| | |  | Renewable Energy | Home » » Practical Handbook of Photovoltaics: Fundamentals and Applications | | | | | | | Description: | | As part of the growing sustainable and renewable energy movement, the design, manufacture and use of photovoltaic devices is increasing in pace and frequency. The Handbook of Photovoltaics will be a 'benchmark' publication for those involved in the design, manufacture and use of these devices.
The Handbook covers the principles of solar cell function, the raw materials, photovoltaic systems, standards, calibration, testing, economics and case studies.
The editors have assembled a cast of internationally-respected contributors from industry and academia.
The report is essential reading for: Physicists, electronic engineers, designers of systems, installers, architects, policy-makers relating to photovoltaics. | | | Product Details: | | | Hardcover:
| 998 pages | | Publisher:
| Elsevier Science | | Publication Date:
| November 13, 2003 | | Language:
| English | | ISBN:
| 1856173909 | | Product Width:
| 159.0 centimeters | | Product Height:
| 236.0 centimeters | | Product Weight:
| 4.06 pounds | | Package Length:
| 9.7 inches | | Package Width:
| 6.6 inches | | Package Height:
| 2.7 inches | | Package Weight:
| 3.85 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 4 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 4 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
 A very good source of infosSep 26, 2005
By Giorgi Claudio
"claudio g."
The book covers more or less everything you need to know about PV systems. All the elements are well described. References about national rules are also covered.
Only a few things could be improved, specially for people interested in practical applications:
- Theory about future solar cells are interesting, but not practical
- www references are often out of date
- Some full design examples would be helpful to understand the "tricks" of this technology
Heavy on the technical stuff; not for everyoneMar 21, 2012
By Jesse D. Walker
The book's subtitle "Fundamentals and Applications: pretty accurately describes the book. But the "fundamentals" here are how the cells are designed and manufactured, the subject of the first half of the book. Unless your day to day job involves designing new ways of building these cells, this section will likely be pretty dry, but does a good job at comparing the strengths, weaknesses, and future potential of the various PV technologies. The second half of the book is the "applications" part, and subjects vary (solar conditions, placement and battery considerations, etc), but are more directly relevant to those designing and installing PV systems, rather than just the cells. Still, I'm not sure this is the book I'd recommend to PV installers. Something more basic and practical would likely be better than this edited academic tome.
This book definitely deserves to be in most university libraries as a resource, but even if you work in the PV industry, there's a good chance you won't need your own copy of this book. I'd suggest finding a library copy (interlibrary loan is your friend) and skimming it, perhaps photocopying relevant pages, before deciding to plunk down the money for your own copy.
Practical Handbook of PhotovoltaicsJan 28, 2012
By Tom
"ontrac1"
I have yet to read through the 1200 + pages of this handbook but have found the chapters I've read through to be very informative and packed with loads of technical information. Written for engineers and those designing PV systems, this book is not a DYI guide for those wanting to install a residential PV system. Although an expensive text, the dozens of PV experts from around the globe that have contributed to this text make it well worth the investment. I believe this is an invaluable tool for those studying PV or engineers, designers, builders & installers in the field.
A comprehensive exploration of photovoltaicsJan 11, 2012
By Comdet
Although I have a strong interest in photovoltaics, I have to say that much of this text is beyond my level of understanding. I was expecting more of an overview of the state of the industry with specific applications. Instead, this is written for engineers, with highly detailed and specific investigations into all facets of the PV world.
That being said, I very much enjoyed the chapter on solar cell principles of operation, and the chapter on architectural integration of solar cells. I only wish there were color photographs for the latter, since they go through a few case studies of how PV technology was balanced with aesthetics for installation.
The book draws upon dozens of contributors, and each chapter (although nicely integrated) can stand alone. Solid, clear technical writing with many illustrations to help communicate the message.
If you are a layperson with an interest in photovoltaics, this would not be something of interest. However, for the PV engineer, designer, manufacturer or installer, this volume provides a wealth of information on the field.
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