Fundamentals of Solar Cells and Photovoltaic Systems Engineering presents all the major topics relevant to understanding photovoltaic technology, including the working principles of solar cells, modeling and measuring solar radiation, manufacturing processes for solar cells and photovoltaic modules, the design and operation of rooftop installations and large-scale power plants, the economics of such systems, and the role of photovoltaic solar energy in the ongoing energy transition. This book is intended for use as a textbook on photovoltaic solar energy for upper-level undergraduate/graduate engineering students.
Key Features
- Consists of 15 chapters, including basic theory, along with problems to solve and a solutions manual
- Provides a basic understanding of topics such as semiconductor fundamentals, the pn junction, and the working principle of solar cells for students without previous experience
- Covers the design and operation principles of rooftop installations and large-scale solar power plants
- Presents the IV curve and efficiency attained by solar cells, photovoltaic modules, and systems, how they are impacted by solar radiation and temperature, and how they can be measured
2. Solar Radiation
3. Working principles of solar cells
4. Circuit properties of solar cells
5. Manufacturing of solar cells
6. Alternative solar cell technologies
7. Photovoltaic panels
8. Integrated PV
9. Elements of power electronics for PV
10. Design and operation of small PV systems
11. Design and operation of utility-scale solar power plants
12. Measuring solar cells, modules, and power plants
13. Economics of solar energy
14. Large penetration of solar in the grid
15. Solar PV for space applications
9781119540281; 9781860943492; 9781498772778
Upper level undergraduate and first year graduate students primarily in mechanical and electrical engineering programs – US enrollment is 2,000 students per year (source: Navstem) with average course enrollment of 25 students
