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Practical Photovoltaics: Electricity from Solar Cells (Paperback)

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4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)

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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: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)

Amazon.com Sales Rank: #28,930 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

#2 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Engineering > Energy > Geothermal & Solar Energy
#4 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Physics > Electromagnetism
#6 in	Books > Science > Physics > Electromagnetism

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Look Inside This Book

Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover

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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	58% buy the item featured on this page: Practical Photovoltaics: Electricity from Solar Cells 4.2 out of 5 stars (8) $12.89
	16% buy The Solar Electricity Handbook 2009: A Simple, Practical Guide to Using Electric Solar Panels and Designing and Installing Photovoltaic Solar PV Systems 5.0 out of 5 stars (4) $13.22
	14% buy Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual 4.0 out of 5 stars (37) $37.77
	7% buy The Physics of Solar Cells (Properties of Semiconductor Materials) 4.5 out of 5 stars (4) $41.38

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Customer Reviews

8 Reviews

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4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
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Average Customer Review

4.2 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews)

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111 of 114 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.

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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.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat Technical, October 11, 2009

By	G. Thomas "GT" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

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.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Thanks
I had the oportunity of read this book. It is easy to understand and I had the book right on time.
Thanks.

Published 7 days ago by Gilberto S. Naranjo

5.0 out of 5 stars photovoltaic science for the layman
This is the best book on PhotoVoltaics I've found yet. Comprehensive, thorough, yet simple enough for the layman - without being too simple. Read more

Published 8 months ago by J. Stiles

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for beginners
If you decide to begin understand how photovoltaics works without digging immediately in deep details, I suggest you this book. Read more

Published 12 months ago by Paolo Giai Miniet

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical Photovoltaics: Electricity from Solar Cells
I recommend this book to anyone interested in a basic yet comprehensive guide to photovoltaic technology, the PV industry and practical applications of PV. Read more

Published 13 months ago by Ann Luisi

4.0 out of 5 stars Very informative
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! Read more

Published 13 months ago by Johnny Cheng

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