Solar Electricity Handbook: A simple, practical guide to using electric solar panels and designing and installing photovoltaic solar PV systems [Paperback]

Assuming no previous knowledge of solar panels, the book explains how solar panels work, how they can be used and explains the steps you need to take to successfully design and install a solar electric system from scratch using photovoltaic solar panels.

Accompanying this book is a solar resource website containing lots of useful information, lists of suppliers and on-line solar energy calculators that will simplify the cost analysis and design processes.

Why buy the Solar Electricity Handbook?
* The Handbook is a simple, practical guide to using electric photovoltaic panels.
* The book is suitable for enthusiastic novices and professionals.
* Clear examples, diagrams and example projects are given to demonstrate the true capabilities of these systems.
* The Handbook is updated yearly, providing a up-to-date reference for anyone planning to use electric photovoltaic technology.
* It is the most comprehensive book on solar electric systems available today.
* It is backed up by the most powerful online calculator tools available, to make your design and calculations as straightforward as possible.
* With comprehensive detail in the book for both North America and Europe, the Handbook provides you with information that is relevant to you and your project - whereever you live.

Specialising in off grid electric applications, Michael has designed photovoltaic electric systems for projects as diverse as powering on-street vending machines to charging electric vehicles. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Of course, the reality is a little different from that. Yet generating electricity from sunlight alone is a powerful resource with applications and benefits throughout the world.

But how does it work? What is it suitable for? What are the limitations? How much does it cost? How do I install it? This internet linked book answers all these questions and shows you how you can use the power of the sun to generate electricity yourself.

The web site that accompanies this book includes on-line solar calculators and tools to simplify your solar electricity installation, ensuring building your solar electric system is as straightforward and succesful as possible.

Now is the time to get on board with this exciting technology. Whether you simply want to learn the basics of how solar electricity works or if you are planning to install your own solar electric system, then this handbook will provide you with everything you need to know.

Specialising in off grid electric applications, Michael has designed photovoltaic electric systems for projects as diverse as powering on-street vending machines to charging electric vehicles.

Directly or indirectly, our sun provides all the power we need to exist and supports all life forms. The sun drives our climate and our weather. Without it our world would be a frozen wasteland of ice-covered rock.

Solar electricity is a wonderful concept - taking power from the sun and using it to power electrical equipment is a terrific idea. No ongoing electricity bills, no reliance on an electrical socket - `free' energy that doesn't harm the planet!

Of course, the reality is a little different from that. Yet generating electricity from sunlight alone is a powerful resource with applications and benefits throughout the world.

But how does it work? What is it suitable for? What are the limitations? How much does it cost? How do I install it? This book answers all these questions and shows you how you can use the power of the sun to generate electricity yourself.

Along the way I will also expose a few myths and show where solar power may only be part of the solution - and although undoubtedly there are some significant environmental benefits of solar electricity, I will also be talking about where its environmental credentials have been oversold.

If you simply want to gain an understanding about how solar electricity works then this handbook will provide you with everything you need to know.

If you are planning to install your own solar electric system, this handbook is a comprehensive source of information which will help you understand solar electric power and a practical guide to projects you can undertake yourself.

If you are planning your own solar installation, it will help if you have some basic DIY skills. Whilst I also include a chapter that explains the basics of electricity, a familiarity with wiring is also of benefit - and essential if you are planning a larger project such as powering a house with solar power.

I will keep the descriptions as straightforward as possible. There is some maths and science which is essential to allow you to plan a solar electric installation, but none of it is complex, and there are plenty of short cuts which I'll cover which are invaluable in keeping things simple.

The book includes a number of example projects that are useful to show how solar electricity can be used. These range from the very straightforward - providing electrical light for an allotment shed or garage, to fitting a solar panel to the roof of a caravan or boat, through to installing photovoltaic solar panels to a house.

I also show some rather more unusual examples, such as discussing the possibilities for solar electric motorbikes and cars - showing what can be achieved using solar electricity alone with a little ingenuity and determination.

Throughout the book, I have used one main example throughout - providing solar electricity for a holiday home which does not have access to mains electricity. I've created this example to show the issues and pitfalls that you may encounter along the way. It is based on real life issues and practical experience.

There is a web site that accompanies this book, with lots of useful and up to the minute information, lists of suppliers and on-line solar energy calculators that will simplify the cost analysis and design processes.