A Practical Guide to Solar Photovoltaic Systems for Technicians
Sizing, Installation and Maintenance
Solar photovoltaic systems provide an environmentally sustainable source of energy and have the potential to vastly improve the lives of many people in isolated areas of the world.
First published in 2008, the first edition has been used to train more than ten thousand engineers and field technicians to install and maintain such systems. The newest edition of this practical manual is enriched with new field experiences and accurate and up-to-date information on lithium-ion batteries, which enable photovoltaic systems to better store electricity - a further advance for off-grid installations particularly in remote rural areas. Essential information is included on how to calculate the system load, and how to size the PV panels, the batteries and accompanying regulators accordingly.
The book also reflects other advances including increased efficiency of solar panels, and the widening range of low-energy consumer devices that are likely to be used. Full of practical advice that is easy to implement, this quick reference manual is the ideal tool for every promoter and user of solar photovoltaic systems.
Published: 2020
Pages: 108
eBook: 9781788531153
Paperback: 9781788531139
First published in 2008, the first edition has been used to train more than ten thousand engineers and field technicians to install and maintain such systems. The newest edition of this practical manual is enriched with new field experiences and accurate and up-to-date information on lithium-ion batteries, which enable photovoltaic systems to better store electricity - a further advance for off-grid installations particularly in remote rural areas. Essential information is included on how to calculate the system load, and how to size the PV panels, the batteries and accompanying regulators accordingly.
The book also reflects other advances including increased efficiency of solar panels, and the widening range of low-energy consumer devices that are likely to be used. Full of practical advice that is easy to implement, this quick reference manual is the ideal tool for every promoter and user of solar photovoltaic systems.
| 1. Objective | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2. Units of measurement and basic formulae for electricity and energy | |||
| 3. Introduction to small solar photovoltaic systems | |||
| 4. The client: Meeting his or her needs | |||
| 5. Photovoltaic modules | |||
| 6. Charge regulator | |||
| 7. Batteries | |||
| 8. Loads and inverters | |||
| 9. Choice of cables and electrical protection equipment | |||
| 10. Quality control and procurement advice | |||
| 11. Installation of solar systems | |||
| 12. Maintenance and servicing of small solar systems | |||
| 13. Recurrent problems and solutions | |||
| 14. List of necessary tools | |||
| 15. For further information | |||
| 16. Glossary | |||
| 17. Annexes |
‘This book is focussed on quality deployment of stand-alone solar electric systems and will help promote understanding of just what this under-utilised generic technology can do for addressing energy poverty.’
Martin Bellamy, independent consultant for developing world energy solutions
‘More than 30 years of practical experience on stand alone PV system are shared within this great updated version. An essential guide for every photovoltaic professional.’
Etienne Sauvage, HACSE / Gérant
‘This very practical guide for technicians provides the essential basics they need to know in order to create high-quality, long-lasting, stand-alone photovoltaic installations.’
Gérard MOINE, President of Solaire sans frontières
‘Practical and concise, this book is exactly the informative and specific reference guide that practitioners need when dealing with solar PV technology in the field.’
Alberto Ibanez Llario, Solar Energy & WASH officer, IOM
'A practical guide, free from unnecessary jargon, which provides a systematic, step by step guide on what someone interested in solar energy needs to know for successful planning, installation and maintenance of small photovoltaic systems.'
Brian McSorley, Water & Sanitation Engineering Advisor, Oxfam Global Humanitarian Team
Jean-Paul Louineau
Jean-Paul Louineau is an experienced solar energy consultant and author. He has conceived several hands-on photovoltaic technical and training tools and has conducted numerous training courses in Africa and France. He is the founder of the consultancy company Alliance Soleil, based in France.
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