Solar Electricity Handbook - 2012 Edition

by Michael Boxwell, Sheila Glasbey (Editor)

The Solar Electricity Handbook is a practical and straightforward guide to using electric solar panels. Assuming no previous knowledge, the book explains how solar panels work, how they can be used and explains the steps you need to take to successfully design and install a solar photovoltaic system from scratch. Accompanying this book is a solar resource website containing lots of useful information, lists of suppliers and on-line solar energy calculators that will simplify the cost analysis and design processes.

Genres: Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[John Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains a reasonable amount of basic information but is really pitched at someone wanting to build a small, off-grid system for a shed or vacation home. There is also a lot of useful information in the appendices and the web site. A new edition comes out every year.

[Stanislaw Dudzikowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative of how solar works in basic terms as well as the scientific, and technical side.
Learning more about photons, radiation, silicon cells, voltage, currents, and resistance has helped me understand how a residential solar system works in depth. There are many variables to consider with any solar system (grid-tie, off-grid, etc.) and its components which the author explained in detail. There are many diagrams, and charts that give examples of several countries and states that show averages things like "temperature impact on solar performance in Austin, Texas during the summer months.

I enjoyed the sections on carbon footprints, renewable vs renewable with nonrenewable or electric back up being the grid. If you want to learn more about solar read this book, there's also some general information regarding purchasing solar, and some of the countries governments that are incentiving changes to solar with things like tax breaks, selling back to the grid and more.


Stanislaw Dudzikowski

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael does an outstanding job of explaining solar power and how to set it up at your house. He takes a difficult subject and explains it so well. I read it twice, taking notes. A 'Ten' for sure. Borderline 'Eleven'!

[Mick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly basic but covers most everything you'll need to know about setting up a system. It won't help you understand DC electrics or even give you a step-by-step guide to building one. But as far as the planning stages, it is everything you need.

[Лариса Косюк · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good book for people who are slightly familiar with the topic. A lot of general information and some detailed guidance will help to figure out how to capture solar energy and transform it into electricity to be used.

[Andreas Michaelides · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because it took a subject which for many people is science fiction and turn it into a book that is simple to follow and understand. I helped me understand what it involves to know to be able to install a solar electrical grid and also learn what to look for as materials and components is concerned. Very good book, I think another title for this book would be, Solar Electricity Handbook for Dummies.

[Georgina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note to DIY folks who are not licensed electricians: You cannot build your own solar cells and attach them to your house. It would be foolish and dangerous to try. Instead, use this book to design a solar electrical system that will suit your needs, buy a system from a reputable dealer, and have a licensed electrician install it.

[Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for what it is: a practical manual that, in good-natured and accessible fashion, explains both the basic concepts of solar power and gives detailed instructions about how to set up your own on- or off-grid solar power solution. I recommend it to anyone with any interest in solar energy.

[Smellsofbikes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Competent comprehensive review of solar installations and design.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was very wordy without a lot of diagrams. I wouldn't pick it up again, but I'm sure it has a lot of info.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very thorough and detailed book. Good explanations that were easy for a technically minded person to understand, but somewhat repetitive due to the book structure that was used.

[Aasim Waheed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good detail; touches a lot of topics. I preferred "Photovoltaic Design and Installation for Dummies"