An introduction to the fundamental science and engineering of solar energy technologies. Gives a concise and detailed review of solar energy and its interaction with materials, and discusses photovoltaic devices and solar thermal technologies like the solar chimney, solar (power) tower, flat plate water heater, and electricity generation.

Solar Energy is an authoritative reference on the design of solar energy systems in building projects, with applications, operating principles, and simple tools for the construction, engineering, and design professional. The book simplifies the solar design and engineering process, providing sample documentation and special tools that provide all the information needed for the complete design of a solar energy system for buildings to enable mainstream MEP and design firms, and not just solar energy specialists, to meet the growing demand for solar energy systems in building projects.

Examines the integration of hardware with stand-alone PV panels and real time monitoring of factors affecting the efficiency of the photovoltaic panels Offers the real time implementation of soft computing and embedded system in the area of solar energy Discusses how soft computing plays a huge role in the prediction of efficiency of stand-alone and grid connected solar PV systems Discusses how embedded system applications with smart monitoring can control and enhance the efficiency of stand-alone and grid connected solar PV systems Explores swarm intelligence techniques for solar PV parameter estimation