Practical Photovoltaics, the now-classic reference on solar electricity, offers a unique combination of technical discussion and practical advice. Physicist, lecturer, and solar-home dweller Richard Komp explains the "how" and the "how-to" of PV, while providing valuable information on the industry, new developments, and the future. The book is a comprehensive guide to the theory and reality of solar electricity, as well as a detailed installation and maintenance manual. A well-illustrated appendix offers step-by-step instructions for constructing your own solar module, a creative approach to demystifying the technology. Presented in a clear, concise, and understandable style, Dr. Komp's contribution to PV literature has been called the "best single reference available," "the easiest and most complete education on photovoltaics," "one of the best basic books on PV," and "the best of the books."
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About the Author
Dr. Komp is president of SunWatt Corporation. He teaches at the National Engineering University in Nicaragua, where he works with the nonprofit Grupo Fenix, which manufactures photovoltaic systems and installs them in remote Nicaraguan villages.
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Dr. Komp is president of SunWatt Corporation. He teaches at the National Engineering University in Nicaragua, where he works with the nonprofit Grupo Fenix, which manufactures photovoltaic systems and installs them in remote Nicaraguan villages.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
114 of 118 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Richard Komp: physicist, historian, and social engineer,
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This review is from: Practical Photovoltaics: Electricity from Solar Cells (Paperback)
Practical Photovoltaics is one of the finest, most comprehensive guides to the world of solar energy. The book starts with a beginer's course in solid state physical devices (which taught even an Electrical Engineer such as myself new things) and leads into the history of solar cell materials and procedures over the years. Next comes an in-depth discussion of the various types of materials, and how they are suited for different applications. He makes logical predictions about the future of some of these materials, and hints around at what new techniques scientists are starting to look at today.In the appendix, he even describes how to assemble your own array of solar cells for those who wish to try a hands-on approach to learning. Oh, yeah, one more thing: he has a decent list of recomended readings at the end of each chapter, allowing you to select topics that interest you to continue your reading.
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Somewhat Technical,
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This review is from: Practical Photovoltaics: Electricity from Solar Cells (Paperback)
I won't pick on the book too much because if you are interested in the chemical composition of photovoltaic systems you will find this interesting. I personally thought I was getting something which talked about practical applications, and not so much the transport of electrons in crystaline substances. If you are looking at the possibility of applying solar at home then looks somewhere else. If you need a history lesson on the start of solar electric then this isn't a bad book at all. Although it appears a little dated and the pictures aren't that inspiring, if your wondering how photovoltaic cells work on an atomic level you'll love this.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Practical Photovoltaics,
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This review is from: Practical Photovoltaics: Electricity from Solar Cells (Paperback)
I am becoming increasingly interested in photovoltaics. When purchasing this book I had already read two texts. It is an excellent immersion text that takes you beyond the elementals into the details of how it works, why, and how they are manufactured. After reading this text I feel a lot more comfortable discussing photovoltaic issues with professionals in the field, and I am actually able to contribute to the conversation. The only drawback is that the text is somewhat in need of updating.
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
3
books
cite this book:
- The Building Environment: Active and Passive Control Systems by Vaughn Bradshaw on page 333
- Solar Cells: Materials, Manufacture and Operation by Tom Markvart in Back Matter
- Lessons from Nature: Learning To Live Sustainably On The Earth by Daniel Chiras in Back Matter
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