[SIERA] April 3

[Dick Young]

You probably remember the test question; answer being "crystalline silicon" or, at least, something like that.  That's your grandfathers solar panel.

Solar technology has evolved quickly in recent times.  First Solar (the countries biggest supplier)developed a high efficiency thin-film PV process, utilizing cadmium telluride (CdTe).  Higher production, lower cost and greater efficiency.  

The next generation appears to be Cigs, with a considerably higher conversion factor than thin-film (20.2% vs 16.5%).  The Cigs process involves spreading the four elements onto a film half the thickness of a human hair.  A complicated manufacturing process but, apparently, solvable.  Reduces cost.  Reduces weight.

Learning more about the PV business is an interesting subject, above and beyond how it enhances our communications capabilities.  For instance, how about doing away with your electric bill?

Plan your time around a Solar Energy presentation by Mike Noble, our local high knowledge guy.

The April 3 SIERA meeting.  United Methodist Church on Centerville Lane, in Gardnerville.

Saturday, 1 PM.

visit us at   .cvhams.com


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