Introduction to Photovoltaics

Introduction to Photovoltaics

by John R. Balfour
Released November 2011
Publisher(s): Jones & Bartlett Learning
ISBN: 9781449624743

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Book description


Part of the Art and Science of Photovoltaics Series

The photovoltaic (PV) industry has seen recent unprecedented growth in interest around the world. Many see this clean and abundant technology as the perfect power of the future. Written for those new to the industry, Introduction to Photovoltaics provides readers with an overview of PV principles and concepts and lays the groundwork for future study. With a focus on the fundamentals, this text highlights the components, system types, business aspects, and the future of this advancing industry. It provides readers with a solid foundation for continuing a PV-related career.

About the Series:

The Photovoltaics (PV) industry stands on the brink of a revolution. The appeal of a new and growing industry has brought an influx of new PV professionals to the market, but the availability of educational resources has not kept pace with market demands. This gap has led to serious quality and performance issues that the industry will need to face in the decades ahead.

The Art and Science of Photovoltaics series was developed to fill this education gap. Each book in the series goes beyond simple systematic processes by tackling performance challenges using a systems perspective. Readers do not learn PV design and installation steps in a vacuum; instead they gain the knowledge and expertise to understand interrelationships and discover new ways to improve their own systems and positively contribute to the industry.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title
  3. Copyright
  4. Brief Contents
  5. Contents (1/2)
  6. Contents (2/2)
  7. Preface
  8. Chapter 1 Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems
    1. The History of Solar Electric Power
    2. Capturing the Power of the Sun
    3. Solar Electric or Photovoltaic Systems
    4. The Benefits of Solar Energy
    5. The Reasons People Buy Solar
    6. The Costs of Photovoltaic Electricity
    7. Circumstances When PV Systems Are Appropriate
      1. Reasons for Selecting a PV System
      2. Guidelines for Deciding Whether a PV System Is Appropriate
    8. World Solar Energy Resources and Availability
      1. Availability
    9. Photovoltaic Industry
      1. Recent Global Market Growth
    10. Advantages of a PV System
    11. Applications
    12. Chapter 1 Summary
    13. Key Concepts and Terms
    14. Chapter 1 Assessment
  9. Chapter 2 Our Solar Resource
    1. What Is Solar Radiation?
      1. Irradiance
      2. Irradiation
      3. Direct vs. Diffuse Radiation
      4. Peak Sun, Peak Sun Hours, and Insolation
    2. The Nature of Light
    3. The Relationship Between the Sun and the Earth
      1. Motion of the Sun
      2. Day Length
      3. Altitude Angle
      4. Angle Definition
      5. Ground Reflection
      6. Implications for Solar Installation
    4. Chapter 2 Summary
    5. Key Concepts and Terms
    6. Chapter 2 Assessment
  10. Chapter 3 Solar Energy Fundamentals
    1. Introduction to Photovoltaic Technology
    2. Insulators and Conductors
    3. Semiconductors
    4. The PV Cell
      1. Fabrication Materials for Solar Cells and Panels
      2. How Solar Cells Function
      3. Effect of Light
      4. Spectral Response
      5. Effect of Temperature
      6. Efficiencies
      7. Optical Losses
      8. Recombination Losses
      9. Top Contact Design
      10. Laboratory Cells vs. Industry Requirements
      11. The Laser-Grooved, Buried-Contact Solar Cells
    5. Solar Cell Types
      1. Monocrystalline Silicon
      2. Thin-Film Technology
      3. Amorphous Silicon
      4. Polycrystalline Silicon
      5. Atomic Structure Examples
      6. Front Contacts
      7. Back Contacts
      8. Positively Grounded Back Contact
      9. High-Performance Cells
      10. Concentrating Systems
      11. Comparison of Solar Cell Types and Trends
    6. Electrical Properties of Solar Cells
    7. Solar Cell Performance
      1. Critical Design and Performance Parameters
      2. Solar Cell Design Guidelines
      3. Solar Cell Classifications
      4. Low-Cost, High-Efficiency Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell Devices
      5. Silicon Point-Contact Concentrator Solar Cells
      6. V-Groove Multijunction (VGMJ) Solar Cells
      7. Techniques to Enhance Conversion Efficiencies of Solar Cells
    8. Module and Circuit Design
      1. PV Module
      2. Identical Cells
      3. I-V Curve
      4. Nonidentical Modules
      5. Hot-Spot Heating
      6. Module Structure
      7. Environmental Protection
      8. Electrical Insulation
      9. Thermal Considerations
      10. Standard Test Conditions (STC)
      11. Mechanical Protection
      12. Degradation and Failure Modes
      13. Embodied Energy and Life Cycle Issues
    9. Chapter 3 Summary
    10. Key Concepts and Terms
    11. Chapter 3 Assessment
  11. Chapter 4 System Types
    1. Solar Electric System Basics
      1. Solar Energy Basics
      2. Mounting Systems
      3. System Life and Maintenance
      4. Permit Requirements
      5. PV Applications Defined
      6. Standalone Systems
    2. Grid-Connected Systems
      1. Connecting a PV System to the Utility Grid
      2. Pros and Cons of Grid-Connected Systems
      3. The Basics
      4. System Sizing and Annual Output
      5. Reducing Demand
