Customer Reviews

Practical Photovoltaics: Electricity from Solar Cells

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

If you decide to begin understand how photovoltaics works without digging immediately in deep details, I suggest you this book.
The subjects of the book spread from the solar cells principles of working, to the several applications they may have to the industrial process of making them. All this, without entering in deeper details.
To me, as a beginner, it has been useful and really appreciated.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in a basic yet comprehensive guide to photovoltaic technology, the PV industry and practical applications of PV. This book contains detailed explanations about the installation and maintenance of solar electricity clearly explained in layman's language by its author, Dr. Richard Komp. It even has an illustrated appendix with step-by-step instructions on how to construct your very own solar module so you will better grasp PV technology. I found it to be an excellent reference source on the subject.

I enjoyed reading this book as it provided some of the science behind photovoltaics as well as some advice on how to assemble your own home-made unit!

While the book goes into some of physics behind all things related to solar energy (e.g. semiconductor physics, energy storage considerations, some basic circuitry, etc.), it's not so ridiculously technical that it becomes a cure for insomnia or a college textbook.

I think I learned a lot from this book, and I personally can't wait to do one of these PV solutions on my own and do my best to be greener

I just received this book. I was expecting a "book / manual" that covered more than the most basic of information that almost all know. It is a good book, but........

If you just want to know "about" photovoltaics from the standpoint of say, a high school student for a basic level science project..... this will do well. It gives the basic physics for the solar cell, the way they have been used in society now, and offer projected future uses of the same.

If however, you actually wanted serious practical info, possibly building your own system, possibly going into a home Grid-Tie system, or other ideas with a little bit more technical and useful data, this book isn't it even though the name "Practical Photovoltaics" sound as if you would.

This is a must have for anybody interested in building quality solar panels. It is an outstanding book to put it mildly, The information is up to date, The wrighter is very knowledgable and gives you a great wealth of information. He also gives you many contacts on the history of solar cells. I could not put this book down till went threw it twice. John Morin Brownville, Maine I rate this book as a 11 on my book shelf.

This is the best book on PhotoVoltaics I've found yet. Comprehensive, thorough, yet simple enough for the layman - without being too simple. I'd recommend this book for anyone who is interested in the coming green revolution in energy production.

I had the oportunity of read this book. It is easy to understand and I had the book right on time.
Thanks.