Solar Electricity
Description:... Photovoltaics, the direct conversion of light into electricity, is set to become an important means of power generation. The environmental benefits provided by solar electricity are manifest. This book explains the history, present status and future of this exciting renewable energy source. All aspects of photovoltaics are considered with strong emphasis given to practical applications. This comprehensive text: . Provides an analysis of the geographical effects of solar electricity. Readers are shown how the available solar radiation data can be used to determine the solar energy supply for a given location. Considers the principles of photovoltaic energy conversion alongside the solar cell operation in practice. The manufacture of the most commonly used solar cells - crystalline silicon and thin films - is described in detail. Describes photovoltaic engineering, taking a look at the structure of a photovoltaic system, photovoltaic generator, energy storage, power conditioning and control, and the question of sizing. Deals with the environmental impacts of photovoltaic technology. The environmental costs of photovoltaics and the need for environmental assessment of energy sources are analysed in detail. Discusses a range of important advanced topics such as: large photovoltaic systems, photovoltaics under concentrated sunlight, and the hydrogen economy. Includes useful self-assessment question and answer sections at the end of each chapter. Written by a team of experts in the field, this text will appeal to advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students in power engineering, mechanical engineering and physics. Practising power engineers will also find this comprehensive text aninvaluable reference source.
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