Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual

by Solar Energy International

A comprehensive training resource for producing electric power from the sun.  Producing electricity from the sun using photovoltaic (PV) systems has become a major industry worldwide. But designing, installing and maintaining such systems requires knowledge and training, and there have been few easily accessible, comprehensive guides to the subject. (Last updated in 2007).  The book contains an overview of photovoltaic electricity and a detailed description of PV system components, including PV modules, batteries, controllers and inverters. It also includes chapters on sizing photovoltaic systems, analyzing sites and installing PV systems, as well as detailed appendices on PV system maintenance, troubleshooting and solar insolation data for over 300 sites around the world. Used worldwide as the textbook in SEI's PV Design & Installation workshops, topics covered
This book is our previous publication adopted widely in the industry and for solar electric training in years past.  There is still a lot of useful information in this book especially on battery-based solar PV systems, but if you are interested in our updated publication and most recent industry standards and information please check out our newer Solar Electric Photovoltaic Fundamentals and Applications - Textbook / eBook Bundle.

Genres: Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2004

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent basic introduction to installing a PV system. I purchased and read this book because I'm very interested in having a residential PV system, particularly taking advantage of the 30% Federal tax credit incentive. (I might as well get some benefit for all those taxes I'm paying!) A good understanding of what's involved is important to making a rational decision.

I've worked with three local companies to get recommendations and bids. After reading this book I was comfortable with configuring and pricing various system configurations myself. Interestingly, each bid I received quoted panel and inverter prices that were marked up almost exactly 30%. This markup was in addition to the labor costs. I'm confident that, working with an electrician journeyman, I can do the installation myself—after all, why should I give someone else the 30% tax incentive?

One thing that's missing is a checklist relating to local permits, home owners associations, working with the utility, tax considerations, etc. This kind of checklist would have been handy to insure that nothing gets overlooked. It would also be nice if there were accompanying on-line resources (such as Google spreadsheets) for the various worksheets in the book.

[Unojoe2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic amount of information for anyone interested in the factors involved in Solar Energy Installation. Geared toward the many aspects to consider when sizing a PV system for the home or larger installation. Straight forward approach with many considerations addressed.

[MUHAMMAD ARSHAD · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book and depth of knowedge in solar design and installation

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great book for people wishing to install their own solar panels. this book helps you figure it all out. I'm planning on doing ours once we have a few thousand dollars to spare.

[Brett]

I begin Green Energy Training next month. This is prep work reading.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

(almost) everything you'd ever want to know.

[Mark Bourne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent intro to photovoltaics however you have to read it upside down for Australian conditions. :))

[Andreas Michaelides · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very comprehensive book on how to install photovoltaic system. Anything you want to know about the system works. Very educational I learned a lot.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reference book for photovoltaics with lots of useful information about resources in the field.

[Saad Ashri]

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