There is a continuing debate amongst scientists concerning the quantity of natural oil and gas that our planet still possesses. Some predictions stipulate that in twenty years from now we will experience substantial shortages of these natural forms of energy. Others speculate various periods of time in which we will run out of fossil fuel energy. All agree however, that there is a limited quantity of oil and gas in the ground and eventually we will consume it all.

In light of this apocalyptic future, countries around the globe are investing vast efforts to produce sources of alternative energy. One way of obtaining "green energy" is by harnessing the sun's radiation. When flying over the cities of Israel, one realizes the large number of solar absorption panels on most of the roofs of our buildings. This tried and true method utilizes the infra-red radiation of the sun to heat water which is then pumped into apartments. It does not produce electricity but conserves it. Recently, a more advanced method of exploiting our sun's power was developed involving photovoltaic cells. These cells transfer the sun's radiation into electricity. Thus far, only a small percentage of the radiating energy is being transferred by the photovoltaic cells into electricity. It is expected that in the future the conversion efficiency will grow and this method may be used as our major source of clean electricity.

Professor Yosef Shappir, an Electronics Engineering Department faculty member at Shenkar, has developed and patented, together with a team from the Hebrew University, a method for increasing the conversion efficiency of photovoltaic cells. However, in order to realize his idea, he requires a laboratory that can measure and monitor the conversion of sun radiation to electricity by his improved photovoltaic cells.

Ina Marcus Ross, a Board Member and supporter of the American Friends of Shenkar, was impressed by this project and decided to contribute towards the establishment of "The Ina Marcus Ross Solar Energy Center" at Shenkar. We are extremely grateful for this generous donation made by one of our devoted friends. It could very well prove to be a great step in preserving our planet.