Solar Basics book Chapters Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- About Solar Design
- Table of Contents
- List of Illustrations
- List of Tables
- Foreword
- Introduction
- Why Solar
- The Purpose of This Book
- Terminology
- Price and Model Numbers
- Chapter 1 Solar Module Basics
- What is a Solar Module
- Solar Modules Use Sunlight
- What Comes Out of the Wires
- Can You Harm Them
- Chapter 2 Applications
- Two Basic Types of Applications
- Grid-Connected Systems
- Stand-Alone Battery Systems
- Grid-Connected with Battery Backup
- Solar Powered Water Systems
- Other Applications
- Chapter 3 Types of Modules
- How Solar Modules Work
- Crystalline Silicon Modules
- Back Contact Solar Cells
- Thin-Film Solar Cells
- Other Types of Solar Cells
- Concentrator Modules
- Module Efficiency
- Chapter 4 Inverters
- Two Basic Types of Inverters
- Grid-Connected Inverters
- Maximum Peak Power Tracking
- Stand-Alone Inverters
- Non Sine Wave Inverters
- Low Voltage Disconnect
- Hybrid Inverters
- Surge Current
- Inverter Efficiency
- High Temperature Derating
- Special Features
- Stacking for 240 VAC
- VA Capacity and Power Factor
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
- Battery Charging Built Into Inverter
- Display
- Data Link
- NEC Required Features
- Certifications
- How to Pick an Inverter
- Chapter 5 Batteries
- Battery Basics
- Types of Rechargeable Batteries
- Types of Lead-Acid Batteries
- Starting Battery vs. Deep Discharge Battery
- Wiring
- Expense and Maintenance
- Charging a Lead-Acid Battery
- Battery Temperature Compensation
- Battery Desulfator
- Aging
- Additives
- Temperature
- How to Choose Batteries
- Chapter 6 Charge Controllers
- The Function of a Charge Controller
- Types of Charge Controllers
- Pulse Width Modulation
- Diversion Charge Controllers
- Multiple Source Charge Controllers
- Charge Controller Ratings
- Temperature Derating
- Temperature Compensation
- Charging Voltage
- Low Voltage Disconnect
- High Voltage Disconnect
- Parallel Configuration
- Efficiency
- Ground Fault Protection Device
- Mounting
- Display
- Data Link
- Certifications
- How to Pick a Charge Controller
- Chapter 7 Solar Water Systems
- Types of Solar Water Systems
- Terminology
- Sources of Water
- Types of Pumps
- Discharge Curves
- Control Box
- Water Treatment
- Reverse Osmosis
- How to Pick a Pump
- Chapter 8 The Basics of System Sizing
- Energy Audit
- Determine Loads
- Account for Losses
- Battery Sizing and Charging
- Choose Equipment
- Site Survey
- Choose the Modules
- Wiring
- Balance-of-system
- Documentation
- Chapter 9 Federal and State Incentives
- DSIRE
- Federal Incentives
- State Incentives
- Loans
- Grants
- Tax Breaks
- Production Incentives
- Bonds
- What To Do If Your State Does Not Have An Incentive Program
- The Future
- Chapter 10 Sources
- The Internet
- How Search Engines Work
- Collecting Bookmarks
- Energy.Sourceguides.com
- GoSolarCalifornia
- Solar magazines
- Books That List Sources
- Solar Exhibits and Fairs
- Cooler Planet
- NABCEP
- SEIR
- Word of Mouth
- Chapter 11 Calculating Cost
- Types of Cost Calculations
- Discounting
- System Cost
- Life-cycle Cost
- Cost of Electricity
- Payback Period
- Intangible Credits
- Chapter 12 Installation
- Mounting Structure
- Thermal Issues
- Installing Batteries
- Mechanical Wear and Tear
- Corrosion
- UV Radiation Damage
- Animals and Insects
- Security
- Quality Workmanship
- Chapter 13 Instrumentation and Testing
- The Need for Instrumentation
- The Basics
- Measuring the Amount of Sunlight
- Measuring Temperature
- Measuring the IV Curve
- Correcting to Standard Conditions
- Keeping Track of Energy Production
- Measuring Battery State of Charge
- Weather Stations
- Summary
- Chapter 14 Maintenance and Repair
- Common Problems
- Keeping it Clean
- Shadows
- Electrical Connections
- Batteries
- Overheating
- Finding a Failed Module
- Removing and Replacing a Failed Module
- Recycling
- Chapter 15 Safety
- Electrical Safety
- Battery Safety
- Working on Roofs or at Heights
- Working Safely with Hand Tools
- Glossary
- Index
- About the Author