Specific Wavelength Absorbance of Pollutants and its Effect on Photovoltaic Cells

Specific Wavelength Absorbance of Pollutants and its Effect on Photovoltaic Cells

Presenter(s)

Nicholas M Maertz

Description

Air pollution is a growing problem in cities across the world, from the thick smog in Beijing to the haze above Los Angeles. These pollutants decrease atmospheric visibility and the amount of light that is able to reach the surface of the Earth. Decreased insolation will have an effect on photovoltaic systems. Since photovoltaics operate in the visible light region of the electromagnetic spectrum, this pollution can cause a decrease in electrical output for these systems. In this work an introductory study of the transmittance of light as a function of wavelength through pollutants will be analyzed to determine if the absorbance of specific wavelengths has a significant effect on the output of photovoltaic cells. In addition, a summary of research in the literature on the overall attenuation of light by haze and smog will be given.

Publication Date

4-5-2017

Project Designation

Capstone Project - Undergraduate

Primary Advisor

Robert J. Brecha

Primary Advisor's Department

Physics

Keywords

Stander Symposium project

Specific Wavelength Absorbance of Pollutants and its Effect on Photovoltaic Cells

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