Covering technical design and construction aspects as well as financial analysis and risk assessment, this professional reference work provides a comprehensive overview of solar power technology. Whether or not you have a technology background, this essential guide will help you to understand the design, construction, financial analysis, and risk assessment of solar power technology. The first two chapters present an uncomplicated overview of solar power technology physics, solar cell technology, applications, and equipment. In subsequent chapters, readers are introduced to fundamental econometric analysis in such a way that will allow anyone, whether or not they have a background in finance, to become familiar with the fundamental costing and financing of large scale solar power programs. This book is essential reading for anyone involved with solar power project development, and is suitable for both graduate students and professionals.

Advances in Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Power Conversion Systems addresses the technological challenges of fluctuating and unreliable power supply in grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems to help students, researchers, and engineers work toward more PV installations in the grid to make society more sustainable and reliable while complying with grid regulations. The authors combine their extensive knowledge and experience in this book to address both the basics of the power electronic converter technology and the advances of such practical electric power conversion systems. This book includes extensive, step-by-step practical application examples to assist students and engineers to better understand the role of power electronics in modern PV applications and solve the practical issues in grid-connected PV systems. Offers a step-by-step modeling approach to solving the practical issues and technological challenges in grid-connected PV systems Provides practical application examples to assist the reader to better understand the role of power electronics in modern PV applications Extends to the most modern technologies for grid-friendly PV systems

Overviews operation, design, control and grid integration of photovoltaic energy Photovoltaic (PV) technology is one of the fastest growing energy technologies in the world, with the potential to become the most important renewable energy technology globally. Having reached grid parity in some countries, it is expected that the continuous reduction in system costs will continue to accelerate industry growth. As such, there is an increasing need for qualified professionals with more understanding of the design, operation, control, and grid integration aspects of photovoltaic power. Grid Connected Photovoltaic Power Systems contributes to this need, taking a uniquely holistic look at the generation and integration of photovoltaic energy into the grid. The key elements of the photovoltaic system are described, together with modelling and control methods. These are applied to exemplify the design and optimization of a PV power plant. Finally, the process for integrating the PV energy into the grid is detailed, including grid requirements, plant control and grid support functionalities. Key features: Overall view on PV power systems, from panels to grid integration. Comprehensive and structured overview of PV modelling and PV inverter technology. The latest grid integration requirements along with grid support functions. Additional material provided in the form of Matlab and PLECS simulation models, as well as a collection of slides, freely available via a companion website. Prepared by leading experts in energy conversion, this resource is essential reading for graduate students with a background in electrical engineering, as well as professionals in the PV systems industry.

This book illustrates theories in photovoltaic power generation, and focuses on the application of photovoltaic system, such as on-grid and off-grid system optimization design. The principle of the solar cell and manufacturing processes, the design and installation of PV system are extensively discussed in the book, making it an essential reference for graduate students in photovoltaic field and industrial engineers.

Continuous cost reduction of photovoltaic (PV) systems and the rise of power auctions resulted in the establishment of PV power not only as a green energy source but also as a cost-effective solution to the electricity generation market. Various commercial solutions for grid-connected PV systems are available at any power level, ranging from multi-megawatt utility-scale solar farms to sub-kilowatt residential PV installations. Compared to utility-scale systems, the feasibility of small-scale residential PV installations is still limited by existing technologies that have not yet properly address issues like operation in weak grids, opaque and partial shading, etc. New market drivers such as warranty improvement to match the PV module lifespan, operation voltage range extension for application flexibility, and embedded energy storage for load shifting have again put small-scale PV systems in the spotlight. This Special Issue collects the latest developments in the field of power electronic converter topologies, control, design, and optimization for better energy yield, power conversion efficiency, reliability, and longer lifetime of the small-scale PV systems. This Special Issue will serve as a reference and update for academics, researchers, and practicing engineers to inspire new research and developments that pave the way for next-generation PV systems for residential and small commercial applications.

The Definitive Guide to Large-Scale, Grid-Connected Solar Power System Design and Construction This GreenSource book provides comprehensive engineering design and construction guidelines for large-scale solar power system projects. Proven design methodologies are detailed installation diagrams are included in this practical resource. Large-Scale Solar Power System Design offers complete coverage of solar power system technologies and components, planning, cost estimates, financing, project management, safety, and testing. This authoritative guide fully addresses the complex technical and management issues associated with large-scale, grid-connected solar power system implementations. COVERAGE INCLUDES: Solar power system technologies, including photovoltaic and thin-film solar cells Solar power system physics Photovoltaic power system feasibility study Solar power system costing Solar power system design Large-scale solar power system construction Concentrator photovoltaic systems Solar power system project management Smart-grid systems Solar thermal power Solar power financing and feed-in tariff programs

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