With the worlds supply of crude oil decreasing on a daily basis, the search to find an alternative fuel source

has increased in importance. Many industries are exploring the use of renewable resources as a viable means of energy, including wind, water, and sun. The Sun has provided the earth with the energy to sustain life for many millions of years. All plants use photosynthesis to convert solar power into energy to help them grow. The trick in harnessing the Suns massive supply of energy is to convert the solar energy into a practical form of power: Electricity. The sole purpose of the solar cell is to convert the incoming energy obtained from the sunlight into an electrical current. The light emitted by the sun arrives to Earth in tiny packets of energy referred to as photons. When these photons hit the solar cell, some of the energy changes form into an electrical current. Solar cells are manufactured with a special type of material called a semiconductor. A semi-conductor is a material like silicon, which is neither conductive like a metal nor insulating like a non-metal. In fact, if impurities are added to semi-conductors, the conductivity of the material can be controlled quite readily. If two pieces of semiconductor have different kinds of impurities (i.e. one that wants to give up electrons, and one that wants to accept electrons), then the interface between these two pieces will cause the electrons to flow to one side, creating an electric field. This is called a p-n junction. In unlighted conditions, the electrons are not very excited, and they do not want to expend energy to move around. When the lights are turned on, the incoming photons transfer their energy to the electrons. If these energetic electrons are created in the existing electric field in the p-n junction, then the electron is pushed away by the electric field and gathers on one side. Since it wants to return to a lower energy, but is opposed by the electric field, the only way it can return is to travel through an external path. If a resistor is placed in

this path, the electrons can flow and do work, hence allowing for the production of power from a solar cell. Now the energy from the sunlight has been successfully converted into a useable form of energy. To further enhance this alternative method of energy, a storage system to hold the converted power must be used so that when the Sun has set, there is still a source of energy. For solar cars and for many residential applications, this comes in the form of rechargeable batteries. MSCP Presentations The members of the MSCP are well-versed in the technological, environmental and educational aspects of the project. If you would be interested in arranging a presentation on these issues, please contact us at solarcar@mcmaster.ca or call 905.525.4190 ext. 27388. Topics include: - automotive design, - solar cell technology, - and composite materials (fiberglass, Kevlar, etc.).