Imagine a T-shirt that runs you iPod, a pair of jeans that recharges your cell phone, and a beach umbrella that runs a TV. Sound far-fetched?

Okay, I will agree with you that it does.

Nevertheless, research into photovoltaics and solar energy has reached a point where these are definite possibilities.

What Are Organic Photovoltaics?

Organic Photovoltaics, or OPV for short, are new types of semiconductors which are based on organic materials.

Though they are still in the research phase, OPVs can be made as thin flexible sheets, and as such they can be incorporated into cloth or paper.

Whenever the sun is out, your home’s roof is exposed to home solar power. Why not harness that energy, reduce your electric bill and limit the amount of carbon dioxide you add to the atmosphere each day? Depending on where you live, your roof’s orientation, and the load your roof can bear, mounting photovoltaic cells (PVs) on your roof could be a valuable investment in increasing your household’s energy independence.

* What are PVs and how do they work?

A solar tower is a device that converts solar energy (heat from the sun) into electricity. Solar towers are suitable for large-scale power generation.

The Basic Component Parts of a Solar Tower Energy Plant

* Solar Tower – The solar tower is simply a large structure with a boiler (a tank used to heat liquids) at the top. The boiler collects the heat from the sun. It is also referred to as the “central tower” or “power tower”.

Thin Film Solar Panels are made up of a lightweight and flexible material which can be rolled up and easily transported. Thus, they are very useful as a source of portable solar power.

The following are some basic facts about Thin Film Solar Panels:

Any person who has ever used a solar-powered calculator has had “hands on” experience with Thin Film Photovoltaics. This technology has been with us for years, creating the solar cell strips which are used to power calculators

Thin film technology has now evolved to a point where we can mass-produce solar panels, through the use of machines not unlike printing presses.

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Earth receives about 174 petawatts of solar radiation (known as insolation, which is defined as the rate of solar radiation received per unit area) at the upper atmosphere at any given time. When it meets the atmosphere, approximately 6 percent of the insolation is reflected and approximately 16 percent is absorbed. Average atmospheric conditions further reduce insolation traveling through the atmosphere by about 20 percent due to reflection and another 3 percent via absorption. These atmospheric conditions not only reduce the quantity of energy reaching the earth’s surface, but also diffuse approximately 20 percent of the incoming light and filter portions of its spectrum. After passing through the atmosphere, approximately half the insolation is visible light with the other half mostly in the form of heat.

Solar energy is energy derived directly from the Sun. This energy drives the climate and weather and supports virtually all life on Earth. Heat and light from the sun, along with solar-based resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for most of the available flow of renewable energy.

Solar energy technologies harness the sun’s energy. These technologies date from the time of the early Greeks, Native Americans and Chinese, who warmed their buildings by orienting them toward the sun. Modern solar technologies provide heating, lighting, electricity and even flight.