Editorial Reviews

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.

Now, with Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual, a world-class solar energy training and education provider-Solar Energy International (SEI)-has made available the critical information to successfully design, install and maintain PV systems. 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 include:

The basics of solar electricity
PV applications and system components
Solar site analysis and mounting
Stand-alone and PV/generator hybrid system sizing
Utility-interactive PV systems
Component specification, system costs and economics
Case studies and safety issues

Photovoltaics guarantees that those wanting to learn the skills of tapping the sun's energy can do so with confidence.

Solar Energy International (SEI) has the nonprofit mission to respond to the need for renewable energy education. Based in Carbondale, Colorado, and active around the world, SEI is a link between people and renewable energy resources, providing information, education and training to people who want to shape a sustainable future. SEI is recognized by the National Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) as dedicated independent provider of PV training programs that may be used toward attaining PV certification. Also, SEI is recognized as an Accredited Institution to offer PV training by the Institute for Sustainable Power (ISP).

Customer Reviews

Photovoltaics Book Purchase, 2008-11-11
by B. Curry (Austin, TX)

The shipment arrived about a week faster than scheduled and it was in perfect condition.

Excellent Book!, 2008-10-07
by B. N. Hall (Baytown, Texas)

Great Book. Well written and easy to follow. This is designed as a workbook for a class, but it is also a great self-led instruction book. Highly recommended.

Good Intro solar Text, 2008-08-30
by E. Ruiz (SAN PEDRO, CA, USA)

This is a great starting manual for introducing solar installation. The worksheets could be better and updated. The use of nominal voltage and other parameters could be done better.

Best book on setting up with solar power, 2008-05-09
by M. Sego

There is no such thing as a perfect book, but I have read all of those other books on solar. None of them tell you how to setup a system. This one does. It comes as close to perfect as you they get.

Comprehensive it's not!, 2008-05-06
by Rico Soma (Kingston, NH United States)

Given all the raves this book got I was pretty disappointed. I was expecting a comprehensive design and install manual. What I got was PV 101.
It's not bad if you have no background in the field and want a basic intro but this manual sorely lacks in depth material on the subject. I am a contractor looking to expand into PV installations. This book bare got my feet wet.