Advanced Photovoltaics
Information related to the PV field in industry can be found at Nanomech in Photovoltaics, a member of Nature Network, a tool from the journal Nature.
Brownson Group Research:
Materials Science
We used a medley of methods to synthesize our nanomaterials and thin films. These include electrochemistry, wet chemistry, sol-gel, and physical deposition techniques
Present and Future
General Statement · Work in Progress
This site is still under development.
Plans for 2009 · Solar Decathlon!
We are applying to compete a second time!
Contact Information if you would like to contact our group for outreach, consulting, or otherwise.
Graduate Research
Several new developments this year:
First: We welcome MS candidate, Mr. Luke Witmer this summer of 2008. Luke will be developing transient energy simulation models for solar energy systems. Luke's work also includes being a Project Manager in the Natural Fusion design of a solar powered home at Penn State for the 2009 Solar Decathlon Competition.
Second: I'm happy to congratulate Mr. Ramprasad Chandrasekharan, who passed his candidacy exams this past Spring and will be continuing with his formal PhD studies. Ram will be developing new light absorbing materials as thin films on transparent conductive oxides, and then characterizing them by electrochemical and photoelectrochemical techniques in our new lab space at the Energy Institute.
Undergraduate Research
Are you a student of Penn State looking for research experience in new technologies and materials for photovoltaics? Please contact Prof. Brownson.
Outreach
Teachers of high school and middle school interested in developing educational material for solar energy and renewables, please feel free to contact us.
My efforts include outreach and recruiting for the undergraduate programs of the Department of Energy & Mineral Engineering. Interested candidates (new undergrads, high school students and parents included) should feel free to contact me by email or phone with questions, or to discuss the exciting and diverse undergraduate opportunities within EME.