Photovoltaic Systems Engineering, Second Edition

In just the last few years, the increase in worldwide photovoltaic (PV) shipments has grown from 15 to 25 percent per year. Grid-connected applications have surpassed stand-alone applications, system components have realized significant improvements, and major efforts are underway to build a quality control infrastructure for PV systems. Such rapid growth and evolution continues to put engineers skilled in PV systems at a premium.

Thoroughly updated, Photovoltaic Systems Engineering, Second Edition offers a practical engineering basis for PV system design. It provides quick exposure to all system building blocks, then examines both the whys and hows of the electrical, mechanical, economic, and aesthetic aspects of PV system design-why certain designs are done in certain ways and how the design process is implemented. Students mastering the contents of this book will have the engineering judgement needed to make intelligent decisions based on a clear understanding of the parameters involved in PV systems.

Highlights of the Second Edition:

Y Complete updates to each chapter that incorporate currently available system components and recent changes in codes and standards
Y Increased emphasis on design trade-offs and the design of grid-connected systems
Y New discussions on site evaluation, and battery connections
Y A new section on array mounting system design
Y A new section on utility interactive residential PV systems
Y A new section on curve fitting using Excel
Y A new appendix that presents a recommended format for submitting PV design packages for permitting or design review purposes
Y Examples and exercises replaced or modified to incorporate contemporary components, such as the Linear Current Booster

Customer Reviews:

Ok but I passed

By Kelly Thierman - May 15, 2007

This book only gives one a cursory look at designing systems but does not get into any practical depth. Most dissapointing was the complete lack of discussion as to the limitations of inverters in regard to their specific input voltage parameters and the matching of modules to inverters. It's a good overview for one who is serious about learning what PV systems are all about but is not detailed enough for practical design and implementation of a functional PV system.

good engineering overview of PV

By Avijit Goswami "sun god" - July 14, 2009

i found this book to be a good overview on all engineering aspects of photovoltaics & energy storage. the major part of the book covers the practical aspects while the last couple of chapters covers some of the theoretical aspects.
I would recommend this book to engineers who want to get a broad understanding of this field.

Sheds light on solar systems engineering

By Brian DeLacey - September 8, 2008

"Photovoltaic Systems Engineering" provides an outstanding overview of the topic: you'll learn what it takes to actually build solar powered systems. I purchased a number of books before finally finding this one - I wish I started here.

The first chapters provide background on world energy usage and the underlying science of the sun. Soon after you are reading about the major components of a photovoltaic system followed by eight examples and designs for real-world working systems. I found the examples to be clearly presented and most of the calculations proceeded easily from one step to the next. The many clear examples convey a better understanding of this material.

The practical value of this book grows with chapters on cost and mechanical considerations for any reader interested in building a cost-effective, reliable PV system.

For me, Chapter 7 on "Stand-Alone PV Systems" was the real highlight. This chapter brings together all of the previously... read more