Choosing Solar Electricity: A Guide to Photovoltaic Systems

Who should read this book? In short, anyone who wants to use solar photovoltaic (PV) to generate electricity and needs to know the pros and cons before talking to a professional PV installer. It is not intended as a comprehensive technical manual for designers and installers, although those considering installation as a business will find it a useful quick introduction to the subject. It doesn't cover design and installation issues exhaustively, but does give you the knowledge to feel confident enough to engage an installer. It also helps you understand how feed-in tariff incentives could make your investment in a solar PV system more than pay for itself. Working out what you want from solar PV and what solar PV can give you requires a logical step-by-step approach. Going into it without a thorough understanding of your own requirements and the limitations and potential of solar power could cost a great deal of money. Choosing Solar Electricity shows you how to assess your solar resource to see whether or not your site is suitable for solar. It then goes on to describe the various technological options, financial considerations and maintenance issues associated with solar PV. Finishes with a section of useful case studies describing existing PV systems, a glossary of terms and a directory of useful contacts.