Books about Photovoltaics from Amazon.com

Producing electricity from the sun using photovoltaic (PV) systems has become a major industry worldwide. But designing, installing and maintaining such systems requires knowledge and training, and there have been few easily accessible, comprehensive guides to the subject.

Now, with Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual, a world-class solar energy training and education provider-Solar Energy International (SEI)-has made available the critical information to successfully design, install and maintain PV systems. The book contains an overview of photovoltaic electricity and a detailed description of PV system components, including PV modules, batteries, controllers and inverters. It also includes chapters on sizing photovoltaic systems, analyzing sites and installing PV systems, as well as detailed appendices on PV system maintenance, troubleshooting and solar insolation data for over 300 sites around the world. Used worldwide as the textbook in SEI's PV Design & Installation workshops, topics covered include:

The basics of solar electricity
PV applications and system components
Solar site analysis and mounting
Stand-alone and PV/generator hybrid system sizing
Utility-interactive PV systems
Component specification, system costs and economics
Case studies and safety issues

Photovoltaics guarantees that those wanting to learn the skills of tapping the sun's energy can do so with confidence.

Solar Energy International (SEI) has the nonprofit mission to respond to the need for renewable energy education. Based in Carbondale, Colorado, and active around the world, SEI is a link between people and renewable energy resources, providing information, education and training to people who want to shape a sustainable future. SEI is recognized by the National Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) as dedicated independent provider of PV training programs that may be used toward attaining PV certification. Also, SEI is recognized as an Accredited Institution to offer PV training by the Institute for Sustainable Power (ISP).

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Price: $34.87 [Notify me when price goes down.]

A straight-talking book tells grid-connected homeowners how to use free energy from the sun and wind to reduce or even eliminate their electric bills, and what to expect from this independent, thoughtful lifestyle. Whether you live in the sun-soaked Southwest, or windy North Dakota, alternative energy has come of age with affordable modern technology. Now with rebates and incentives from most states, installing a home system is an economically-attractive and environmentally-responsible option. Chapters include: - Why invest in alternative energy for your home? - Is it legal and safe? - How solar electricity really works - Batteries or not? - Sizing a system to fit your home and your needs - Got Wind? - What does it cost? - Does your state offer rebates or incentives? - Permits, Paperwork and Financing - The Nuts & Bolts: what to look for, what to avoid - Who does the installation? - Extensive appendix with resources, manufacturers, sizing worksheets, glossary, and more.
Price: $11.58 [Notify me when price goes down.]

The perfect source for solar power—fully illustrated

Solar Power (photovoltaics) is now a one-billion-dollar industry, and it’s poised to grow rapidly in the near future as more pressure is placed on limited fossil fuel resources and as advances in solar technology drive down the costs of residential solar systems. This book helps readers understand the basics of solar power and other renewable energy sources, explore whether solar power makes sense for them, what their options are, and what’s involved with installing various on and off-grid systems.
—Fully illustrated
—Covers every conceivable solar-power topic and concern, including updated information on the increasing number of state rebate and incentive programs
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Price: $11.04 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Practical Photovoltaics, the now-classic reference on solar electricity, offers a unique combination of technical discussion and practical advice. Physicist, lecturer, and solar-home dweller Richard Komp explains the "how" and the "how-to" of PV, while providing valuable information on the industry, new developments, and the future. The book is a comprehensive guide to the theory and reality of solar electricity, as well as a detailed installation and maintenance manual. A well-illustrated appendix offers step-by-step instructions for constructing your own solar module, a creative approach to demystifying the technology. Presented in a clear, concise, and understandable style, Dr. Komp's contribution to PV literature has been called the "best single reference available," "the easiest and most complete education on photovoltaics," "one of the best basic books on PV," and "the best of the books.".
Price: $11.63 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering incorporates the most recent technological advances and research developments in photovoltaics All topics relating to the photovoltaic (PV) industry are discussed and each chapter has been written by an internationally-known expert in the field.

