Photovoltaic modules produce electricity directly from sunlight. Grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) systems put electricity directly onto the grid. Stand-alone PV systems are not connected to the grid - electricity produced is usually stored in batteries. Stand-alone systems can easily power lights, computers, printers, mobile phones, answering machines, faxes, modems, sound equipment, TV & videos, slide projectors, small power tools and medical equipment. PV systems are modular - they can be as small as a pocket calculator or as large as the roof of a sports stadium. PV systems will work practically anywhere, in cities and in remote areas, from Newfoundland to Africa.
The following books cover most aspects of photovoltaics, from small to large systems. Some free useful downloads in pdf format, and a video can be found at the bottom of this page.
STAND-ALONE SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEMS - a new publication in the Earthscan Expert series. Covers most aspects of off-grid solar systems, including solar energy fundamentals, components (modules, controllers, inverters, batteries), design and sizing, as well as water pumping. Provides knowledge needed to design and install a range of off-grid systems, fully illustrated, published 2010, 224 pages, £34.95.
PHOTOVOLTAICS FOR PROFESSIONALS - describes the practicalities of designing and installing photovoltaic systems, both grid-tied and off-grid - though the emphasis is on grid-tied. Written for electricians, technicians, builders, architects and building engineers. Provides designers and installers with the practical specialist knowledge needed to design and install systems and gives a comprehensive overview of the major photovoltaic market sectors. A must for anyone wanting to get involved in grid-tied PV. Over 100 full colour illustrations, 216 pages, £49.99.
PLANNING AND INSTALLING PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS - A Guide for Installers, Architects and Engineers is the most comprehensive and up-to-date book on grid-tied PV system design and installation currently available. This joint Earthscan / German Solar Energy publication covers all aspects of grid-tied PV and is excellently illustrated throughout. Chapters explain photovoltaic basics, PV modules and other components of grid-tied PV systems, site surveys and shading analysis, planning and sizing grid-tied PV systems, design and simulation software, mounting systems and building integration, installation and operation, economics and environmental impact, marketing and promotion. Approximately 200 full-colour photographs and diagrams. 297 x 100mm, 384 pages, £95.00.
A description of how grid-tied PV systems work from Solar Century.
View this short film here (3 min.):
To contact the makers of this film, click on Solar Century.
Some informative downloads on PV:
Articles from Home Power magazine on solar installations in Africa:
Acrobat Reader may be downloaded free of charge from the Adobe web site. Click on the icon to the right.
Viewers with visual difficulties may find it useful to visit http://access.adobe.com.
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PV systems can be large, like this PV roof at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales or ...
...portable, like this solar power system used by artist Clare Alison Maynard in East Africa.
“When I was working in East Africa I had light and I was able to power my laptop and mobile phone." - Clare.
Click here to see Clare Alison Maynard's web site