Photovoltaic solar cells Directly convert sunlight into electricity, are made of semi conducting materials. Calculators Types: Crystalline Silicon- most popular Thin film - Thin film photovoltaic cells use layers of semiconductor materials only a few micrometers thick, attached to an inexpensive backing such as glass, flexible plastic, or stainless steel. Cost less than the Crystalline Silicon Group III-V Technologies - based on Group III and V elements in the Periodic Table, show very high conversion …showed first 75 words of 285 total…

…showed last 75 words of 285 total…to generate power. Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems Ones that are out in rural places and you need power. May be dragging cables would cost more than getting solar cells Issues: Cost Issues Photovoltaics are expensive to make because of the high cost of semiconducting materials. Incentives Programs Tax credits Low interest loans Grants Special utility rates Technical assistance to encourage installation These vary from region to region http://www.eren.doe.gov/RE/solar_photovoltaics.html