Potential new energy sources include biomass, geothermal energy, hydroelectricity, ocean, thermal energy, wind energy and the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity by the photovoltaic (PV) effect. Among these renewable energies, the direct conversion of sunlight is the most promising especially in Iraq. The photovoltaic source of energy, i.e. solar irradiation, has the advantage of being widely distributed over the world, although the largest demand does not always correlate with the supply. Solar cells never will or can constitute the only solution. The resource must be sustainable and the price must be in level with todays cost of energy. Furthermore we must have a technology to scale up and produce this system. Solar cell technology is about to meet all of these standards.

Assist. Prof. Dr. WASAN R. SALEH (LASER and Electro-Optics)/Physics Dept./College of Science/University of Baghdad and Dr. OMAR ABDULSADA ALI (LASER and Electro-Optics)/Physics Dept./College of Science/University of Baghdad.