Table Of Content

Solar Electricity Handbook A simple, practical guide to solar energy: how to design and install photovoltaic solar electric systems 2012 Edition Michael Boxwell www.GreenstreamPublishing.com Greenstream Publishing 12 Poplar Grove, Ryton on Dunsmore, Warwickshire, CV8 3QE. United Kingdom Copyright © Michael Boxwell 2009–2012 Published by Greenstream Publishing 2012 Smashwords Edition: ISBN 978-1- 907670-23-7 Kindle Edition: ISBN 978-1- 907670-22-0 First Edition – published April 2009 Second Edition – published November 2009 Third Edition – published March 2010 Fourth Edition – published January 2011 Fifth Edition – published October 2011 Sixth Edition – published February 2012 Editor: Sheila Glasbey Michael Boxwell asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work. A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy of the contents in this book, the author or publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions found therein. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers. Table of Contents Table of Contents Introducing Solar Energy Who this book is aimed at The rapidly changing world of solar energy Solar electricity and solar heating The source of solar power The principles of solar electricity Understanding the terminology Setting expectations for solar electricity Why choose a solar electric system? Cost-justifying solar Solar power and wind power Fuel cells Grid-tied solar electric systems Solar electricity and the environment Environmental efficiency: comparing supply and demand In conclusion A Brief Introduction to Electricity Don’t panic A brief introduction to electricity How to measure electricity The relationship between volts, amps, ohms, watts and watt-hours Volts Power Energy A word for non-electricians In conclusion The Four Configurations for Solar Power Stand-alone/off-grid Examples of simple stand-alone systems Grid-tie An example of a grid-tie system Grid-tie with power backup (grid interactive) An example of a grid interactive system Grid fallback An example of a grid fallback system Grid failover How grid-tie systems differ from stand-alone In conclusion Components of a Solar Electric System Solar panels Batteries Controller Inverter Electrical devices Connecting everything together A stand-alone system A grid-tie system using a single central inverter A grid-tie system using multiple micro-inverters In conclusion The Design Process Short-cutting the design work Solar energy and emotions In conclusion Scoping the Project Designing grid-tie or grid fallback systems Comparing supply with demand Fleshing out the scope Producing a power analysis A word of warning When you are ready to proceed Calculating inefficiencies Adding the inefficiencies to our