Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules are able to utilize light from both sides and can therefore significantly increase the electric yield of PV power plants, thus reducing the cost and improving profitability. Bifacial PV technology has a huge potential to reach a major market share, in particular when considering utility scale PV plants. Accordingly, bifacial PV is currently attracting increasing attention from involved engineers, scientists and investors.

This book begins with an introduction to bifacial solar cells and goes on to look at design, characterisation, reliability; energy yield prediction simulation models; PV systems and yield data (bifacial gain); levelized cost of PV-generated electricity; PV technologies market introduction and their bankability; geographic location and environmental conditions relating to bifacial gain; and prospects for the future.

This leading-edge volume on advances in photovoltaic technology features diverse contributions from experts in every major geographic PV market. It examines emerging applications such as electricity grid load-balancing and demand- response, PV storage systems, photovoltaic/thermal solar collectors and carbon-offset in buildings. Engineers, researchers, developers and students alike will find new avenues for exploration and fresh insights into this continually evolving field. Highlights the most recent advances in Photovoltaics, from Next-Gen Storage Systems to Bifacial PV/T Solar Collectors; Provides expert insights on the recent evolution and near future of PV markets around the globe; Covers applications from grid-tied storage and power generation to green buildings.

The photovoltaic (PV) industry has seen recent unprecedented growth in interest around the world. Many see this clean and abundant technology as the perfect power of the future. Written for those new to the industry, Introduction to Photovoltaics provides readers with an overview of PV principles and concepts and lays the groundwork for future study. With a focus on the fundamentals, this text highlights the components, system types, business aspects, and the future of this advancing industry. It provides readers with a solid foundation for continuing a PV-related career.

A bird's-eye view of the developmental trends and problems of recent photovoltaics is presented. The worldwide effort to develop high-efficiency low-cost PV modules, making use of most efficient solar cells and clever low-cost solar concentrators is described.

The new edition of this thoroughly considered textbook provides a reliable, accessible and comprehensive guide for students of photovoltaic applications and renewable energy engineering. Written by a group of award-winning authors it is brimming with information and is carefully designed to meet the needs of its readers. Along with exercises and references at the end of each chapter, it features a set of detailed technical appendices that provide essential equations, data sources and standards. The new edition has been fully updated with the latest information on photovoltaic cells, modules, applications and policy. Starting from basics with 'The Characteristics of Sunlight' the reader is guided step-by-step through semiconductors and p-n junctions; the behaviour of solar cells; cell properties and design; and PV cell interconnection and module fabrication. The book covers stand-alone photovoltaic systems; specific purpose photovoltaic systems; remote area power supply systems; grid-connected photovoltaic systems and water pumping. Applied Photovoltaics is highly illustrated and very accessible, providing the reader with all the information needed to start working with photovoltaics.

The most comprehensive, authoritative and widely cited reference on photovoltaic solar energy Fully revised and updated, the Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering, Second Edition incorporates the substantial technological advances and research developments in photovoltaics since its previous release. All topics relating to the photovoltaic (PV) industry are discussed with contributions by distinguished international experts in the field. Significant new coverage includes: three completely new chapters and six chapters with new authors device structures, processing, and manufacturing options for the three major thin film PV technologies high performance approaches for multijunction, concentrator, and space applications new types of organic polymer and dye-sensitized solar cells economic analysis of various policy options to stimulate PV growth including effect of public and private investment Detailed treatment covers: scientific basis of the photovoltaic effect and solar cell operation the production of solar silicon and of silicon-based solar cells and modules how choice of semiconductor materials and their production influence costs and performance making measurements on solar cells and modules and how to relate results under standardised test conditions to real outdoor performance photovoltaic system installation and operation of components such as inverters and batteries. architectural applications of building-integrated PV Each chapter is structured to be partially accessible to beginners while providing detailed information of the physics and technology for experts. Encompassing a review of past work and the fundamentals in solar electric science, this is a leading reference and invaluable resource for all practitioners, consultants, researchers and students in the PV industry.