The U.S. Department of Energy now estimates a factor of 14 increase in grid-connected systems between 2009 and 2017, depending upon various factors such as incentives for renewables and availability and price of conventional fuels. With this fact in mind, Photovoltaic Systems Engineering, Third Edition presents a comprehensive engineering basis for photovoltaic (PV) system design, so engineers can understand the what, why, and how associated with the electrical, mechanical, economic, and aesthetic aspects of PV system design. Building on the popularity of the first two editions, esteemed authors Roger Messenger and Jerry Ventre explore the significant growth and new ideas in the PV industry. They integrate their experience in system design and installation gained since publication of the last edition. Intellectual tools to help engineers and students to understand new technologies and ideas in this rapidly evolving field The book educates about the design of PV systems so that when engineering judgment is needed, the engineer can make intelligent decisions based on a clear understanding of the parameters involved. This goal differentiates this textbook from the many design and installation manuals that train the reader how to make design decisions, but not why. The authors explain why a PV design is executed a certain way, and how the design process is actually implemented. In exploring these ideas, this cutting-edge book presents: An updated background of energy production and consumption Mathematical background for understanding energy supply and demand A summary of the solar spectrum, how to locate the sun, and how to optimize the capture of its energy Analysis of the components used in PV systems Also useful for students, the text is full of additional practical considerations added to the theoretical background associated with mechanical and structural design. A modified top-down approach organizes the material to quickly cover the building blocks of the PV system. The focus is on adjusting the parameters of PV systems to optimize performance. The last two chapters present the physical basis of PV cell operation and optimization. Presenting new problems based upon contemporary technology, this book covers a wide range of topics—including chemistry, circuit analysis, electronics, solid state device theory, and economics—this book will become a relied upon addition to any engineer’s library.

The primary purpose of PV Systems Engineering is to provide a comprehensive set of PV knowledge and understanding tools for the design, installation, commissioning, inspection, and operation of PV systems. During recent years in the United States, more PV capacity was installed than any other electrical generation source. In addition to practical system information, this new edition includes explanation of the basic physical principles upon which the technology is based and a consideration of the environmental and economic impact of the technology. The material covers all phases of PV systems from basic sunlight parameters to system commissioning and simulation, as well as economic and environmental impact of PV. With homework problems included in each chapter and numerous design examples of real systems, the book provides the reader with consistent opportunities to apply the information to real-world scenarios.

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

Fundamentals of Solar Cells and Photovoltaic Systems Engineering presents all the major topics relevant to understanding photovoltaic technology, including the working principles of solar cells, modeling and measuring solar radiation, manufacturing processes for solar cells and photovoltaic modules, the design and operation of rooftop installations and large-scale power plants, the economics of such systems, and the role of photovoltaic solar energy in the ongoing energy transition. This book is intended for use as a textbook on photovoltaic solar energy for upper-level undergraduate/graduate engineering students. Consists of 15 chapters, including basic theory, along with problems to solve and a solutions manual Provides a basic understanding of topics such as semiconductor fundamentals, the pn junction, and the working principle of solar cells for students without previous experience Covers the design and operation principles of rooftop installations and large-scale solar power plants Presents the IV curve and efficiency attained by solar cells, photovoltaic modules, and systems, how they are impacted by solar radiation and temperature, and how they can be measured

Photovoltaic Systems Engineering for Students and Professionals: Solved Examples and Applications examines photovoltaic (PV) power plants in a holistic way. PV installations of all types and sizes – from the smallest plant element to the largest system components – are approached from an electrical engineering perspective and further explained through worked examples. It presents the different forms of energy and the energy conversions between them in a clear and understandable way. This book is an essential resource for both students and practicing engineers working in the solar photovoltaic areas and critical work for all electrical engineers. Features: Includes over 100 worked examples and more than 80 end-of-chapter problems Presents systematic techniques and approaches to problem solving Includes PowerPoint presentations and a solutions manual for instructors Considers the effects of environmental conditions on the performance of PV systems Presents step-by-step design of photovoltaic systems of all sizes from scratch