Power from the Sun - 2nd Edition

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Solar ElectricityAn Overview of Solar SystemsApplicationsPower and Energy: What's the Difference?World Solar Energy ResourcesWhat the Critics Say Availability and Variability Aesthetics CostThe Advantages of Solar Electric SystemsPurpose of this BookOrganization of this BookChapter 2: Understanding the Sun and Solar EnergyUnderstanding Solar RadiationIrradianceIrradiationDirect vs. Diffuse RadiationPeak Sun, Peak Sun Hours, and InsolationThe Sun and the Earth: Understanding the RelationshipsDay Length and Altitude Angle: The Earth's Tilt and OrbitAround the SunImplications of Sun-Earth Relationships on Solar InstallationsConclusionChapter 3: Understanding Solar ElectricityBrief History of PVsWhat is a PV Cell? The Nature of Light Conductors, Semiconductors, and Insulators How Solar Cells Work Types of PV Monocrystalline PVs Polycrystalline PV Cells Ribbon Polycrystalline PV Adding the N-Layer Thin-Film Technology Rating PV Modules and Sizing PV Systems Advancements in PV -- What's on the Horizon? Building Integrated PVs Light-absorbing Dyes Organic Solar Cells Bifacial Solar Cells Concentrating PV Conclusion: Should You Wait for the Latest, Greatest New Technology?Chapter 4: Solar Site AssessmentAssessing Electrical DemandAssessing Electrical Demand in Existing StructuresAssessing Electrical Demand in New Buildings Measuring Phantom LoadsConservation and Efficiency First!Sizing A Solar Electric System Sizing a Grid-Connected SystemSizing an Off-Grid System Sizing a Grid-Connected System with Battery Back UpDoes a Solar Electric System Make Economic Sense?Cost of Electricity ComparisonCalculating Return on Investment Discounting and Net Present Value: Comparing Discounted CostsAlternative Financing for PV SystemsPutting It All TogetherChapter 5: Solar Electric Systems - What are Your Options?Grid-connected PV SystemsThe Pros and Cons of Grid-connected Systems.Grid-connected Systems with Battery Backup Pros and Cons of Grid-connected Systems with Battery Backup.Off-Grid (Stand-alone) SystemsPros and Cons of Off-Grid Systems.Hybrid SystemsChoosing a PV SystemChapter 6: Understanding Inverters 1. Do You Need an Inverter?2. How Does an Inverter Create AC Electricity?2. The Conversion of DC to AC 2. Increasing the Voltage2. Square Wave, Modified Square Wave, and Sine Wave Electricity1. Types of Inverters2. Grid-Connected Inverters2. Off-Grid Inverters3.Battery Charging3. Abnormal Voltage Protection 3, High-Voltage Protection2. Multifunction Inverters1. Buying an Inverter2. Type of Inverter2. System Voltage2. Modified Square Wave vs. Sine Wave2. Output Power, Surge Capacity, and Efficiency 2. Noise and Other Considerations1. ConclusionChapter 7: Batteries, Charge Controllers, and Gen-Sets1. Lead-Acid Batteries2. How Lead-Acid Batteries Work2. Will Any Type of Lead-Acid Battery Work?2. Can I Use a Fork Lift, Golf Cart, or Marine Battery?2. What About Used Batteries?1. Sealed Batteries1. Wiring a Battery Bank1. Sizing a Battery Bank2. Reducing the Size of Battery Banks1. Battery Maintenance and Safety2. Keep Them Warm2. Ventilating Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries2. Battery Boxes2. Keep Kids Out1. Managing Charge to Ensure Longer Battery Life 2. Watering and Cleaning Batteries 2. Equalization2. Reducing Battery Maintenance 1. Charge Controllers2. How Does a Charge Controller Prevent Overcharging?2. Why is Overcharge Protection so Important?2. Overdischarge Protection2. What Else do Charge Controllers Do? 2. Additional Considerations1. Generators2. What Are Your Options?{SH3}Controlling Noise{SH3}2. Other Features to Look For1. Living with Batteries and GeneratorsChapter 8: Mounting a PV Array for Maximum Output 1. What Are Your Options? 2. Pole Mounts - Fixed and Tracking Arrays2. Pros and Cons of Pole-Mounted Arrays2. Installing a Pole-Mounted Array (Overview)1. Rack Mounts2. Pros and Cons of Rack Mounting2. Installing a Rack (Overview)2. Standoff Mount2. Pros and Cons of Standoff Mounts2. Installing a Standoff System1. Building Integrated PVs2. Laminate PVs for Standing-Seam Metal Roof2. Pros and Cons of PVL1. Building Integrated PVs2. Laminate PVs for Standing-Seam Metal Roof3. Installing PV Laminate3. Pros and Cons of PVL2. Solar Tiles3. Installing Solar Roof Tiles3. Pros and Cons of Solar Tiles2. Solarscapes 3. Pros and Cons of Solarscaping1. Conclusion Chapter 9:Final Considerations: Permits, Covenants, Utility Interconnection, and Buying a System1. Permitting a PV System2. Securing a Permit1. Covenants and Neighborhood Concerns1. Connecting to the Grid: Working with Your Local Utility 2. Getting Through to the Utility 2. Working through the Details 2. Fostering a Productive Relationship 2. Making the Connection 1. Insurance Requirements2. Insuring Against Property Damage 2. Liability Coverage 1. Buying a PV System1. Parting Thoughts