Managing Solar Energy: Fundamental Science to Practical Systems

The Definitive Guide to Solar Energy

Dive into the essential technical depth of planning, building, operating, analyzing, and evaluating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Based on global professional experience advising industry, investors, financiers, project developers, EPC companies, and Independent Power Producers, this book provides expert, authoritative guidance on all stages of PV system planning and implementation.

Who Needs This Guide?

• Science and Engineering Students: A thorough introduction, from basic concepts to in-depth knowledge of PV technology and deployment.
• Academic Researchers: Gain critical insights into the practical business and techno-economic nuances of real-world PV projects.
• Professional Practitioners: Master state-of-the-art planning, field-testing, advanced operational modes of flexible dispatch, and grid support strategies.
• Industry Professionals: Explore the entire supply chain, from manufacturing to system deployment, innovative trends in technology, and market development.
• Investors & Financiers: Move beyond simple financial models and LCOE calculations, gaining the technical basis for robust financial analysis, due diligence, risk management, and advanced valuation techniques like Real Options for flexible capacity.
• Policy-makers & Regulators: Grasp the full potential of solar assets for optimal grid integration, land use, and physical resource constraints to plan sustainable electric power portfolios.
• Solar Electricity Customers: Become an informed buyer, learning key system design criteria with the ability to select the best solar panels, inverters, mounting, batteries, and other system elements for top-tier quality assurance.

The book spans:

Ch1 Sunlight and Electricity

Ch2 Rules of the Energy Game

Ch3 AC Power Grid

Ch4 Solar Cell

Ch5 Solar Panel

Ch6 Inverter

Ch7 Mounting Structure

Ch8 Rest of PV System

Ch9 Project Planning and System Design

Ch10 Grid Integration and Flexible Dispatch

Ch11 Sustainable Universal Elecricity Access