This book provides a detailed life cycle assessment of photovoltaic technologies in order to analyse the environmental and socioeconomic impacts that a large deployment of solar photovoltaic systems will produce in the near future. Including both commercial and emerging technologies, the book presents the energy and materials requirements to manufacture solar electricity power systems at the order of the TeraWatt scale deployment as is envisaged by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) for the near future. It discusses current manufacturing practices and how these may be adapted in the future including: reuse and recycling of components and materials; raw material supply chains to the manufacturing factories; and end-of-life procedures including recycling and landfilling of modules. The environmental and socioeconomic impacts of solar energy are analysed in detail, providing recommendations for standardization and regulations in order to make photovoltaic technologies, both current and emerging, a really sustainable alternative for the supply of “greener” electricity.

There is perfect relationship between energy, ecology and environment. If a proper balance is maintained among these three aspects than sustainable development for the welfare of human beings is obtained. This book has been written with a view to draw attention for integration of renewable energy in all sectors for sustainable development. The aim of this book is to examine the range of views related to renewable energy sources for sustainable and their implications. The authors have simplified and clarified renewable energy technologies and new theories for a sustainable development. Sustainable development has been characterized by an emphasis on environmental issues and its inter-relationship with renewable energy sources. In present context there is a need to develop an approach to structure the subject which hinders the development of knowledge in a systematic way. The built environment contributes significantly to the society and thus development in holistic manner. Integration of renewable energy sources is one of the major factors in determining whether a community is sustainable in the longer term or not. In this book, emphasis has been made on various aspects of energy planning such as energy assessment, energy integration, energy forecasting, energy modeling, computer modeling and techno-economic analysis of different conventional as well as non-conventional renewable energy sources. Much of the information presented in this book is basically to acquire an understanding of the integrated energy planning, its design, development, implementation, monitoring and feedback evaluation. This book will be useful for those involved in energy activities and planning.

This far-reaching and authoritative two-volume set examines a range of potential solutions for low-energy building design, considering different strategies (energy conservation and renewable energy) and technologies (relating to the building envelope, ventilation, heat delivery, heat production, heat storage, electricity and control). Energy and life-cycle impacts are considered as crucial factors, including passive and active solar use, daylighting and high efficiency conventional heat production. Each volume assesses the potential of these options in a variety of contexts, covering different housing types (apartment, row and detached) in cold, temperate and mild climates. The impressive list of expert authors from 14 countries includes a mix of internationally respected academics and practitioners, working together within the framework of a five-year International Energy Agency (IEA) research project. Volume 1 presents strategies and solutions, offering the reader a solid basis for developing concepts, considering environmental and economic concerns for housing projects in a variety of contexts. Volume 2 offers a detailed analysis of exemplary buildings in different European countries and examines the various technologies employed to achieve their remarkable performance. Aided by clear, full colour illustrations, it offers invaluable insights into the application of these technologies.

This book presents new research on solar mini-grids and the ways they can be designed and implemented to provide equitable and affordable electricity access, while ensuring economic sustainability and replication. Drawing on a detailed analysis of solar mini-grid projects in Senegal, the book provides invaluable insights into energy provision and accessibility which are highly relevant to Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Global South more generally. Importantly, the book situates mini-grids in rural villages within the context of the broader dynamics of national- and international-level factors, including emerging system innovation and socio-technical transitions to green technologies. The book illustrates typical challenges and potential solutions for practitioners, policymakers, donors, investors and international agencies. It demonstrates the decisive roles of suitable policies and regulations for private-sector-led mini-grids and explains why these policies and regulations must be different from those that are designed as part of an established, centralized electricity regime. Written by both academics and technology practitioners, this book will be of great interest to those researching and working on energy policy, energy provision and access, solar power and renewable energy, and sustainable development more generally.

Green Power: Perspectives on Sustainable Electricity Generation provides a systematic overview of the current state of green power and renewable electrical energy production in the world. Presenting eight in-depth case studies of green power production and dissemination, it illustrates the experiences and best practices of various countries on this

The urgency of exploring alternative energy sources, especially in regions so detrimentally affected by current energy practices on environmental, humanitarian and political levels warrants a crucial effort in raising awareness and activism about renewable energy and sustainable development. Sustainable Solar Energy Systems is a primer on the application of solar energy technology for sustainable development. This handbook starts with an introduction to basic concepts of solar energy, describes the mechanisms and benefits of related technologies, and presents a case study in an Arabian poultry farm. The book also includes details on how to conduct economic feasibility studies of solar power projects. The book is a suitable reference for general readers or students undertaking environmental science or engineering courses with specific modules on solar energy projects. Readers will be able to understand the benefits of solar energy systems in the context of an increasing concern about the use of renewable energy under conditions of global warming and declining fossil fuel reserves.

