OVERVIEW

Significance and Summary of My Research

As non-renewable resources continue to deplete at alarming rates, scientists have looked to alternative energy sources such as solar to satisfy future energy demands. Unfortunately, at the moment, solar only accounts for 1% of total electricity generation due to the high costs and low efficiencies of solar panels. This has rendered it essential for STEM professionals to make modifications to solar panels to ensure that solar can meet energy demands once non-renewable resources fully deplete.

My research focuses on structural and material modifications that can be made to existing solar panels. Some examples of structural modifications I have explored include the development of 3D solar towers and the incorporation of solar tracking systems in solar panels. Examples of material modifications I have researched include the utilization of perovskite and carbon nanotubes in place of silicon in solar panels. While the main goal of my research is to provide examples of future modifications, I also strive to assess the effectiveness of each modification discussed by quantitatively comparing the efficiency of modified solar panels to current solar panels available on the market.