Learning the science of solar energy and go green at the next Physics Cafe on Tuesday (April 5) at 2:30 p.m. in Horan-O’Donnell Room 015. Light refreshments will be served.
Larry Coleman, an engineering consultant in the Buffalo, NY area who works on the technology of solar panels made from silicon, will speak on how solar power is one of the cleanest forms of energy production. He will discuss the technological challenges and some solutions from physics, chemistry, and engineering.
Solar panels convert the sunlight directly into electricity with no waste products. Presently, solar panels are about 20% efficient. The challenge is to increase the efficiency while reducing the cost, making solar power a viable contender in the power industry.
Submitted by: Michael Wood, PhD, assistant professor, physics
