due to the special composition of solar cells, the electrons are only allowed to move in a single direction. The complementary positive charges that are also created (like bubbles) are called holes and flow in the direction opposite of the electrons in a silicon solar panel.

An array of solar panels converts solar energy into a usable amount of direct current (DC) electricity.

see the reference for a long explanation.