Fundamentals of Solar Cells and Photovoltaic Systems Engineering presents all the major topics relevant to understanding photovoltaic technology, including the working principles of solar cells, modeling and measuring solar radiation, manufacturing processes for solar cells and photovoltaic modules, the design and operation of rooftop installations and large-scale power plants, the economics of such systems, and the role of photovoltaic solar energy in the ongoing energy transition. This book is intended for use as a textbook on photovoltaic solar energy for upper-level undergraduate/graduate engineering students. - Consists of 15 chapters, including basic theory, along with problems to solve and a solutions manual - Provides a basic understanding of topics such as semiconductor fundamentals, the pn junction, and the working principle of solar cells for students without previous experience - Covers the design and operation principles of rooftop installations and large-scale solar power plants - Presents the IV curve and efficiency attained by solar cells, photovoltaic modules, and systems, how they are impacted by solar radiation and temperature, and how they can be measured

This book offers a comprehensive treatment of the fundamentals of solar cells and their use in the photovoltaic (PV) technology, a major constituent of renewable sources of energy. It discusses the nature and measurement of solar radiation, methods for characterization of solar cells and determination of their parameters. The book describes the principle of operation of different types of inverters used in PV systems and also illustrates the design, construction and performance of photovoltaic operated systems such as the solar lantern, solar water pump, solar inverter and a general solar power system. Besides, it explains the process of uploading of power generated by solar arrays to the power grid for onwards transmission to distant locations. The economic aspects of the PV systems and their conventionally operated counterparts are also dealt with. The design procedure given in the book enables the reader to configure the desired PV system without the help of high priced patented software. The text is intended for a course on PV technologies undertaken by the undergraduate and postgraduate students of Electrical Engineering, Energy Studies, and Mechanical Engineering. In addition, the book would also be useful for teachers, scientists, engineers and professionals to quickly understand the fundamentals of photovoltaic technology. KEY FEATURES : About one hundred figures, fifty circuit diagrams and several design examples are given. A large number of problems are given at the end of some chapters. References are provided for further study and research.

Practical Handbook of Photovoltaics, Third Edition, is a 'benchmark' publication for those involved in the design, manufacture and use of these devices. This fully revised handbook includes brand new sections on smart grids, net metering and the modeling of photovoltaic systems, as well as fully revised content on developments in photovoltaic applications, the economics of PV manufacturing and updated chapters on solar cell function, raw materials, photovoltaic standards, calibration and testing, all with new examples and case studies. The editor has assembled internationally-respected contributors from industry and academia around the world to make this a truly global reference. It is essential reading for electrical engineers, designers of systems, installers, architects, policymakers and physicists working with photovoltaics. - Presents a cast of international experts from industry and academia to ensure the highest quality information from multiple stakeholder perspectives - Covers all things photovoltaics, from the principles of solar cell function and their raw materials, to the installation and design of full photovoltaic systems - Includes case studies, practical examples, and reports on the latest advances and worldwide applications

Photovoltaic technology - or the direct conversion of light into electricity - is the fastest growing means of electricity generation today, however it is generally used outdoors. Relatively little attention has been focused on the many obstacles to overcome when designing efficient indoor products. As a result, indoor products are more often than not limited to low power. Designing Indoor Solar Products bridges this gap by showing where AES (Ambient Energy Systems) based on photovoltaic cells may be used for higher power devices. Motivated by both financial and ecological arguments, this book: Co-ordinates a wide-reaching range of scientific information regarding photovoltaic technologies and their application to indoor spaces. Analyses power management, power availability, technological selection and design methodologies. Uses real-life examples and case studies to demonstrate the arguments made. Presents information in such a way as to make it accessible even to engineers with basic electrical knowledge. Designing Indoor Solar Products pulls together a wealth of information on photovoltaic technologies and their applications. It will be of practical interest to engineers and designers of sensor systems planning on using photovoltaic technology for power, whilst the theoretical approach will appeal to those in academia in the related areas of environmental engineering, sustainable development as well as building and product design.

This handbook opens with an overview of solar radiation and how its energy can be tapped using photovoltaic cells. Other chapters cover the technology, manufacture and application of PV cells in real situations. The book ends by exploring the economic and business aspects of photovoltaics.

