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Practical Handbook of Photovoltaics

Fundamentals and Applications

Edited by
  • Augustin McEvoy, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
  • Tom Markvart, Director, Solar Energy Laboratory School of Engineering Sciences, University of Southampton
  • Luis Castaner

As part of the growing sustainable and renewable energy movement, the design, manufacture and use of photovoltaic devices is increasing in pace and frequency. The Handbook of Photovoltaics will be a 'benchmark' publication for those involved in the design, manufacture and use of these devices.

The Handbook covers the principles of solar cell function, the raw materials, photovoltaic systems, standards, calibration, testing, economics and case studies.

The editors have assembled a cast of internationally-respected contributors from industry and academia.

The report is essential reading for: Physicists, electronic engineers, designers of systems, installers, architects, policy-makers relating to photovoltaics.

Audience
Physicists, electronic engineers, designers of systems, installers, architects, policy-makers relating to photovoltaics.

Hardbound, 1268 Pages

Published: October 2011

Imprint: Academic Press

ISBN: 978-0-12-385934-1

Reviews

  • "[A] detailed reference to dip into if you are studying the theory of photovoltaics and solid state physics."--Energy News, Page 57


Contents

  • Frontmatter
    Preface
    Guide to the Usage of the Handbook by Professional Groups
    List of contributors
    Introduction

    PART I: Solar Radiation
    The role of solar radiation climatology in the design of PV systems- J Page

    PART II: Solar Cells
    IIa) Introduction
    Principles of solar cell operation- T Markvart and L Castaner
    Semiconductor materials and modeling- T Markvart and L Castaner
    Ideal efficiencies-P T Landsberg and T Markvart
    IIb) Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
    Silicon: Manufacture and Properties- F. Ferrazza
    Low cost industrial manufacture of crystalline silicon solar cells- S. Szlufcik et al
    Thin silicon solar cells- M. Mauk et al
    Characterization and diagnosis of silicon wafers and devices- A. Cuevas et al
    High-efficiency silicon solar cell concepts- M A Green
    IIc) Thin Film Technologies
    Amorphous silicon solar cells- D E Carlson
    Microcrystalline silicon solar cells- K Yamamoto
    Cadmium telluride thin-film PV modules- D Bonnet
    Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin film solar cells- U Rau et al
    IId) Space and Concentrator Cells
    GaAs and high-efficiency space cells- V M Andreev
    High-efficiency concentrator silicon solar cells- P J Verlinden
    IIe) Organic and Dye Sensitized Cells
    Photoelectrochemical solar cells- A J McEvoy
    Organic and Plastic Solar Cells- J Nelson

    PART III: Photovoltaic Systems
    IIIa) Introduction
    Energy production by a PV array- L Castaner et al
    Energy balance in standalone PV systems- L Castaner et al
    Review of system design and sizing tools- S Silvestre
    IIIb) Balance of System Components
    System electronics- J N Ross
    Batteries in PV systems- D Spiers
    IIIc) Grid Connected Systems
    Grid connection of PV generators: technical and regulatory issues- J Thornycroft et al
    Installation guidelines: construction- B Cross
    Installation guidelines: electrical- M Cotterell
    IIId) Space and Concentrator Systems
    Concentrator systems- G Sala
    Operation of solar cells in a space environment- S Bailey et al
    IIIe) Case Studies
    Architectural integration- R Serra et al
    Performance, reliability and user experience- U Jahn
    Solar-powered products- P Wolfe

    PART IV: Testing, Monitoring and Calibration
    Standards, calibration and testing of PV modules and solar cells- C. Osterwald
    PV System Monitoring- B. Cross
    Calibration, testing and monitoring of space solar cells- E Fernandez-Lisbona

    PART V: Economics, Environment and Business Strategy
    Overview of potential hazards- V M Fthenakis
    Energy payback time and CO2 emissions of PV systems- E Alsema
    World photovoltaic markets- P Maycock
    National and regional support programs- B Yordi

    Appendices
    A Constants, Physical Quantities and Conversion Factors
    B List of Principle Symbols
    C Abbreviations and Acronyms
    D Bibliography
    E International and US Standards with Relevance to Photovoltaics
    F Useful Websites, Journals and Newsheets

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