Photovoltaic Systems Engineering

Contents BACKGROUND
Introduction
Energy Units
Current World Energy Use Patterns
Exponential Growth
Net Energy, BTU Economics, and the Test for Sustainability
Direct Conversion of Sunlight to Electricity with Photovoltaics
THE SUN
Introduction
The Solar Spectrum
The Effect of Atmosphere on Sunlight
Insolation Specifics
Capturing Sunlight
INTRODUCTION TO PV SYSTEMS
Introduction
The PV Cell
The PV Module
The PV Array
Energy Storage
PV System Loads
PV System Availability
Associated System Electronic Components
Generators
Wiring and Code Compliance
Balance of System Components
PV SYSTEM EXAMPLES
Introduction
Example 1: A Simple PV-Powered Fan
Example 2: A PV Powered Water Pumping System with Maximum Power Tracker
Example 3: A PV Powered Area Lighting System
Example 4: A PV Powered Remote Cabin
Example 5: A Hybrid System
Example 6: A Utility Interactive System
Example 7: A Cathodic Protection System
Example 8: A Portable Highway Advisory Sign
COST CONSIDERATIONS
Introduction
Life Cycle Costing
Borrowing Money
Externalities
MECHANICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Introduction
Important Properties of Materials
Establishing Mechanical System Requirements
Design and Installation Guidelines
Computing Mechanical Forces
Array Mounting System Design
Summary
STAND-ALONE PV SYSTEMS
Introduction
A Critical Need Refrigeration System
A PV Powered Mountain Cabin
A Hybrid Powered Residence
Seasonal or Periodic Battery Discharge
Computer Programs
UTILITY INTERACTIVE PV SYSTEMS
Introduction
Non-Technical Barriers to Utility Interactive PV Systems
Technical Considerations for Connecting to the Grid
Small Utility Interactive PV Systems
Medium Sized Utility Interactive PV Systems
Large Utility Interactive PV Systems
EXTERNALITIES AND PHOTOVOLTAICS
Introduction
Externalities
Environmental Effects of Energy Sources
Externalities Associated with PV Systems
Environmental Effects of PV System Decommissioning
THE PHYSICS OF PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
Introduction
Optical Absorption
Extrinsic Semiconductors and the pn Junction
Maximizing PV Cell Performance
Exotic Junctions
PRESENT AND PROPOSED PV CELLS
Introduction
Silicon PV Cells
Gallium Arsenide Cells
Copper Indium (Gallium) Diselenide Cells
Cadmium Telluride Cells
Emerging Technologies
Appendices
Index Each chapter also includes Problems and References