Power from the Sun - 2nd Edition (eBook)

lt;p> 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 Book

2. Understanding the Sun and Solar Energy
Understanding Solar Radiation
The Sun and the Earth: Understanding the Relationships
Conclusion

3. 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 Together

5. 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 System

6. 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
Conclusion

7. 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 Generators

8. Mounting a PV Array for Maximum Output
What Are Your Options?
Building-mounted PV Arrays
Building-integrated PVs
Conclusion

9. 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 Thoughts

Appendix A: Summary of State Net Metering Policies
Resource Guide
Index
About the Author
A Note About the Publisher