This handbook opens with an overview of solar radiation and how its energy can be tapped using photovoltaic cells. Other chapters cover the technology, manufacture and application of PV cells in real situations. The book ends by exploring the economic and business aspects of PV systems.

This book will provide an authoritative reference on the various aspects of materials science that will impact the next generation of photovoltaic (PV) module technology. The materials emphasis will bring a fresh perspective to the literature and will highlight the many issues that are often buried in other texts where the solution to materials challenges can be crucial in developing a new PV technology. The emphasis of the book will be on the range of thin film PV materials. Thin film PV is growing more rapidly that crystalline silicon and although only 10% of the current market could dominate in the longer term. This book will address the fundamental aspects of PV solar cell materials and give a comprehensive description of each of the major thin film materials either in research or in production. Particular attention will be given to the key materials drivers of solar conversion efficiency, long term stability, materials costs and materials sustainability. The book will be essential reading for materials scientists, energy technologists and all those involved in solid-state physics.

Limited availability of grid-based electricity is a major challenge faced by many developing countries, particularly the rural population. Fuel-based lighting, such as the kerosene lantern, is widespread in these areas, but it is a poor alternative, contributing to global warming and causing serious health problems. Several developing countries are therefore now encouraging the use of sustainable lighting. Solar Lighting gives an in-depth analysis of energy-efficient light production through the use of solar-powered LED systems. The authors pay particular attention to the interplay between energy transformation and device efficiency. They also discuss diverse aspects of renewable energy, including how an improvement in the efficiency of appliances can reduce the cost of energy. Solar Lighting is written for physicists, environmental experts and lighting engineers. It is also suitable for undergraduate students in the fields of environmental science, electrical engineering and renewable energy.

Silicon Based Thin Film Solar Cells explains concepts related to technologies for silicon (Si) based photovoltaic applications. Topics in this book focus on ‘new concept’ solar cells. These kinds of cells can make photovoltaic power production an economically viable option in comparison to the bulk crystalline semiconductor technology industry. A transition from bulk crystalline Si solar cells toward thin-film technologies reduces usage of active material and introduces new concepts based on nanotechnologies. Despite its importance, the scientific development and understanding of new solar cells is not very advanced, and educational resources for specialized engineers and scientists are required. This textbook presents the fundamental scientific aspects of Si thin films growth technology, together with a clear understanding of the properties of the material and how this is employed in new generation photovoltaic solar cells. The textbook is a valuable resource for graduate students working on their theses, young researchers and all people approaching problems and fundamental aspects of advanced photovoltaic conversion.

Discussing methods for maximizing available energy, Energy Conversion surveys the latest advances in energy conversion from a wide variety of currently available energy sources. The book describes energy sources such as fossil fuels, biomass including refuse-derived biomass fuels, nuclear, solar radiation, wind, geothermal, and ocean, then provides the terminology and units used for each energy resource and their equivalence. It includes an overview of the steam power cycle, gas turbines, internal combustion engines, hydraulic turbines, Stirling engines, advanced fossil fuel power systems, and combined-cycle power plants. It outlines the development, current use, and future of nuclear fission. The book also gives a comprehensive description of the direct energy conversion methods, including, Photovoltaics, Fuel Cells, Thermoelectric conversion, Thermionics and MHD It briefly reviews the physics of PV electrical generation, discusses the PV system design process, presents several PV system examples, summarizes the latest developments in crystalline silicon PV, and explores some of the present challenges facing the large scale deployment of PV energy sources. The book discusses five energy storage categories: electrical, electromechanical, mechanical, direct thermal, and thermochemical and the storage media that can store and deliver energy. With contributions from researchers at the top of their fields and on the cutting edge of technologies, the book provides comprehensive coverage of end use efficiency of green technology. It includes in-depth discussions not only of better efficient energy management in buildings and industry, but also of how to plan and design for efficient use and management from the ground up.