Photovoltaic Cells for Electric Power Generation
PI: Charles Fortmann, SB
Photovoltaic cells are expensive and their life time is too short to justify their usage except in unusual circumstances, such as where the cost of electrical service to a remote location is high, or the power requirement for a specific application is low.
This project is based on a lower cost alternative to photovoltaic power, using amorphous silicon, in place of the pure crystalline silicon used in most photonic cells. The study led to some improved designs and patents, but more work in needed to achieve widespread and practical photovoltaic power generation. (NYS)