A new solar radiation data manual and new typical meterological years (TMYs) were developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Analytic Studies Division under the Solar Radiation Resource Assessment Project. These tasks were funded and monitored by the Photovoltaics Branch of the Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The new manual and the new TMYs were derived from the 1961-1990 National Solar Radiation Data Base (NSRDB). The new manual is entitled Solar Radiation Data Manual for Flat-Plate and Concentrating Collectors. It provides designers and engineers of solar-energy-related systems with average monthly and yearly solar radiation values for various types of collectors for 239 stations in the United States and its territories. The new TMY data sets are referred to as TMY2s. This distinguishes them from earlier TMY data sets derived from the 1952-1975 SOLMET/ERSATZ data base. This paper describes the new data manual and the new TMY2s.

Addressing the needs of engineers, energy planners, and policy makers, CRC Handbook of Energy Efficiency provides up-to-date information on all important issues related to efficient energy use, including: Efficient energy technologies Economics Utility restructuring Integrated resource planning Energy efficient building design Industrial energy conservation Wind energy Solar thermal systems Photovoltaics Renewable energy Cogeneration Fossil fuel cost projections The rapid changes that characterize the technology of energy generation systems, and the forthcoming competition among energy producers, make this handbook a must for anyone involved in the science, technology, or policy of energy. The 53 expert contributors from industry, government, and universities, and the 600+ figures and tables make CRC Handbook of Energy Efficiency a professional and valuable resource.

Presents solar radiation and climate summary data for selected locations across the United States. Includes technical background information, references, and information on interpreting the data tables. Highlights station descriptions and discusses solar radiation data for flat-plate and concentrating collectors. Offers other data formats and information on climatic conditions. Provides information on the method used to calculate the monthly and yearly averages of solar radiation for flat-plate and concentrating collectors.

Concentrator Photovoltaics (CPV) is one of the most promising technologies to produce solar electricity at competitive prices. High performing CPV systems with efficiencies well over 30% and multi-megawatt CPV plants are now a reality. As a result of these achievements, the global CPV market is expected to grow dramatically over the next few years reaching cumulative installed capacity of 12.5 GW by 2020. In this context, both new and consolidated players are moving fast to gain a strategic advantage in this emerging market. Written with clear, brief and self-contained technical explanations, Handbook of Concentrator Photovoltaic Technology provides a complete overview of CPV covering: the fundamentals of solar radiation, solar cells, concentrator optics, modules and trackers; all aspects of characterization and reliability; case studies based on the description of actual systems and plants in the field; environmental impact, market potential and cost analysis. CPV technology is at a key point of expansion. This timely handbook aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of all CPV scientific, technological and engineering background with a view to equipping engineers and industry professionals with all of the vital information they need to help them sustain the impetus of this encouraging technology. Key features: Uniquely combines an explanation of the fundamentals of CPV systems and components with an overview of the market place and their real-life applications. Each chapter is written by well-known industry specialists with extensive expertise in each particular field of CPV technology. Reviews the basic concepts of multi-junction solar cells and new concepts for CPV cells, highlighting the key differences between them. Demonstrates the state of the art of several CPV centres and companies. Facilitates future cost calculation models for CPV. Features extensive case studies in each chapter, including coverage of CPV modules and systems.