Solar Module Aspects

Figure 2.3. A schematic of the Chandra Observatory showing the typical components including the solar arrays, aspect cameras, mirror assembly, instrument module, and optical bench. The Chandra Observatory weighs 4800 kg and orbits the Earth every 64 hours in a 10,000 by 140,000 km orbit that extends 1/3 of the distance the moon. Including the solar panels, the observatory s dimensions are 14m by 20m.

Although photovoltaic conversion is nonpolluting, environmental, health, and safety aspects must be considered, especially with regard to harmful emission and waste products resulting from the production of the solar cell modules. It has been shown that, with proper encapsulation and a proactive recycling program, it should be possible to minimize environmental concerns. 

The Photochemical Activity and solar Ultraviolet Radiation (PAUR I) and Photochemical Activity and solar Ultraviolet Radiation Modulation Factors (PAUR II) projects had the aim of studying various aspects of ultraviolet radiation and photochemistry interrelationships. PAUR I aimed at studying the interrelationships between total ozone, UV-B radiation, aerosol load, air pollutants, photodissociation rates of N02 and 03 and tropospheric ozone. PAUR II has the aim of studying the interactions between UV-B, total ozone, tropospheric ozone and photochemical activity in the presence of alternating maritime and Saharan aerosols. The present paper presents the main concepts underlying the two projects, the approach followed and a brief overview of some of the results obtained so far. Further, the main results of PAUR I that are relevant to tropospheric ozone chemistry over the Eastern Mediterranean are presented. 

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