| As a renewable energy source, the sun's infinite | | | | energy companies have invested in the development |
| supply of rays is second to none. Solar cells are | | | | of these types of power systems in order to |
| designed to capture solar energy and transform it | | | | position themselves as a viable force worldwide using |
| into other forms of power such as electricity. Like so | | | | this renewable energy. This has been done in |
| many other forms of alternative energy, Canada is | | | | conjunction with climate change programs set up by |
| taking strides to claim a perch near the top in the | | | | the federal government. |
| solar cell industry. | | | | Universities have especially taken the lead in forging |
| Solar cells operate via the photovoltaic effect. | | | | the development of solar cells in Canada. The |
| Voltage is created when electrons are transferred | | | | University of Alberta has teamed with the National |
| from one material to another. When this transfer | | | | Research Council's Institute for Nanotechnology to |
| occurs, voltage is built up between two electrodes. | | | | focus on the improvement of plastic cells efficiency. |
| As photons in sunlight strike solar cells, materials such | | | | Known for its open prairie, Alberta is already noted |
| as silicon absorb them and electrons are freed from | | | | for its wind power capabilities and is now ready to |
| the material. This flow of electrons creates electricity. | | | | obtain power from the open sky as well. Silicon, |
| These cells perform this task specifically using the | | | | which is the most common element in solar cell, is in |
| sun's radiation. They are grouped together to form | | | | short supply and as result is rather expensive. |
| the familiar solar panels seen on rooftops and solar | | | | Scientists in Alberta have aimed their attention |
| farms worldwide. | | | | toward optimizing the output of plastic cells to ease |
| Due to its abundance of high pressure systems, | | | | cost and increase production. Layers of materials |
| Canada possesses a good number of sunny days by | | | | make up the construction of a plastic cell in a fashion |
| which to produce electricity via solar cells. Research | | | | similar to a sandwich. Scientists at The University of |
| and development in the country is funded by the | | | | Alberta have already noticed as much as a 30% |
| Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of | | | | increase in efficiency over conventional silicon cells in |
| Canada. Additionally, a number of national photovoltaic | | | | only one layer of the "sandwich". |