Photovoltaic Systems,   ISBN:9780826913081

Customer Rating: 

This is a very, very good book -- a comprehensive overview of solar PV that would give anyone a detailed background on solar PhotoVoltaics. Whether as an introduction to for the sake of knowledge or gaining employment, this is a good starter. You'll be walked through the world of basics in many branches of science: solar radiation, battery and PV chemistry, planning a very credible solar PV site survey, PV as systems.

The electrical fundamentals component is strong -- the Electrical Integration chapter is exemplary. The treatment of National Electric Code issues is a palatable presentation of what is normally dry material -- arcane, quasi-legal tone and language or the Code. The electrical/electronic diagrams are basic but phenomenal -- and pleasingly presented, in size, color, placement, etc.

As a personal viewpoint, the electronic theory has fundamental equations, which are dumbed down enough to be a bit superfluous in presentation, just enough to set some people off, because it LOOKS like it may be math-intensive. But there are appendices in the back for background math if you're interested. And the back of the book also has further, detailed chapter summaries, and some hard data useful for calculating solar radiation, energy, shading, orientations, and other useful data for obtaining rebates and incentives. All you need is arithmetic and there are good examples for almost everything. There's one instance in the Peak Sun Hours section, where the solar energy units shown are not technically complete or correct, but it was just sloppy technical editing that allowed this, and not major.

Mechanical Integration explains mechanical, structural, and environmental issues. There's also some on other alternative energy models, like fuel cell, cold fusion, etc. They mention energy storage like super capacitors and flywheel models.

There is good CD, full of good stuff -- not of the text itself, but of lengthy videos of fairly recent installations, and one presentation. There's also one or two interactive exams and a solar calculator.

Table of Contents is good; the Index fairly decent. Photos, graphics, and sidebars are plentiful and well done.

Beautifully-done Definitions, Summary, and Review sections at the end of each chapter, 14 in all, with plenty of references through the book.

SOME but just some of the content is a little too elementary -- especially true for the finance-based sections,

I THINK the author is a University of Florida BSEE dropout who opted instead for a BS in Engineering Services. He has a Professional Engineer certification, which is useful in many branches of engineering like civil, structural, mechanical, safety, and architectural, required by many states and municipalities, and can buy these entities a big of litigation protection or mitigation.

This book is used as a community college level intro text -- perfect choice. My compliments to the author.

Customer Rating: 

Photovoltaic Systems is a tedious, mindnumbing belaboring of the obvious. I had to read it a few paragraphs at a time because I kept falling asleep. Boring as hell, and I learned nothing from it. The guy that wrote this must be the same guy that writes boilerplate safety pages in product manuals. Please don't make the mistake of buying this attempt-at-a-book.

Customer Rating: 

I use this as the textbook for the Advanced PV Design class I teach at Diablo Valley College. This textbook is targeted toward folks who need to know how to design and install on-grid and off-grid PV systems. It's probably a bit to much for someone with a casual interest in PV or a homeowner looking to get more information before they hire someone to install a system.

All the major points involved in design and installation are covered well. Unlike some texts I have seen space is not wasted by including page after page of tables with data that is readily available from other sources for free. There is also a section in the appendix with a math review for folks who don't remember their high school trig all that well.

The textbook may seem expensive but as professional books go it is quite reasonable. Make sure you are buying the latest version because as with most textbooks it is revised periodically.

Customer Rating: 

This is an excellent learning tool for beginners and a great handbook for professionals. All aspects of solar installation and design are covered - solar analysis, site surveys, wiring concepts, inverters, charge controllers, mounting, panels, the works. The price is a little steep, but worth the investment if you are serious about solar.

Customer Rating: 

You better be paying attention. This is a required text book in one of my PV Cert. courses. Not for light reading. Tons of info and references. Maybe even more than you need to know. Best book I have come across. Mechanical and mathematical background is a must. NABCEP is now going to this book as a reference for their Cert. of Knowledge test.