ABSTRACT
Efficient and clean energy resources have been explored for energy
consumptions. Renewable energy is becoming increasingly impor-
tant since the limited fossil fuels are being depleted. In this chapter,
renewable energy in photovoltaics (PVs) and thermoelectrics (TEs)
will be discussed. Photovoltaic generators can absorb photons
to create charge carriers and generate electricity, while thermo-
electric generators can convert concentrated solar heat or other
forms of heat source to electricity. Nanotechnologies have been
developed to enhance the efficiencies of both types of renewable
energy applications. Due to the unique nanoscale characteristics,
nanomaterials, nanostructures, and nanoengineering can be used.
The fundamentals, fabrication methods, and device applications
related to nanotechnologies in photovoltaic and thermoelectric
power generation are presented.