The Thin Film Solar PV Manufacturing Process.

Thin film solar pv technology is changing at a very rapid rate. Researchers are learning how to
increase the efficiency of the solar cells and reduce the cost at the same time. These solar cells
are manufacturing using high speeds processes in automated factories.
The faster we manufacture the product the cheaper it can be offered for sale ( provided their is
competition in the market place.)
The beauty of thin film solar is that it is thin and flexible. It can be wrapped around things,
applied as a sticky film to everything from windows to building surfaces. This is very different
from silicon solar cells that are more like a piece of very hard glass. Silicon solar panels are
heavier and require more substantial attachments and supports.They are however much more
efficient that current thin film solar cells. At least for now.
It is possible that researchers may soon be able to design a thin film solar cell that can 3d
printed! Imagine being able to print your own solar cells. Science has a long way to go before we
get to this dream for cheap available solar cells, but advancements are being made around the
world every day.

Electromagnetism And The Power Of Electricity

Learning about solar energy means learning about electricity, chemistry, physics and materials
science. The relationship between magnetism and electricity or electromagnetism is a very
important one. It is this relationship that lets us build electric generators and motors to name just
a few important inventions.
Electromagnetism can be incredibly powerful if you start with a lot of electric current and you
know how to design devices to control to it.
Here is a very interesting video that explains the basics of electromagnetism and shows us an
amazing real world example of the power it can have. Watch as magnetic fields created in a
simple homemade transformer tear a can pieces. Actually the can tears itself to pieces.
I would suggest that you do not try this at home for obvious reasons. Safety should always be
first and learning should never be painful.
If you like this article and video and it has helped you to learn electromagnetism let us know. We
love comments and read them all.

Duke Energy to Invest up to $225 Million in Commercial

Solar Projects Developed by REC Solar
Duke Energy, the nations largest electric utility, today announced the acquisition of a majority
interest in REC Solar, a provider of comprehensive commercial solar and energy solutions
nationwide. In addition, over several years, Duke Energy will invest up to $225 million in
commercial solar projects developed by REC Solar and supported by long-term power purchase
agreements.
REC Solar, based in San Luis Obispo, Calif., will deliver a simple sales and financing process
for commercial-scale customers, similar to that provided by residential solar companies. REC
Solar serves key sectors including retail, manufacturing, agriculture, technology, government and
nonprofits.
This arrangement will build on Duke Energys mission of giving commercial customers
solutions that reduce energy costs and achieve their sustainability goals, said Marc Manly, Duke
Energy executive vice president and president Commercial Portfolio.
With its long track record and commitment to quality, safety and customer service, REC Solar
has demonstrated years of success in delivering solar power, added Manly.
Through this arrangement, REC Solar will be better equipped to expand its offerings to
commercial customers and provide an array of cost-efficient energy solutions.
We plan to extend the benefits of clean, distributed energy solutions to previously underserved
small and medium-sized businesses, said Allen Bucknam, chief executive officer, REC Solar.
The Duke Energy relationship realizes our strategy to be the one-stop shop for commercial solar
by securing a predictable and streamlined customer financing process.
Partnering with Duke Energy Renewables, REC Solar offers simplified customer financing,
including leases and power purchase agreements, to provide customers with immediate savings.
By lowering upfront costs and reducing the complexity of going solar, our aim is to accelerate
commercial solar growth and provide end-to-end energy solutions to businesses, governments
and educational institutions across the United States, said Bucknam.
Established in 1997, REC Solar is an experienced photovoltaic (PV) solar provider that has
completed more than 400 solar projects, ranging in size from multi-megawatt utility projects to
local business rooftop systems. The company has more than 140 MW of distributed solar
deployed or under construction.

Duke Energy is a leader in renewable energy, with wind and solar facilities in 12 states. Over the
past eight years, the company has invested more than $4 billion in utility-scale renewables
projects.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Everything you need to know about Electrochemistry. Electrochemistry is the
relationship between electricity and chemical reactions. There are two ways that
electricity and chemical reactions interact: certain chemical reactions can create
electricity, and electricity can force certain chemical reactions to happen that
wouldn't happen otherwise. We'll look at two very common examples in
electrochemistry. We'll see how a galvanic or voltaic cell uses a chemical reaction to
create electricity, and we'll see how electrolysis uses electricity to cause water to
decompose into hydrogen and oxygen gas. We'll also look at the list of Standard
Reduction Potentials, to figure out what chemical reactions will happen on their own
(are spontaneous) are can create electricity, and which will not happen on their own
(are not spontaneous) and require electricity to happen.