7. Прочитайте и устно переведите текст.

Пояснения к тексту:

silicon wafer кремниевая пластина

photovoltaic cell фотогальванический элемент,

вентильный элемент, фотоэлемент

с запирающим слоем

wave power энергия волн океана, возобновляемый

источник энергии

photovoltaics 1) фотоэлектричество;

2) фотоэлектрическая энергетика

solar panel солнечная батарея, батарея солнечных

элементов; солнечная панель

photovoltaic effect вентильный фотоэффект,

фотогальванический эффект

photovoltaic array фотоэлектрическая батарея

Solar energy

1) Solar energy, radiant light and heat from the sun, has been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar radiation, along with secondary solar-powered resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for most of the available renewable energy on earth. Only a minuscule fraction of the available solar energy is used.

2) Solar powered electrical generation relies on heat engines and photovoltaics. Photovoltaics (PV) is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaic power generation employs solar panels composed of a number of solar cells containing a photovoltaic material. Materials presently used for photovoltaics include monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon and others. Due to the growing demand for renewable energy sources, the manufacturing of solar cells and photovoltaic arrays has advanced considerably in recent years.

3) A partial list of solar applications includes space heating and cooling through solar architecture, potable water via distillation and disinfection, daylighting, solar hot water, solar cooking, and high temperature process heat for industrial purposes. To harvest the solar energy, the most common way is to use solar panels.

4) The first Russian solar plant was opened in Belgorod Oblast in November 2010. The southern parts of Russia, especially the North Caucasus, have the greatest potential for solar energy. Russia plans to set up an overall solar capacity of 150 MW by 2020.

5) Plans for the construction of a new solar plant on the Black Sea have been announced and the plant is expected to begin operations by 2012. This plant, which will have a capacity of 12.3 MW, is being built by Rusnano and Renova. Solar Wind LLC and Rusnano are building a plant that will produce double-sided solar panels, which will be able to collect solar energy from both sides. Construction is expected to finish in early 2011 and the plant will have an annual manufacturing capacity of 30 MW.

8. Прочитайте 4-й и 5-й абзацы текста и письменно ответьте на вопросы:

1. When and where was the first Russian solar plant opened?

2. When will a new solar plant on the Black Sea be put into operation?

3. What is the advantage of double-sided solar panels?

4. What companies take part in the development of solar energy sector in Russia?