Practical Photovoltaics: Electricity from Solar Cells (Paperback)

by Richard J. Komp (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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."

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 197 pages
• Publisher: Aatec Publications; 3 Sub edition (June 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 093794811X
• ISBN-13: 978-0937948118
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #53,046 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

110 of 113 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Richard Komp: physicist, historian, and social engineer, March 26, 2003

By	S. Ehring (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Practical Photovoltaics, September 20, 2008

By	Dr. Carlos A. Malaga (Puerto Rico) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars photovoltaic science for the layman, March 8, 2009

By	J. Stiles (Mt. Shasta , CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.