Practical Handbook of Photovoltaics: Fundamentals and
Applications
Author: Tom Markvart
ISBN: 1856173909
Publisher: Elsevier Science; 1 edition (November 13, 2003)
Sample Page
Preface
Photovoltaics is about to celebrate 50 years of its modern era. During
this time, the industry has grown from small satellite power supplies to
utility-scale systems that are now routinely installed in many countries of
the world. Solar cells capable of producing power in excess of 500 MW were
manufactured in 2002, providing electricity to a variety of applications
ranging from small consumer products, power systems for isolated dwellings
and remote industrial equipment to building-integrated solar arrays and
megawatt-size power stations.
This PracticaI Handbook of Photovoltaics addresses the need for a book that
summarises the current status of know-how in this field. It represents a
detailed source of information across the breadth of solar photovoltaics and
is contributed to by top-level specialists from all over the world. Over
1,000 references, bibliographies and web sites guide the reader to further
details, be it specific information for industrial production and research
or a broad overview for policy makers. Thirty-seven chapters in the handbook
cover topics from fundamentals of solar cell operation to industrial
production processes, from molecular photovoltaics to system modelling, from
a detailed overview of solar radiation to guidelines for installers and
power engineers, and from architectural integration of solar cells to energy
payback, C02 emissions and photovoltaic markets. Appendices include
extensive bibliography and lists of standards, journals and other sources of
information which can be found in a printed or electronic form.
The main credit for this handbook must go to the 47 contributors who have
produced a unique compilation of the contemporary knowledge in photovoltaic
science and technology.
Our thanks go to our families for their patience and support without which
this book would have never seen the light of day.
Luis Castafier
Barcelona
Tom Markvart
Southampton
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