Solar Energy Conversion Systems, Second Edition examines solar energy conversion as an integrative design process, applying systems thinking methods to a solid knowledge base for creators of solar energy systems. New to this edition are extended problem sets in each chapter, a new technology optimization chapter, and increased modular content broken down, including practical applications, modeling and problem solving sets with solutions. The book approaches solar energy conversion from the perspectives of integrative design, environmental technology, sustainability science, and materials science in the wake of amazing new thin films, polymers and glasses developed by the optoelectronics and semiconductor industries.

This approach permits different levels of access for an emerging broad audience of scientists, engineers, architects, planners and economists. This is a new solar text for the new generation of green job designers and developers. It’s highlighted with vignettes that break down solar conversion into useful stories and provides common points of reference, as well as techniques, for effective estimation of evolving technologies.

Key Features

• Contextualizes solar conversion for systems design and implementation in practical applications
• Emphasizes systems simulations from measured irradiance and weather data rather than estimations from "rules of thumb"
• Covers integrative design and solar utility where trans-disciplinary teams can develop sustainable solar solutions that increase client well-being and ecosystems services for a given locale
• Broken down into modular sectioned content in practical applications, modeling, problem-solving sets with solutions, foundational concepts, procedures and cases