Solar Photovoltaic Basics

This book explains the science of photovoltaics (PV) in a way that most people can understand, using the curriculum which reflects the core modules of the NABCEP Associate Exam. Whether or not you are taking the NABCEP Associate Exam, learning the material covered in this book is the best investment you can make insuring your place and moving up in the solar industry. Providing complete coverage of the NABCEP syllabus in easily accessible chapters, this book addresses all of the core objectives required to pass the exam, including the ten main skill sets: PV Markets and Applications Safety Basics Electricity Basics Solar Energy Fundamentals PV Module Fundamentals System Components PV System Sizing Principles PV System Electrical Design PV System Mechanical Design Performance Analysis, Maintenance and Troubleshooting. You will learn the importance of surveying a site and how to carry out a survey, how to use the tools that determine shading and annual production, and the necessity of safety on site. This guide also includes technical math and equations that are suitable and understandable to those without engineering degrees, but are necessary in understanding the principles of solar PV. This new edition of Sean White’s highly successful study guide has been updated throughout and reflects recent changes in the industry.

Whether or not you are taking the NABCEP Entry Level Exam, learning the material covered in this book is the best investment you can make towards your place in the solar industry. This book explains the science of photovoltaics (PV) in a way that most people can understand using the curriculum which reflects the core modules of the NABCEP Entry Level Exam. Providing complete coverage of the NABCEP syllabus in easily accessible chapters, addressing all of the core objectives that will aid in passing the PV Entry Level Exam including the ten main skill sets: PV Markets and Applications Safety Basics Electricity Basics Solar Energy Fundamentals PV Module Fundamentals System Components PV System Sizing Principles PV System Electrical Design PV System Mechanical Design Performance Analysis, Maintenance and Troubleshooting You will learn the importance of and how to survey a site, how to use the tools that determine shading and annual production, and the importance of safety on site. With technical math and equations that are suitable and understandable to those without engineering degrees, but are necessary in understanding the principles of solar PV. This study guide is written by Sean White an IREC certified Solar PV Master Trainer, Electrician, Professor and Installer. Sean has prepared thousands of students to take the NABCEP Solar PV Entry Level Exam.

This thoroughly revised text, now in its third edition, continues to provide a detailed discussion on all the aspects of solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies from physics of solar cells to manufacturing technologies, solar PV system design and their applications. The Third Edition includes a new chapter on “Advances in c-Si Cell Processes Suitable for Near Future Commercialization” (Chapter 8) to introduce the technological advancement in the commercial production to keep the readers up to date. Organized in three parts, Part I introduces the fundamental principles of solar cell operation and design, Part II explains various technologies to fabricate solar cells and PV modules and Part III focuses on the use of solar photovoltaics as part of the system for providing electrical energy. In addition to this, numerous chapter-end exercises are given to reinforce the understanding of the subject. The text is intended for the undergraduate and postgraduate students of engineering for their courses on solar photovoltaic technologies and renewable energy technologies. The book is of immense use for teachers, researchers and professionals working in the photovoltaic field. In a nutshell, this book is an absolute must-read for all those who want to understand and apply the basics behind photovoltaic devices and systems.

The NABCEP PV Installation Professional Exam is the gold standard certification exam for PV professionals and is famously difficult to pass. This book will provide test-taking strategy that can be used to most effectively study for and pass the exam. Code and theory is explained in the first half and will prove as useful background for the heart of the book which consists of practice exam questions and detailed explanations of the answers. It also contains essential strategy tools, short term memory tips and recommended reading which will be invaluable for anyone studying for the exam. The material in this book is not limited to those taking the exam as it will also be, more broadly, important for career progression and helping the reader to work safely with code compliant PV systems.

This book provides a broad overview on the different aspects of solar energy, with a focus on photovoltaics, which is the technology that allows light energy to be converted into electric energy. Renewable energy sources have become increasingly popular in recent years, and solar is one of the most adaptable and attractive types – from solar farms to support the National Grid to roof panels/tiles used for solar thermal heating systems, and small solar garden lights. Written by Delft University researchers, Solar Energy uniquely covers both the physics of photovoltaic (PV) cells and the design of PV systems for real-life applications, from a concise history of solar cells components and location issues of current systems. The book is designed to make this complicated subject accessible to all, and is packed with fascinating graphs and charts, as well as useful exercises to cement the topics covered in each chapter. Solar Energy outlines the fundamental principles of semiconductor solar cells, as well as PV technology: crystalline silicon solar cells, thin-film cells, PV modules, and third-generation concepts. There is also background on PV systems, from simple stand-alone to complex systems connected to the grid. This is an invaluable reference for physics students, researchers, industrial engineers and designers working in solar energy generation, as well those with a general interest in renewable energy.

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 PV systems.

Designing with Solar Power is the result of international collaborative research and development work carried out within the framework of the International Energy Agency's Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) and performed within its Task 7 on 'Photovoltaic power systems in the built environment'. Each chapter of this precisely detailed and informative book has been prepared by an international expert in a specific area related to the development, use and application of building-integrated photovoltaics (BiPV). Chapters not only cover the basics of solar power and electrical concepts, but also investigate the ways in which photovoltaics can be integrated into the design and creation of buildings equipped for the demands of the 21st century. The potential for BiPV, in both buildings and other structures, is explored together with broader issues such as market deployment, and international marketing and government strategies. In addition, more than 20 contemporary international case studies describe in detail how building-integrated photovoltaics have been applied to new and existing buildings, and discuss the architectural and technical quality, and the success of various strategies. Packed with photographs and illustrations, this book is an invaluable companion for architects, builders, designers, engineers, students and all involved with the exciting possibilities of building-integrated photovoltaics.

Energy Storage Basics closely covers the basics of energy storage in the form of a study guide. It is meant for energy professionals and a technical audience interested in understanding the concepts of electricity, renewables, and energystorage solutions. The important concepts will be covered and defined, and readers will have a chance to test themselves at the end of each chapter.The last decade has shown incredible progress in the world's transition towards a clean energy future. Today, the most competitive levelized costs of electricity, which refers to the cost of generating electricity and operating a power plant, is large scale grid-connected solar photovoltaics systems.As the world transitions towards clean energy, new challenges will emerge that need to be addressed. Renewable energy such as solar and wind energy are intermittent and non-continuous, which makes its output unpredictable and consequently makes managing energy loads a challenge.As intermittent renewable energy contributes to an ever larger proportion of our energy consumption, energy storage will play an important role in managing loads within the electricity grid. More specifically, energy storage will providegrid operators and utilities with the flexibility to deploy energy in response to their needs. Also, energy storage will allow residential and commercial industrial consumers to generate their own electricity and operate outside of the electric grid - what we often call 'behind the meter'.Energy storage systems, also referred to in this book as ESS, we believe is the holy grail for this clean energy transition.