Photovoltaics Design And Installation Manual

by
Format: Paperback
Pub. Date: 2004-08-15
Publisher(s): Ingram Publisher Services, Inc.
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Summary

Producing electricity from the sun using photovoltaic (PV) systems has become a major industry worldwide. But designing, installing and maintaining such systems requires knowledge and training, and there have been few easily accessible, comprehensive guides to the subject. Now, with Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual, a world-class solar energy training and education provider-Solar Energy International (SEI)-has made available the critical information to successfully design, install and maintain PV systems. The book contains an overview of photovoltaic electricity and a detailed description of PV system components, including PV modules, batteries, controllers and inverters. It also includes chapters on sizing photovoltaic systems, analyzing sites and installing PV systems, as well as detailed appendices on PV system maintenance, troubleshooting and solar insolation data for over 300 sites around the world. Used worldwide as the textbook in SEI's PV Design & Installation workshops, topics covered include: The basics of solar electricity PV applications and system components Solar site analysis and mounting Stand-alone and PV/generator hybrid system sizing Utility-interactive PV systems Component specification, system costs and economics Case studies and safety issues Photovoltaics guarantees that those wanting to learn the skills of tapping the sun's energy can do so with confidence. Solar Energy International (SEI) has the nonprofit mission to respond to the need for renewable energy education. Based in Carbondale, Colorado, and active around the world, SEI is a link between people and renewable energy resources, providing information, education and training to people who want to shape a sustainable future. SEI is recognized by the National Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) as dedicated independent provider of PV training programs that may be used toward attaining PV certification. Also, SEI is recognized as an Accredited Institution to offer PV training by the Institute for Sustainable Power (ISP).

Table of Contents

List of Figures
xiii
List of Tables and Worksheets
xv
Acknowledgments and Disclaimer xvi
Preface xviii
An Overview of Photovoltaics
The Development of Photovoltaics
2(1)
Current and Emerging Opportunities
2(1)
Advantages of Photovoltaic Technology
3(1)
Disadvantages of Photovoltaic Technology
3(1)
Environmental, Health, and Safety Issues
3(1)
Photovoltaic System Components
4(1)
Photovoltaic System Types
4(6)
Photovoltaic Electric Principles
Terminology
10(1)
Matching Appliances to the System
11(1)
Electrical Circuits
11(1)
Series and Parallel Circuits in Power Sources
12(2)
Series and Parallel Circuits in Electric Loads
14(14)
Series and Parallel Wiring Exercises
15(6)
Solutions to Wiring Exercises
21(7)
The Solar Resource
Solar Radiation Fundamentals
28(4)
Gathering Site Data
32(1)
Completing the Solar Site Analysis
33(7)
Electric Load Analysis
Using Energy Efficiently
40(1)
Electrical Load Requirements
40(1)
Calculating Load Estimates
41(3)
Considerations for Calculating Load Estimates
44(4)
Photovoltaic Modules
Photovoltaic Principles
48(1)
Module Types
49(1)
Module Performance
49(1)
Factors of Module Performance
50(3)
Photovoltaic Arrays
53(1)
Mounting Photovoltaic Modules
54(2)
Diodes
56(4)
Batteries
Battery Types and Operation
60(2)
Battery Specifications
62(5)
Battery Safety
67(1)
Battery Sizing Exercise
68(2)
Battery Wiring Configuration
70(4)
PV Controls
Controller Types
74(1)
Controller Features
75(1)
Specifying a Controller
76(1)
Controller Sizing Exercise
77(3)
Inverters
Inverter Operating Principles
80(1)
Inverter Features
80(1)
Inverter Types
81(1)
Specifying an Inverter
82(4)
Photovoltaic System Wiring
Introduction
86(2)
Wire Size
88(16)
Overcurrent Protection
104(2)
Disconnects
106(1)
Grounding
106(6)
Sizing Photovoltaic Systems
Introduction to Sizing PV Systems
112(1)
Design Penalties
112(1)
Sizing Worksheet
113(2)
Sample System Exercise
115(7)
Utility-Interactive Systems
Introduction
122(1)
Utility-Interactive Systems
122(4)
System Sizing and Economics
126(1)
Net Metering
127(1)
Obtaining an Interconnection Agreement
128(6)
Integrating Photovoltaics into Buildings
Introduction
134(1)
Retrofitted PV Systems
134(1)
BIPV Options
134(3)
Costs/Benefits
137(3)
Photovoltaic System Applications
Tools and Appliances
140(1)
Lighting
141(4)
Water Pumping
145(4)
Refrigeration
149(1)
Hybrid Systems with Generators
150(4)
Photovoltaic Installation
Preparing for the Installation
154(1)
Tools and Materials
154(3)
Photovoltaic Array Installation
157(2)
Battery Installation
159(1)
Controller & Inverter Installation
160(1)
Photovoltaic System Wiring
161(2)
PV System Installations Final Checklist
163(5)
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Materials and Tools List
168(1)
Maintaining PV Components
168(1)
Maintaining Appliances
169(1)
Troubleshooting Common System Faults
170(1)
Troubleshooting Wiring Problems Using a Multimeter
171(3)
Troubleshooting Specific Problems
174(6)
Safety and PV Installation
Introduction
180(1)
Basic Safety
180(2)
Hazards
182(1)
Safety Equipment
183(1)
Site Safety
184(1)
First Aid
185(4)
Appendix A: Glossary 189(10)
Appendix B: Solar Data 199(74)
Appendix C: Sun Charts 273(22)
Appendix D: System Sizing Worksheets 295(4)
Resource Guide 299(14)
Index 313

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