The capture and use of solar energy has been growing for many years, but only in recent times have advances in design and manufacture allowed us to see the incorporation of solar energy as a significant player in the renewable energy arena. Solar cells are at the heart of any photovoltaic system and in this book the various types are described and their characteristics reviewed. Going beyond materials, design and function, ‘Solar Cells’ also covers their testing, monitoring and calibration thus providing a comprehensive account of current activity in this important field of research and industry. ‘Solar Cells’ has been abstracted from the recent ‘Practical Handbook of Photovoltaics’ by the same editors (ISBN 185617 3909. 2003: Elsevier) Internationally-respected contributors from industry and academia Abstracted from ‘The Practical Handbook of Photovoltaics' by the same Editors A comprehensive source-book on all aspects of solar cells

The primary purpose of PV Systems Engineering is to provide a comprehensive set of PV knowledge and understanding tools for the design, installation, commissioning, inspection, and operation of PV systems. During recent years in the United States, more PV capacity was installed than any other electrical generation source. In addition to practical system information, this new edition includes explanation of the basic physical principles upon which the technology is based and a consideration of the environmental and economic impact of the technology. The material covers all phases of PV systems from basic sunlight parameters to system commissioning and simulation, as well as economic and environmental impact of PV. With homework problems included in each chapter and numerous design examples of real systems, the book provides the reader with consistent opportunities to apply the information to real-world scenarios.

In just the last few years, the increase in worldwide photovoltaic (PV) shipments has grown from 15 to 25 percent per year. Grid-connected applications have surpassed stand-alone applications, system components have realized significant improvements, and major efforts are underway to build a quality control infrastructure for PV systems. Such rapid growth and evolution continues to put engineers skilled in PV systems at a premium. Thoroughly updated, Photovoltaic Systems Engineering, Second Edition offers a practical engineering basis for PV system design. It provides quick exposure to all system building blocks, then examines both the whys and hows of the electrical, mechanical, economic, and aesthetic aspects of PV system design-why certain designs are done in certain ways and how the design process is implemented. Students mastering the contents of this book will have the engineering judgement needed to make intelligent decisions based on a clear understanding of the parameters involved in PV systems. Highlights of the Second Edition: Y Complete updates to each chapter that incorporate currently available system components and recent changes in codes and standards Y Increased emphasis on design trade-offs and the design of grid-connected systems Y New discussions on site evaluation, and battery connections Y A new section on array mounting system design Y A new section on utility interactive residential PV systems Y A new section on curve fitting using Excel Y A new appendix that presents a recommended format for submitting PV design packages for permitting or design review purposes Y Examples and exercises replaced or modified to incorporate contemporary components, such as the Linear Current Booster

The U.S. Department of Energy now estimates a factor of 14 increase in grid-connected systems between 2009 and 2017, depending upon various factors such as incentives for renewables and availability and price of conventional fuels. With this fact in mind, Photovoltaic Systems Engineering, Third Edition presents a comprehensive engineering basis for photovoltaic (PV) system design, so engineers can understand the what, why, and how associated with the electrical, mechanical, economic, and aesthetic aspects of PV system design. Building on the popularity of the first two editions, esteemed authors Roger Messenger and Jerry Ventre explore the significant growth and new ideas in the PV industry. They integrate their experience in system design and installation gained since publication of the last edition. Intellectual tools to help engineers and students to understand new technologies and ideas in this rapidly evolving field The book educates about the design of PV systems so that when engineering judgment is needed, the engineer can make intelligent decisions based on a clear understanding of the parameters involved. This goal differentiates this textbook from the many design and installation manuals that train the reader how to make design decisions, but not why. The authors explain why a PV design is executed a certain way, and how the design process is actually implemented. In exploring these ideas, this cutting-edge book presents: An updated background of energy production and consumption Mathematical background for understanding energy supply and demand A summary of the solar spectrum, how to locate the sun, and how to optimize the capture of its energy Analysis of the components used in PV systems Also useful for students, the text is full of additional practical considerations added to the theoretical background associated with mechanical and structural design. A modified top-down approach organizes the material to quickly cover the building blocks of the PV system. The focus is on adjusting the parameters of PV systems to optimize performance. The last two chapters present the physical basis of PV cell operation and optimization. Presenting new problems based upon contemporary technology, this book covers a wide range of topics—including chemistry, circuit analysis, electronics, solid state device theory, and economics—this book will become a relied upon addition to any engineer’s library.