Field Guide to Solar Optics

Optics related to solar technologies is a wide field of study. The topics covered in this Field Guide are frequently encountered in solar engineering and research for energy harvesting, particularly for electricity generation.

The book includes:

background on energy needs and usage, including where solar technologies fit into the energy mix;
properties of the sun and foundations for solar energy collection;
optical properties, concepts, and basic components;
various optical systems used in solar engineering and solar energy collection;
concepts for characterizing optical components/systems and analysis approaches;
and measurement tools commonly used in solar engineering and research.



The presentation is slanted toward solar thermal power, or as it is commonly called, concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies.