Grid-connected Solar Electric Systems: The Earthscan Expert Handbook for Planning, Design and Installation [Paperback]

1. Introduction  2. Solar Radiation  3. Photovoltaic Technology and Industry  4. PV Cells, Modules and Arrays  5. Inverters and Balance of System Components  6. Mounting Structures  7. Site Assessment  8. System Design  9. System Sizing  10. System Installation  11. Commissioning  12. Operation & Maintenance  13. Marketing and Economics  14. Case Studies Glossary Resources and References

Solar electricity  or photovoltaics (PV)  is the world's fastest growing energy technology. It can be used on a wide variety of scales, from single dwellings to utility-scale solar farms providing power for whole communities. It can be integrated into existing electricity grids with relative simplicity, meaning that in times of low solar energy users can continue to draw power from the grid, while power can be fed or sold back into the grid at a profit when their electricity generation exceeds the amount they are using. The falling price of the equipment combined with various incentive schemes around the world have made PV into a lucrative low carbon investment, and as such demand has never been higher for the technology, and for people with the expertise to design and install systems.

This Expert handbook provides a clear introduction to solar radiation, before proceeding to cover:

• electrical basics and PV cells and modules



• inverters



• design of grid-connected PV systems



• system installation and commissioning



• maintenance and trouble shooting



• health and safety&ll³A