The global economy and our way of life are based on the exploitation of fossil fuels, which not only threaten massive environmental and social disruption through global warming but, at present rates of consumption, will run out within decades, causing huge industrial dislocation and economic collapse. Even before then, the conflicts it causes in the Middle East and elsewhere will be frighteningly exacerbated. The alternative exists: renewable energy from renewable sources - above all, solar. Substituting renewable for fossil resources will take a new industrial revolution to avert the worst of the damage and establish a new international order. It can be done, and it can be done in time. The Solar Economy, by one of the world's most effective analysts and advocates, lays out the blueprints, showing how the political, economic and technological challenges can be met using indigenous, renewable and universally available resources, and the enormous opportunities and benefits that will flow from doing so.

In this important new primer, Dustin Mulvaney makes a passionate case for the significance of solar power energy and offers a vision for a more sustainable and just solar industry for the future. The solar energy industry has grown immensely over the past several years and now provides up to a fifth of California’s power. But despite its deservedly green reputation, solar development and deployment may have social and environmental consequences, from poor factory labor standards to landscape impacts on wildlife. Using a wide variety of case studies and examples that trace the life cycle of photovoltaics, Mulvaney expertly outlines the state of the solar industry, exploring the ongoing conflicts between ecological concerns and climate mitigation strategies, current trade disputes, and the fate of toxics in solar waste products. This exceptional overview will outline the industry’s current challenges and possible futures for students in environmental studies, energy policy, environmental sociology, and other aligned fields.

NOTE: This book is written for those COMTEMPLATING getting a solar panel system if they don't know enough about it yet. A good, basic understanding of what you need to know "before" diving into it is what you will learn in order to make an informed decision; especially if you are in the United States (or Canada). So if you are considering do it yourself solar panels for your home, or solar panel installation through a contractor, "Solar Power for Sustainable Living - What to Consider Before Going the Do It Yourself Solar Route" is a great reference guide to make sure you've considered the most important avenues or prerequisites of getting into do-it-yourself solar panels before you get started and then realize that you should've considered these aspects first, which are very important in decision making. It is informative and detailed to give you a good understanding of how it all works and what's really involved when it comes to obtaining a PV solar power system for sustainable living. Charts and illustrations are also included for easy reference. You'll get information, terminology, advice, things you'd better be aware of or consider beforehand, education, valuable tips that's going to literally help you, what exact items you'll need to buy and what it cost, how to connect with other people doing the same thing that you are (which is huge), and much more. If you need to find out what the latest and up to date information is for what your state (in USA) is currently offering for rebates and incentives on using solar power for your home or office, there's a reference conveniently provided for that. There's also reference to a handy calculator that you can use to help estimate the size and cost of installing a PV system. For the US and CANADA, going by zip code, just in case you need to check out or prescreen solar contractors in your area to get an estimate or just to ask some questions, there's a reference that provides that information as well. You'll get surprise information that most people haven't thought about before or are simply not aware of. "Solar Power for Sustainable Living - What to Consider Before Going the Do It Yourself Solar Route" provides the kind of due diligence you need for sustainable living through a solar power system.

Renewable Energy and Green Technology: Principles and Practices is based on the present need to understand the principles and utility of renewable energy and green technology to minimize dependency on fossil fuels in global development. Renewable energy is the best and cheapest source of energy as an alternate resource. There is massive potential for renewable energy globally, including in India. The efficient utilization of renewable energy resources could minimize the impact of climate change globally. Generally, renewable energy is generated from essentially inexhaustible sources, including wind power, solar power, geothermal energy, tidal energy, biomass energy, and other sources. Hence, encouraging renewable energy use could save our tomorrow from the climate change perspective and in terms of sustainable food production. This book promotes the exchange of ideas, policy formulation, and collective action to ensure a smooth transition to renewable energy. It describes the technological interventions for reducing environmental and economic damage resulting from the use of conventional energy sources. In this book, the focus is on utilizing various renewable energy sources in diverse sectors. It also elaborates the descriptive methodology of different renewable energies, accompanied by figures and tables. It provides information on biogas energy plants, gasifier technologies, and hydropower technologies, among others, along with their applications. Further, it delves into energy concepts and details significant advantages of the energy resources for sustaining the future world. Lastly, this book will provide instant access to comprehensive, cutting-edge knowledge, making it possible for academicians and researchers to utilize this ever-growing wealth of information. Key features Emphasizes the understanding of the principles and utility of renewable energy and green technology to minimize dependency on fossil fuels in the era of global development Focuses on recent trends in renewable energy with principles and practices in relation to climate change Highlights advanced approaches for sustainable use of renewable energy sources Illustrates the methodology for various aspects of renewable energy with figures and charts Discusses the green technology usages of the agriculture and forestry sectors Provides comprehensive cutting-edge information for policymakers in the field of renewable energy