Photovoltaics Event 2009 Green Photovoltaics

The sun is one of the prerequisites of life on Earth, providing light and maintaining the essential energy cycles. As an indispensible source of energy, sunlight can be used in electricity production as well. Solar cells or photovoltaics (PVs) are semiconductor devices that convert sunlight into electricity. Most photovoltaic cells available today are made from silicon. As the research on solar cells has progressed, several alternative cell solutions have been discovered such as organic PVs. Competition among the major manufacturers has become increasingly intense, with new players entering the market as the potential for PV opens up. The worldwide solar industry, particularly in Europe, the USA, China and Japan, is investing heavily in new production facilities and technologies.