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 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