The Solar Electricity Handbook is a practical and straightforward guide to using electric solar panels. Assuming no previous knowledge of solar panels, the book explains how solar panels work, how they can be used and explains the steps you need to take to successfully design and install a solar electric system from scratch using photovoltaic solar panels. Accompanying this book is a solar resource website containing lots of useful information, lists of suppliers and on-line solar energy calculators that will simplify the cost analysis and design processes. Readers can also get in touch with the author directly to ask questions and get further support with their solar projects.

First Published in 2011. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

How to use this book : an overview of solar electric technology -- Fundamentals of solar energy -- Solar cell modules -- Batteries -- Charge controllers, inverters and load management -- Lamps and appliances -- Wiring and fittings -- Planning an off-grid solar electric system -- Installing solar electric systems -- Managing, maintaining and servicing off-grid PV systems -- Basics of large off-grid systems -- Off-grid PV and solar energy resources.

Solar energy is an abundant resource. Once a curiosity, solar electric systems are becoming commonplace. As we transition away from finite and polluting fossil fuels, clean, reliable, and affordable renewable technologies such as solar electricity will become the mainstay of our energy supply. Solar Electricity Basics provides a clear understanding of the sun, solar energy, and solar electric systems. It discusses the theoretical, practical and economic aspects of residential solar installations including: Inverters Batteries and controllers Costs of solar electric systems Financial incentives System installation and maintenance Permits, covenants, utility interconnection and buying a system. Whether your goal is to lower your energy bill through a grid-connected system or to achieve complete energy independence, Solar Electricity Basics is the introduction you need-no PhD required!

Explains how solar panels work, how they can be used, and the steps you need to take to successfully design and install a solar electric system from scratch using photovoltaic solar panels. The accompanying website includes solar calculators and tools to simplify your solar electricity installation.

Solar energy is free, abundant and sustainable, with many methods existing to harness it. This guide is the essential introduction to the subject, explaining how the technologies work, how best they should be employed, and the costs and benefits of using them. It provides detailed yet accessible coverage of: passive solar building solar water heating solar space heating other solar thermal applications (such as cooling and desalination) grid-connected photovoltaics stand-alone photovoltaics. It also introduces the reader to larger scale applications such as concentrating solar power. Highly illustrated in full colour, this is the perfect primer for anyone who wants to work with or simply learn more about solar technologies.

Solar Energy is a wonderful concept. Take free energy from the sun and use it to power electrical equipment. No ongoing electricity bills, no reliance on an electricity socket. ‘Free’ electricity that does not harm the planet. Generating electricity from sunlight alone is a powerful resource, with applications and benefits throughout the world. But how does it work? What is it suitable for? How much does it cost? How do I install it? This best-selling, internet linked book answers all these questions and shows you how to use the power of the sun to generate electricity yourself. Now in its eleventh edition, this book assumes no previous knowledge. It explains the advantages of solar energy and the drawbacks you need to take into account. As well as explaining the underlying principles, it provides a step-by-step guide so that you can successfully design and install a solar energy system from scratch. The website that accompanies this book includes online solar calculators and tools to simplify your solar installation, ensuring that building your system is as straightforward and successful as possible. Readers can also get in touch directly with the author to ask questions and get further support with their solar projects.

Solar Domestic Water Heating is a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of solar domestic water heating systems. As fossil fuel prices continue to rise and awareness of climate change grows, interest in domestic solar water heating is expanding.Solar water heating technology is the most environmentally-friendly way to heat water. This fully-illustrated and easy-to-follow guide shows how domestic solar water heating systems work, the different types of systems, types of collectors, both flat plate and evacuated tube, types of storage tanks and other accessories. It also shows how systems are installed and explains how solar water heating can be integrated into existing water heating systems. Numerous examples from around the world have been included. The ideal guide for plumbers, heating engineers, builders and architects, housing and property developers, home owners and DIY enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a clear introduction to solar water heating technology.

A comprehensive training resource for producing electric power from the sun.