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.

Providing designers, installers and managers with the tools and methods for the effective writing of technical reports and the ability to calculate, install and maintain the necessary components of photovoltaic energy.

Solar PV is now the third most important renewable energy source, after hydro and wind power, in terms of global installed capacity. Bringing together the expertise of international PV specialists Photovoltaic Solar Energy: From Fundamentals to Applications provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of existing PV technologies in conjunction with an assessment of technological developments. Key features: Written by leading specialists active in concurrent developments in material sciences, solar cell research and application-driven R&D. Provides a basic knowledge base in light, photons and solar irradiance and basic functional principles of PV. Covers characterization techniques, economics and applications of PV such as silicon, thin-film and hybrid solar cells. Presents a compendium of PV technologies including: crystalline silicon technologies; chalcogenide thin film solar cells; thin-film silicon based PV technologies; organic PV and III-Vs; PV concentrator technologies; space technologies and economics, life-cycle and user aspects of PV technologies. Each chapter presents basic principles and formulas as well as major technological developments in a contemporary context with a look at future developments in this rapidly changing field of science and engineering. Ideal for industrial engineers and scientists beginning careers in PV as well as graduate students undertaking PV research and high-level undergraduate students.

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.

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

This book presents a detailed description, analysis, comparison of the latest research and developments in photovoltaic energy. Discussing everything from semiconductors to system integration, and applying various advanced technologies to stand alone and electric utility interfaced in normal and abnormal operating conditions of PV systems, this book provides a thorough introduction to the topic. This book brings together research from around the world, covering the use of technologies such as embedded systems, the Internet of things and blockchain technologies for PV systems for different applications including controllers, solar trackers and cooling systems. The book is of interest to electronic and mechanical engineers, researchers and students in the field of photovoltaics.

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.