Energy for the Environmentally Responsive, Energy-Independent Home

Solar electricity is the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity by solar photovoltaic cells. It is a truly elegant means of producing electricity on site, allowing you to take control of your energy destiny and create your own lifestyle without concern for energy supply or environmental harm. No pollution, no by-products, no depletion of resources, these solid-state devices simply make electricity out of sunlight.

Solar electricity is the ideal source of power for an environmentally-responsive home where it’s a luxury residence or a rustic vacation retreat. With the right design, the sunlight that falls on your homesite will power your home. Your solar electric system can also be easily configured to provide on-site recharging of solar/electric vehicles allowing you to meet your transportation needs with renewable energy.

• Systems options and economics
• Stand-alone and utility interactive systems
• Descriptions of all key components
• How to determine your electricity requirements
• How to design a solar electric house

Table of Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1
The History and Development of Photovoltaics

Chapter2
Photovoltaic System Operations and Economics

Chapter 3
Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays

Chapter 4
Voltage Regulators, Battery Chargers, and Storage Batteries

Chapter 5
Inverters, Backup Generators, and System Contorls

Chapter 6
Determining Your Electricity Requirements

Chapter 7
Utility-Interactive Photovoltaic Systems

Chapter 8
Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems

Chapter 9
Installing Your Photovoltaic System

Chapter 10
Photovoltaic System Wiring and Maintenance

Credits

Helpful Addresses

Bibliography

Index