How to use this book : an overview of solar electric technology -- Fundamentals of solar energy -- Solar cell modules -- Batteries -- Charge controllers, inverters and load management -- Lamps and appliances -- Wiring and fittings -- Planning an off-grid solar electric system -- Installing solar electric systems -- Managing, maintaining and servicing off-grid PV systems -- Basics of large off-grid systems -- Off-grid PV and solar energy resources.

Off Grid Solar is a pocket guide and quick reference for anyone looking to build an electrical energy system using free sunshine available to us all. Are you a self-reliant builder who is ready to become energy independent? Are you an inquisitive builder who wants to know how solar energy can power your life indefinitely?

First Published in 2011. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Standalone Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for Disaster Relief and Remote Areas explores the increased demand for energy, including clean energy alternatives and the ways that solar energy is fast becoming a vital source for meeting peak demand, a solution for energy demand in disaster and remote areas, and a viable source to meet emerging energy security needs. The book provides a detailed overview of PV systems and applications for disaster and remote areas, and includes a guide on how to provide electricity during outages, along with important discussions on the need for increasing the resilience of the grid. The differences and requirements for standalone, mobile, and portable PV systems are discussed, along with how systems can be deployed, transported, and used in remote areas. In addition, the book discusses the use of solar PV systems to create environmentally friendly power systems for remote communities that can be operated independently, also comparing the costs, emissions, and practical applications of other technologies. Types of natural disasters, their effect on peoples’ lives, on world economy, impact on electric grid and costs of power outages Energy Needs in the aftermath of disasters and remote areas both in developed and developing Countries, including how PV systems can provide electricity affordably, with resilience and reducing grid impact by way of community solar and solar microgrid Detailed description of the types and components of standalone photovoltaic systems, modeling and simulation and performance analysis New initiatives, programs and case studies for providing solar-generated electricity to low-income people both in the United States and the developing world at low cost Examples of assembling one’s own PV module and dye-sensitized solar cells, results, databases and industry standards

This book is about making solar electricity available to people in rural Africa. It describes how, with guidance from an electrician, anyone can adapt a solar electric system to their own needs. Thirteen chapters cover the following essential solar electric topics: estimating local solar resource; solar electric, battery, and charge controller choice and technology; choosing lamps, appliances and small tools; low voltage wiring principles and practice; planning, installing and maintaining a system. The revised edition has added a new chapter with information and resources about the solar electric industry in East and Southern Africa. The book also includes planning worksheets, wiring guides, meteorological information and well-illustrated examples.

For the building industry, the installation of photovoltaic systems has become a new field of activity. Interest in solar energy is growing and future business prospects are excellent. Photovoltaics for Professionals describes the practicalities of marketing, designing and installing photovoltaic systems, both grid-tied and stand-alone. It has been written for electricians, technicians, builders, architects and building engineers who want to get involved in this expanding industry. It answers all the beginner's questions as well as serving as a textbook and work of reference, provides designers and installers with practical specialist knowledge needed to design and install high quality solar electric systems and gives a comprehensive overview of the major photovoltaic market sectors. Photovoltaics for Professionals contains over 100 full colour illustrations and covers: Marketing and promoting photovoltaics Solar cells, PV modules and the solar resource Grid-tied PV systems Stand-alone PV systems Practical step-by-step examples are described of how to go about installing systems right from the first customer contact and many useful tips are given to help avoid mistakes.

This book provides students and practicing engineers with a comprehensive guide to off-grid electrification: from microgrids and energy kiosks to solar home systems and solar lanterns. As the off-grid electrification industry grows, universities are starting and expanding courses and programs in humanitarian engineering and appropriate technology. However, there is no textbook that serves this growing market. This book fills that gap by providing a technical foundation of off-grid electrical systems, putting into context the technical aspects for developing countries, and discussing best practices by utilizing real-world data. Chapters expertly integrate the technical aspects of off-grid systems with lessons learned from industry-practitioners taking a pragmatic, data-driven perspective. A variety of off-grid systems and technologies are discussed, including solar, wind, hydro, generator sets, biomass systems, battery storage and converters. Realistic examples, case studies and practical considerations from actual systems highlight the interaction of off-grid systems with the economic, environmental, social and broader development aspects of rural electrification. Whole chapters are dedicated to the operation and control of mini-grids, load and resource estimation, and design of off-grid systems. Special topics focused on electricity access in developing countries are included, such as energy use in rural communities, technical and economic considerations of grid extension, electricity theft, metering, and best practices devoted to common problems. Each chapter is instructor friendly and contains illustrative examples and problems that reinforce key concepts. Complex, open-ended design problems throughout the book challenge the reader to think critically and deeply. The book is appropriate for use in advanced undergraduate and graduate courses related to electrical and energy engineering, humanitarian engineering, and appropriate technology. Provides a technical foundation of off-grid electrical systems; Contextualizes the technical aspects for developing countries; Captures the current and state-of-the art in this rapidly developing field.