Photovoltaics: Design & Installation Manuals

by SEI - Solar Energy International, 2011

An updated and revised textbook manual on how to design, install and maintain a photovoltaic (PV) system. This manual offers an overview of photovoltaic electricity, and a detailed description of PV system components, including PV modules, batteries, controllers and inverters. Electrical loads are also addressed, including lighting systems, refrigeration, water pumping, tools and appliances. The manual includes chapters on sizing photovoltaic systems, analyzing sites and installing PV systems. The manual also includes detailed appendices on PV system maintenance, troubleshooting, and insolation data for over 300 sites around the world. Used as the textbook in SEI's PV Design and Installation Workshop. Now available in Spanish!

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

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).