UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Two Penn State researchers will present “Unwrapping the Power of Solar Energy” at 7 p.m. on June 20 at Liberty Craft House, 346 E. College Ave., in State College.
The event is part of the monthly Science on Tap series, which is designed to bring the local and campus community together to discuss the importance and impact of science policy. Science on Tap is sponsored by the Penn State Science Policy Society.
John Asbury, associate professor of chemistry, and Jeffrey Brownson, associate professor of energy and mineral engineering, will discuss the future of solar power.
Asbury's work focuses on the chemical processes that occur when light strikes solar panels and Browson studies how solar power can be integrated into new technologies.
Asbury said that although current solar panels are cost effective and efficient, there is still more work to be done.
“While silicon solar cells are great, we must look to new technologies if we want solar power to move beyond the niche into the mainstream,” Asbury said.
Brownson added that solar power will soon be incorporated into every aspect of our lives.
“Very soon, we will all have light included along with temperature, wind speed and rainfall in our phone apps for weather forecasts,” Brownson said, “society will change dramatically with the input of light.”
The Science on Tap series occurs every third Tuesday of the month. Science on Tap is free, but attendees must be age 21 or over and have proper identification.