Solar Electric Handbook: Photovoltaic Fundamentals and Applications (2nd Edition)

Approved by the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Exam Committee as a Primary Reference, this textbook is the leading adopted textbook by solar training programs all over the United States and internationally. Solar Energy International, the author of Solar Electric Handbook: Photovoltaic Fundamentals and Applications was selected by the Department of Energy to be part of the Solar Instructors Training Network. The curriculum used to train these solar professionals includes the technical resources found in this textbook Since 1991, Solar Energy International (SEI) has been dedicated to renewable energy education providing in-person instruction, hand-on labs, and online training. Now the solar industry is growing like never before, and SEI remains the number one choice for information and education, both for those new to the field and industry veterans who wish to further their knowledge. Completely updated, printed in full color, and loaded with photos of real-world installations, interviews with industry insiders, and extensive examples, the Solar Electric Handbook: Photovoltaic Fundamentals is an in-depth exploration of the core concepts necessary to design and install photovoltaic (solar electric) systems, including: The industry: Renewable energy, solar electricity, the business and finance of solar, and opportunities in the field How photovoltaics (PV) work: Introduction to electricity and the photovoltaic effect, quantifying the solar resource, and siting arrays Designing systems: Module and inverter selection and integration for grid-direct systems System sizing: Accurate estimation of energy production to meet customer expectations for grid-direct systems Electrical components: Requirements for conductors, disconnects, and overcurrent protection Installing systems: Mounting options, roof work, and safety considerations Commissioning: Equipment and procedures for proper system installation and commissioning