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.

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.

Concise introduction to the basic principles of solar energy, photovoltaic (PV) systems, PV cells, PV measurement techniques, and grid connected systems, overviewing the potential of PV electricity for students and engineers new to the topic Starting with the basic principles of solar energy, this practical text explains the fundamentals of semiconductor physics and the structure and functioning of the solar cell. It describes current measurement techniques for solar modules, and the planning and operation of grid-connected and off-grid PV systems. Key features: clarifies the technical and economic perspectives of PV energy generation, whilst providing an overview on the current economic status discusses the future development of PV, including efficient promotion instruments and price development each chapter contains various exercises and descriptive examples, with operation results from concrete PV plants an accompanying website hosting exercise solutions, links to further PV references, and free downloads of the figures and additional software www.textbook-pv.org This is an essential text for renewable energy students, technicians and engineers wanting to know how solar cells work and how to design a complete PV plant. It is also a useful resource for PV installers, planners, operators, consultants, financers, potential energy investors and politicians.

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 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.

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

This comprehensive training manual discusses the various aspects of solar PV technologies and systems in a student-friendly manner. The text deals with the topics such as solar radiation, various types of batteries, their measurements and applications in SPV systems emphasiz-ing the importance of solar PV technology in renewable energy scenario. It also discusses the method of estimating energy requirement, SPV modules, their formations and connection to arrays, grid-connected SPV captive power systems, tips over troubleshooting of components used in solar PV system, and system designs with plenty of illustrations on all topics covered in the book. The text is supported by a large number of solved and unsolved examples, practical information using numerous diagrams and worksheet that help students understand the topics in a clear way. The text is intended for technicians, trainers and engineers who are working on solar PV systems for design, installation and maintenance of solar PV systems.

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!

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.