      6. Utility-Interactive Inverters
      7. The Meter
      8. When the Grid Goes Down
      9. Savings on the Utility Bill
      10. What Is Net Metering?
      11. What Is an Interconnection Agreement?
      12. Obtaining an Interconnection Agreement
      13. Location
      14. Elevation and Customization
      15. Average Daily and Annual Production
      16. Preventive Maintenance
    3. Grid-Connected Systems with Battery Backup
      1. Pros and Cons
    4. Off-Grid Standalone Systems
      1. Pros and Cons
      2. The Basics
      3. System Sizing
      4. Load Analysis
      5. Efficiency and Phantom Loads
      6. Reducing Demand
      7. Locating the System
      8. Orientation, Elevation, and Customization
      9. Inverter and Backup Power
      10. Batteries
      11. Charge Controllers
    5. Hybrid Systems
    6. Chapter 4 Summary
    7. Key Concepts and Terms
    8. Chapter 4 Assessment
  12. Chapter 5 PV Panels and Arrays
    1. PV Panels, Arrays, and Modules
      1. Arrays
    2. Modules
      1. Cell Stringing
      2. Cell Encapsulation
      3. Types of Modules or Panels
      4. Design Possibilities for PV Modules
      5. Noise-Protection Modules
    3. Pole-Mounted Arrays
      1. Pros and Cons of Pole-Mounted Arrays
    4. Rack Mounts
      1. Pros and Cons of Rack Mounts
    5. PV Laminates
      1. Pros and Cons of PV Laminates
    6. Solar Tiles
      1. Pros and Cons of Solar Tiles
    7. Solar Canopies and Shades
      1. Pros and Cons of Solar Canopies and Shades
    8. Chapter 5 Summary
    9. Key Concepts and Terms
    10. Chapter 5 Assessment
  13. Chapter 6 Inverters
    1. The Role of Inverters
      1. What Is an Inverter?
      2. Types of Inverters
      3. Methods of Operation
      4. Grid-Controlled Inverters
      5. Self-Commutated Inverters
      6. Buying an Inverter
    2. Output Power
    3. Surge Capacity
    4. Efficiency
    5. Cooling an Inverter
    6. Battery Chargers
    7. Stackability
    8. Chapter 6 Summary
    9. Key Concepts and Terms
    10. Chapter 6 Assessment
  14. Chapter 7 Introduction to Energy Storage Systems
    1. Energy Storage Systems
    2. Batteries in Standalone PV Systems
      1. Construction and Operating Principles of Lead-Acid Batteries
      2. Types and Designs of Lead-Acid Batteries
      3. Operating Behavior and Characteristics of Lead-Acid Batteries
      4. Aging Effects
      5. Selection Criteria
      6. Battery Safety and Maintenance
      7. Recycling
    3. Understanding Lead Batteries and How They Work
      1. How Lead-Acid Batteries Work
    4. What Kind of Battery Should You Use?
    5. Sealed Batteries
    6. Charge Controllers
      1. Series Controllers
      2. Shunt Controllers (Parallel Controllers)
      3. Temperature Sensor
      4. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Charge Controllers
    7. Generators
      1. What Are Your Options?
      2. Living With Generators
    8. Chapter 7 Summary
    9. Key Concepts and Terms
    10. Chapter 7 Assessment
  15. Chapter 8 Balance of System
    1. What Makes Up the Balance of System
    2. Rating and Certification of PV Modules
    3. Sizing PV Systems
    4. Balance of System Equipment
      1. Direct-Current System Equipment
      2. Alternating-Current System Equipment
      3. Cabling, Wiring, and Connection Systems (1/2)
      4. Cabling, Wiring, and Connection Systems (2/2)
      5. Maximum Power Point Tracking
    5. Balancing Standalone Systems
      1. Sizing Standalone Inverters
    6. Chapter 8 Summary
    7. Key Concepts and Terms
    8. Chapter 8 Assessment
  16. Chapter 9 The Business of Photovoltaics and Economics
    1. Cost Estimates and the Economics of Photovoltaics
      1. How Much Does a PV System Cost?
      2. Cost Estimates for Solar Modules, Panels, and Systems
      3. Economic Assessment: Power Production Costs
      4. Cost of Electricity Comparison
      5. Calculating Return on Investment (ROI)
      6. Are Incentives Available to Help Reduce My Costs?
      7. How Can I Finance My PV System?
    2. The Business of Photovoltaics
      1. Customer Orientation
      2. NEC and Local Codes
      3. The Iceberg Principle
      4. The Pull Concept
      5. Systematic Marketing (1/2)
      6. Systematic Marketing (2/2)
    3. Environmental Issues
      1. Using Solar to Generate Electricity
      2. Estimation of Greenhouse Gas Contents in Various Energy Sources
      3. Various Energy Sources
      4. Energy Payback and Harvest Factors
      5. Pollutants in the Production Process
      6. Module Recycling Concepts
    4. Chapter 9 Summary
    5. Key Concepts and Terms
    6. Chapter 9 Assessment
  17. Chapter 10 Future of Photovoltaics
    1. Cost Trends
    2. Technological Trends
    3. Building-Integrated Photovoltaics
    4. Are Light-Absorbing Dyes a Technology for the Future?
    5. Are Organic Solar Cells a Technology for the Future?
    6. Bifacial Solar Cells
    7. Concentrating PVs
    8. Is Triple Junction the PV of the Future?
    9. Should You Wait for the Latest Technology?
    10. The Path to a Career as a PV Professional
    11. Chapter 10 Summary
    12. Key Concepts and Terms
    13. Chapter 10 Assessment
  18. Answer Key
  19. Glossary (1/2)
  20. Glossary (2/2)
  21. References
  22. Index (1/3)
  23. Index (2/3)
  24. Index (3/3)

Product information

  • Title: Introduction to Photovoltaics
  • Author(s): John R. Balfour
  • Release date: November 2011
  • Publisher(s): Jones & Bartlett Learning
  • ISBN: 9781449624743