Table of Contents

Introducing Solar EnergyWho this book is aimed atThe rapidly changing world of solar energySolar electricity and solar heatingThe source of solar powerThe principles of solar electricityUnderstanding the terminologySetting expectations for solar electricityWhy choose a solar electric system?Cost-justifying solarSolar power and wind powerFuel cellsSolar electricity and the environmentIn conclusionMaking and saving money with solarThe ever rising cost of energyInstalling electricity to a new buildingSubsidies, grants and other financial incentivesIn ConclusionA Brief Introduction to ElectricityDon't panicA brief introduction to electricityHow to measure electricityThe relationship between volts, amps, ohms, watts and watt-hours 23Low current and high current systemsA word for non-electriciansIn conclusionThe Four Configurations for Solar PowerStand-alone/off-gridGrid-tieGrid-tie with power backup (grid interactive)Grid fallbackHow grid-tie systems differ from stand-aloneIn conclusionComponents of a Solar Electric SystemSolar panelsBatteriesControllerInverterElectrical devicesConnecting everything togetherIn conclusionThe Design ProcessShort-cutting the design workSolar energy and emotionsIn conclusionScoping the ProjectDesigning grid-tie or grid fallback systemsFleshing out the scopeProducing a power analysisWhen you are ready to proceedCalculating inefficienciesWhen do you need to use the solar system?Keeping it simpleImproving the scopeIn conclusionCalculating Solar EnergyWhat is solar energy?Solar panels and shadeSolar array power point efficienciesThe effects of temperature on solar panelsWorking out an approximate costWorking out dimensionsIn conclusionSurveying Your SiteWhat we want to achieveFirst impressionsPositioning the solar arrayIdentifying the path of the sun across the skyShadingPositioning batteries, controllers and invertersCablingSite survey for the holiday homeIn conclusionUnderstanding the ComponentsCommon components for all systemsSolar panelsSolar panel mountingsSolar array cablesSolar array connectorsFuses and isolation switchesThe importance of using the correct cables, connectors and isolation switchesGround fault protectionComponents for Grid-Tie systemsGrid-tie solar panelsGrid-tie invertersComponents for Stand-Alone SystemsCalculate your optimum voltageHow to calculate your currentCalculating cable thicknessesMixing and matching solar panelsBatteriesSolar controllerInvertersCablesPlugs and socketsAppliancesReputable brand namesShopping list for the holiday homeIn conclusionPlanning, regulations and approvalsNational and international standards for solar componentsInstallation regulationsGetting your electricity supplier involvedIn conclusionDetailed DesignSafety is designed inSolar array designBatteriesSpecifics for a grid fallback systemCircuit protectionCable sizing and selectionSome sample wiring diagramsThe next stepSolar frame mountingPositioning batteriesPlanning the installationIn conclusionInstallationHave you read the instructions?SafetyAssembling your toolkitPreparing your siteTesting your solar panelsInstalling the solar arrayInstalling the batteriesInstalling the control equipmentInstalling a grid-tie systemCommissioning the systemCharging up your batteriesConnecting your devicesIn conclusionTroubleshootingKeep safeCommon faultsExcessive power usageInsufficient power generationDamaged wiring/ poor connectionsWeak batteryInverter issuesMaintaining Your SystemInternet SupportTools available on the websiteAppendix A - Typical Power RequirementsHousehold and officeGarden and DIYCaravans, boats and recreational vehiclesAppendix B - Living Off-GridA solar electric system in conjunction with grid electricityGrid Fallback and Grid Failover systemsA Final WordIndex

About the Author

Michael Boxwell has been designing solar energy systems since the mid 1990s. Initially integrating solar energy into products such as vending machines and portable computers, Michael went on to designing larger systems, including on-building solar and a solar energy systems capable of providing power to entire rural communities in Africa and South America. Michael's most recent solar projects include designing a full-length solar roof for a forthcoming electric car to be launched in 2016 and a solar battery system for residential use. He currently leads a research and development team developing new solar technologies and is based in the United Kingdom.

Reviews

Customer Reviews and Quotes: "Best solar book I've read, out of four"; "I thought I knew what I was doing but I learned a lot"; "The greatest Solar Reference book ever published"; "Great book for newbies and people who need a refresher!"; "Incredible Book of Solar knowledge"