This document provides an overview of solar photovoltaics and discusses different types of solar cell technologies. It notes that Utah has strong solar potential and silicon currently has the highest conversion efficiency of 27%, but is becoming more expensive. Thin film solar cells have lower efficiency around 17% but are cheaper to manufacture. Organic photovoltaics have recently reached 10% efficiency and if research continues could become very competitive through lower costs compared to silicon. The document also discusses a specific student project called Solar Ivy that received funding to install solar panels through a university sustainability office program.