My paper can be accessed here:
pvc.doc
Standing alone, current photovoltaic technology is not economically viable, requiring substantial government subsidies and incentives to achieve worthwhile break-even time for the consumer.
I want to analyze how the viability of solar power can be improved by looking at the energy life cycle analysis of photovoltaic cells. What steps in the production of photovoltaic cells cost the most energy input. Which steps cost the most financially? This paper would investigate which of these processes have the greatest potential for streamlining in order to make solar energy more viable on all scales. Also, what equipment and/or infrastructure additions can act as a compliment to PV cells and increase their attractiveness? I will discuss current PV research as well as possible future areas of improvement.
Possible sources:
General reference information about the physics of photovoltaics http://www.eere.energy.gov/solar/pv_basics.html
A brief look at theoretical photovoltaic efficiency limits by the Centre for Photovoltaic Engineering http://www.pv.unsw.edu.au/documents/Annual%20Report%202002/EffLimit.pdf
Two articles from “The Mother Earth News” about notable U.S. state subsidies for small-scale renewable systems. Facts about each state’s subsidy program. http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com/hww/jumpstart.jhtml?recid=0bc05f7a67b1790eb0fa5fcc5e0d0664240152abb1beefbcdb99c182c671992f0ee57b338522bfb5&fmt=P
Viability of PV implementation in rural Bangladesh, India and potential for helping low-income farmers. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6V2W-48PDB4T-5-1&_cdi=5713&_user=945391&_orig=browse&_coverDate=07%2F31%2F2004&_sk=999679989&view=c&wchp=dGLbVtz-zSkzV&md5=8377ab0ca0284ce8a0de619d3eede116&ie=/sdarticle.pdf
Technical article in “Solar Energy” on coupling electrical and thermal solar power in residential PV systems. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6V50-4FN5JR9-4-1&_cdi=5772&_user=945391&_orig=browse&_coverDate=03%2F22%2F2005&_sk=999999999&view=c&wchp=dGLbVtb-zSkzV&md5=8865269fbf46d549ee4d6a4aef67c81f&ie=/sdarticle.pdf
Technical article in “Solar Energy” on optimizing large rooftop PV installations. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6V50-4DCD5R7-8-1&_cdi=5772&_user=945391&_orig=search&_coverDate=03%2F01%2F2005&_sk=999219996&view=c&wchp=dGLbVtz-zSkzV&md5=6679e6b03d851dbf2483fb8df3c18e2e&ie=/sdarticle.pdf
Overview of current photovoltaic research and recent developments http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy02osti/30729.pdf
Posted at Mar 31/2005 09:22 PM:
Peter Saeta: As current outlined, your paper is almost purely an assessment of technical feasibility. Be sure to include a broad array of economic considerations, including the cost of various externalities both with solar PV and conventional energy production technologies.
Posted at Apr 15/2005 07:27 AM:
Peter Saeta: Looks like you've made some progress tracking down sources. I have a book, The Physics of Solar Cells, by Jenny Nelson (Imperial College Press, 2003) that you're welcome to borrow. It doesn't address economic considerations, as far as I can tell, but does have a chapter on strategies for increasing efficiency, as well as an item on reducing substrate costs for GaAs cells. I'll bring it in, in case you would like to have a look.
