Photovoltaic Systems

Photovoltaics, along with other renewable-energy technologies, is a rapidly growing sector of the energy market. Photovoltaic Systems is a comprehensive guide to the design, installation, and evaluation of residential and commercial photovoltaic (PV) systems. The textbook covers the principles of photovoltaics and how to effectively incorporate PV systems into stand-alone or interconnected electrical systems. The content includes system advantages and disadvantages, site evaluation, component operation, system design and sizing, and installation requirements and recommended practices. Common scenarios and procedures are discussed throughout. Specified electrical requirements are in accordance with the National Electrical Code®.

The Photovoltaic Systems CD-ROM included at the back of the book features interactive resources for independent study and to enhance learning, including Quick Quizzes®, an Illustrated Glossary, Media Clips, several solar resources, and Reference Material. The Quick Quizzes® provide an interactive review of key topics covered in each chapter. The Illustrated Glossary is a helpful reference to textbook definitions, with select terms linked to illustrations and media clips that augment the definition provided. 469 pp.

The solar resources are electronic resources for evaluating potential installation sites and for sizing PV systems, and include the following:

• Solar Radiation Data Sets, which include the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s complete solar radiation data for 239 sites around the United States in easily printable PDF format.
• Sun Path Charts, which are printable PDF charts of solar positions for selected latitudes. The related sun path chart spreadsheet can calculate additional charts as needed.
• Forms and Worksheets, including a sample site survey form and a set of sizing worksheets, all in PDF format. The sizing worksheets are also included in a spreadsheet file that automatically performs sizing calculations.
• Solar Time Calculator, which facilitates the conversion between standard time and solar time that is required for some solar analyses.

Content Highlights:

• Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems
• Solar Radiation
• Site Surveys and Preplanning
• System Components and Configurations
• Cells, Modules, and Arrays
• Batteries
• Charge Controllers
• Inverters
• System Sizing
• Mechanical Integration
• Electrical Integration
• Utility Interconnection
• Permitting and Inspection
• Commissioning, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
• Economic Analysis
• Appendix
• Glossary
• Index