Harness It: Renewable Energy Technologies and Project Development Models Transforming the Grid

by Michael Ginsberg

"An enormously valuable guide to renewable energy."

-Dr Jeffrey D. Sachs

Following an overview of the technical and historical development of the electric grid in the U.S. and Europe, this guide reviews hydropower, solar photovoltaics, wind energy, fuel cell, and battery technologies. The author also presents models for the connection of these renewable energy sources from large-scale to on-site and community power/microgrids. The models are explained through case studies in the developed and developing worlds that explore how technical evaluations are conducted, policy incentives implemented, and project finance applied.

Considering the increasing importance of renewable energy for climate change mitigation, this book provides an overview of how renewable energy sources are integrated into the grid to promote better understanding among students and business professionals in the utility sector and across industries. Most literature on grid interconnection is highly technical, assuming an in-depth understanding of electrical engineering. With the rise of clean technologies and the diversity of interconnection models, this guide fills a gap in the existing literature by equipping non-technical business managers with the salient information they need to make critical decisions for their organizations.

Genres: Nonfiction

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2019

About the author

Michael Ginsberg is a Doctor of Engineering Science candidate at Columbia University, specializing in solar energy integration into the electrical grid. In his work with the US Department of State, Michael has performed technical analyses of large-scale solar installs on U.S. compounds worldwide, and trained nearly 1,000 engineers and technicians in renewable energy and building systems at U.S. Embassies in West Africa, South America, the Middle East, and Europe. He is a LEED AP O+M, CEM, NABCEP PV Associate, and holds a MS in Sustainability Management from Columbia University.

Reviews

[Bert · Rating 3 out of 5]

quick overview of opportunities and challenges for renewables with some calculations and case studies, including micro grids. Useful