Solar electricity handbook: a simple, practical guide to solar energy - how to design and install photovoltaic solar electric systems (2012 edition)

__The Solar Electricity Handbook__ is a simple, practical guide to using electric solar panels and designing and installing photovoltaic PV systems. Now in its sixth edition, the 2012 Edition assumes no previous knowledge of solar electric systems. The book explains how photovoltaic panels work and how they can be used. It provides a step by step guide to successfully design and install a photovoltaic solar system from scratch. Introducing solar energy A brief introduction to electricity The four configurations for solar power Components of a solar electric system The design process Scoping the project Calculating solar energy Surveying your site Understanding the components Components for grid-tie systems Components for stand-alone systems Planning, regulations and approvals Detailed design Installation Troubleshooting Maintaining your system Internet support A final word App. A. Crystalline solar panels and shading App. B. Solar insolation App. C. Typical power requirements App. D. Living off-grid App. E. Other solar projects App. F. Building your own solar panels (and why you shouldn't) Index. The Solar Electricity Handbook is a practical and straightforward guide to using electric solar panels. Assuming no previous knowledge of solar panels, the book explains how solar panels work, how they can be used and explains the steps you need to take to successfully design and install a solar electric system from scratch using photovoltaic solar panels. Explains how solar panels work, how they can be used, and the steps you need to take to successfully design and install a solar electric system from scratch using photovoltaic solar panels. The accompanying website includes solar calculators and tools to simplify your solar electricity installation