Grid-connected Solar Electric Systems The Earthscan Expert Handbook for Planning, Design and Installation Earthscan Expert Series

Solar electricity ? or photovoltaics (PV) ? is the world's fastest growing energy technology. It can be used on a wide variety of scales, from single dwellings to utility-scale solar farms providing power for whole communities. It can be integrated into existing electricity grids with relative simplicity, meaning that in times of low solar energy users can continue to draw power from the grid, while power can be fed or sold back into the grid at a profit when their electricity generation exceeds the amount they are using. The falling price of the equipment combined with various incentive schemes around the world have made PV into a lucrative low carbon investment, and as such demand has never been higher for the technology, and for people with the expertise to design and install systems.

This Expert handbook provides a clear introduction to solar radiation, before proceeding to cover:

• electrical basics and PV cells and modules



• inverters



• design of grid-connected PV systems



• system installation and commissioning



• maintenance and trouble shooting



• health and safety



• economics and marketing.

Highly illustrated in full colour throughout, this is the ideal guide for electricians, builders and architects, housing and property developers, home owners and DIY enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a clear introduction to grid-connected solar electric technology.

1. Introduction 2. Solar Radiation 3. Photovoltaic Technology and Industry 4. PV Cells, Modules and Arrays 5. Inverters and Balance of System Components 6. Mounting Structures 7. Site Assessment 8. System Design 9. System Sizing 10. System Installation 11. Commissioning 12. Operation & Maintenance 13. Marketing and Economics 14. Case Studies Glossary Resources and References

Geoff Stapleton has been instrumental in developing training and capacity building both in Australia and overseas e.g. Sri Lanka, Malaysia, China.He set up Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Pty. Ltd. as a renewable energy training and consultancy business in 1998 and is a part-time lecturer at University of New South Wales.



Susan Neill has worked in the renewable energy industry for over 25 years. She is now director of training and engineering for Global Sustainable Energy Solutions and is a guest lecturer at UNSW, Australia