How dramatically do shadows across the sun impact the effectiveness of photovoltaic (PV) panels? University of Arizona Researchers Kyle Stephens, College of Optical Sciences and Alex Cronin, Department of Physics,presented their research findings at a Solar Seminar on Tuesday, February 9, 2010. The presentation examined critical areas, including ground cover ratio, back-tracking, concentration ratio, bipass diodes, cell shunt resistance and lands costs - all of which can impact the output of PV farms. Dr. Cronin,  an Associate Professor of Physics and Optical Sciences also runs the Tucson Electric Power PV Test Site,supported by AzRISE, which is tracking how 25 different grid-tied solar electric (PV) systems perform in Tucson. Output data from the test yard can be found at uapv.org

Future seminars, which will take place at the UA Physics Building, 12:30 - 1:30 PM, 1118 E. 4th Street, Room 218, include: