Photovoltaics: Fundamentals, Technology and Practice

A comprehensive andup–to–date tutorial on all aspects of photovoltaic technology Starting with the basic principles of solar energy, this practical text explains the fundamentals of semiconductor physics, and the structure and functioning of the solar cell. It describes current measurement techniques for solar modules, and the planning and operation of grid–connected and off–grid photovoltaic (PV) systems. Key features:  clarifies the technical and economic perspectives of PV energy generation, whilst providing an overview on the current economic status;  discusses the future development of PV, including efficient promotion instruments and price development;  each chapter contains various exercises and descriptive examples, with operation results from concrete PV plants;  an accompanying website hosting exercise solutions, links to further PV references, and free downloads of the figures and additional software at www.textbook–pv.org. For renewable energy undergraduate students, technicians and engineers wanting to know which technologies and concepts exist, how solar cells work and how to design a complete PV plant, this book is an essential reference. This is also a useful resource for PV installers, planners, operators, consultants, financers, potential energy investors and politicians.