Solar farm opens at Sheffield Uni

23/08/2010

Nick Clegg has opened a solar panel farm on the roof of a University of Sheffield building, while stressing the need for cutting-edge research into green energy.
The solar farm, a part of a £120,000 investment and a platform for photovoltaic study, aims to link latest academic research with the commercial reality of producing workable technology.
The Deputy Prime Minister was shown around the 70-square-metre project, which includes the 54 state-of-the-art photovoltaic panels on the roof of the Hicks building, by the pro-vice-chancellor for science at the university - Professor Tony Ryan.
Prof Ryan said the Sheffield Solar Farm project will enable photovoltaic developers around the UK to field-test their new solar cell designs in a bid to further the country's knowledge of renewable energy sources.
Photovoltaics is the science of using semiconductors, such as silicon, to create energy. When photons of light hit the cells they are absorbed and their energy is converted into electricity.
The panels are also being used to provide electricity to the Hicks building and the National Grid.
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