Energy From the Sun

Current photovoltaic cells are only about 10% efficient at converting sunlight into electricity, so there is a lot of room for improvement. However, it may be possible to make a low-cost photovoltaic cell using chlorophyll from spinach. This is real, cutting-edge research.

This interim had two separate projects: 1) Attempting to make a photovoltaic cell using chlorophyll extracted from spinach. 2) With the guidance of the SHArK Project at the University of Wyoming, trying  to find an efficient way to use sunlight to generate hydrogen (a fuel) by splitting water. Both projects pursued one of the main goals of the SHArK Project which is "to engage and encourage young people to take an active role in solving the global energy problem."