Harvesting the Sun: Renewable Power Generation from Photovoltaic Solar Cells

摘要

In recent years, global energy demand has been steadily increasing, fueled in part by tight supplies and the rapid growth of China, India, and other emerging economies. Energy prices have soared, with the price of oil skyrocketing to around $60 per barrel, some three times more expensive than a barrel cost in early 2002. This trend, as well as the need for environmentally friendly and reliable energy sources, has promoted a strong interest in wind, solar, biomass, and other emerging renewable sources.