Power from the Sun - 2nd Edition

Dan Chiras is Director of the Center for Renewable Energy and Green building through which he teaches workshops solar electricity, wind energy, passive solar design, natural building, and green building. He is also president of Sustainable Systems Design, Inc., a company that installs residential solar electric and wind energy systems and consults on passive solar design, residential renewable energy, and green building throughout North America. Dan is the author of 32 previous books, including The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy and Power from the Wind.

• 1. An Introduction to Solar Electricity Understanding Rated Power An Overview of Solar Systems World Solar Energy Resources What the Critics Say The Advantages of Solar Electric Systems Purpose of this Book Organization of this Book2. Understanding the Sun and Solar Energy Understanding Solar Radiation The Sun and the Earth: Understanding the Relationships Conclusion3. Understanding Solar Electricity Brief History of PVs What Is a PV Cell? Types of PV Rating PV Modules and Sizing PV Systems Durability and Fire Resistance Advancements in PV: What's on the Horizon? Conclusion: Should You Wait for the Latest, Greatest New Technology?4. Solar Site Assessment Assessing Electrical Demand Conservation and Efficiency First! Sizing a Solar Electric System Does a Solar Electric System Make Economic Sense? Putting It All Together5. Solar Electric Systems: What Are Your Options? Grid-connected PV Systems Grid-connected Systems with Battery Backup Off-grid (Stand-alone) Systems Hybrid Systems Choosing a PV System6. Understanding Inverters Do You Need an Inverter? How Does an Inverter Create AC Electricity? Transformerless Inverters Types of Inverters Retrofitting a Grid-tied System with Batteries Buying an Inverter Conclusion7. Batteries, Charge Controllers, and Gen-sets Understanding Lead-acid Batteries Sealed Batteries Wiring a Battery Bank Lithium Ion Batteries Sizing a Battery Bank Battery Maintenance and Safety Managing Charge to Ensure Longer Battery Life Charge Controllers Generators Living with Batteries and Generators8. Mounting a PV Array for Maximum Output What Are Your Options? Building-mounted PV Arrays Building-integrated PVs Conclusion9. Final Considerations: Permits, Covenants, Utility Interconnection, and Buying a System Permitting a PV System Covenants and Neighborhood Concerns Connecting to the Grid: Working with Your Local Utility Insurance Requirements Buying a PV System Parting ThoughtsAppendix A: Summary of State Net Metering Policies Resource Guide Index About the Author A Note About the Publisher