A lively and authoritative account of today’s photovoltaic (PV) technology and its practical applications

This book covers areas including:

* a brief history of PV, and the current international scene;

* the scientific principles of solar cells including silicon and new thin-film varieties;

* PV modules and arrays;

* grid-connected PV, from home systems up to large power plants;

* the wide diversity of stand-alone PV systems, and;

* the economic and environmental aspects of solar electricity.

Key equations and numerical examples are fully discussed, providing essential theoretical background. The text is supported by copious illustrations and more than eighty inspiring full colour photographs from around the world to demonstrate PV’s huge range of practical applications.

This book is aimed at a wide readership including professionals working in related areas, and students taking introductory courses in PV and renewable energy. Its style and level will also appeal to energy planners and decision makers, members of environmental organisations, and the increasing number of people interested in generating their own electricity from sunlight.

Paul A. Lynn obtained his BSc(Eng) and PhD degrees in electrical

engineering from Imperial College London. After several years in the

electronics industry he lectured at Imperial College and the University of

Bristol. In 1993 he was appointed founding Managing Editor of the Wiley

international journal Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications ,

which he managed for 14 years. His previous publications include 5 textbooks,

more than 50 technical papers and articles, and 2 short books on

English country pubs. In his spare time Paul maintains a strong interest in

environmental matters and is a long - time member of Friends of the Earth .

He has designed and built three prize - winning solar catamarans and in 2003

he and his wife Ulrike made the fi rst - ever solar - powered voyage along the

entire River Thames from Gloucestershire to London.