Detailed treatment covers:

• scientific basis of the photovoltaic effect and solar cell operation
• the production of solar silicon and of silicon-based solar cells and modules
• the science and technology of up-and-coming thin film PV technologies
• how choice of semiconductor materials and their production influence costs and performance
• high-performance approaches for concentrators and space applications
• new types of organic dye-based solar cells
• making measurements on solar cells and modules and how to relate results under standardised test conditions to real outdoor performance
• photovoltaic system installation and operation of components such as inverters and batteries.
• architectural applications of building-integrated PV
• finance and the role of investors: public funding and policy in promoting PV world-wide

Each chapter is written to be partially accessible to beginners while providing detailed information of the physics and technology for experts. Encompassing a review of past work and the fundamentals in solar electric science, this outstanding reference provides an invaluable resource to practitioners, consultants, researchers and students in the PV engineering industry..
Price: $305.50 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Photovoltaics, the direct conversion of sunlight to electricity, is now the fastest growing technology for electricity generation. Present "first generation" products use the same silicon wafers as in microelectronics. "Second generation" thin-films, now entering the market, have the potential to greatly improve the economics by eliminating material costs. Martin Green, one of the world’s foremost photovoltaic researchers, argues in this book that "second generation" photovoltaics will eventually reach its own material cost constraints, engendering a "third generation" of high performance thin-films. The book explores, self-consistently, the energy conversion potential of advanced approaches for improving photovoltaic performance and outlines possible implementation paths.

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Price: $49.45 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Facades - they are the first feature of a building to be noticed, they determine its distinctive appearance and are often the subject of controversial debate. This new first edition of the Facade Construction Manual provides a systematic survey of contemporary expertise in the application of new materials and energy- efficient technologies in facade design, and represents an invaluable addition to our series of Construction Manuals. It surveys the facade design requirements made by various types of buildings, as well as the most important materials, from natural stone through to synthetics, and documents a diversity of construction forms for a wide range of building types. Over 100 international case-studies in large-scale, detailed drawings are presented in the comprehensive project section..
Price: $91.35 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Growth in photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing worldwide continues to increase. In parallel, appropriate standards and certification schemes are being developed. During this period, clear guidance is crucial for integrating this technology into working practices of professionals in the building sector.

This bestselling guide has become the essential tool for any installer, engineer and architect, offering guidance and detailing every subject necessary for successful project implementation, from the technical design to the legal and market issues of PV installation. Beginning with resource assessment and an outline of the core components, this guide comprehensively covers system design, economic analysis, installation, operation and maintenance of PV systems.

The second edition has been fully updated to reflect the state-of-the-art in technology and concepts and includes: a new chapter on marketing and the history of PV; new information on the photovoltaic market; new material on lightning protection; a new section on building integrated systems; and new graphics, data, photos and software..
Price: $131.40 [Notify me when price goes down.]

* Provides essential guidance for electricians, technicians, builders, architects and building engineers who want to get involved in this expanding industry.
* Describes the practicalities of marketing, designing and installing photovoltaic systems
* Contains over 100 full-color illustrations, numerous case studies and examples of best practice

The installation of photovoltaic systems has become a new and rapidly expanding field of activity for the building industry as interest in solar energy grows, providing excellent business prospects. Photovoltaics for Professionals describes the practicalities of working with photovoltaics, from marketing and selling photovoltaic products to designing and installing photovoltaic systems (both grid-tied and stand-alone). The book answers all the questions a beginner in the industry would need to ask, as well as serving as an ongoing work of reference. It also provides designers and installers with a practical introduction to designing and installing high quality solar electric systems and gives a comprehensive overview of the major photovoltaic market sectors. Containing over 100 full-color illustrations, figures and photographs, it offers practical step-by-step examples and an abundance of helpful tips. The appendices include essential data on standards, codes and guidelines.

Related titles
Planning and Installing Photovoltaic Systems (2005)
978-1-84407-131-9, and Applied Photovoltaics (2007) 978-1-84407-401-3.
Price: $71.89 [Notify me when price goes down.]