PV design and installation for dummiesContents at a Glance
Introduction ................................................................ 1
Part I: Here Comes the Sun: Shedding
Some Light on PV Systems ............................................ 7
Chapter 1: The Photovoltaic Revolution ........................................................................9
Chapter 2: Checking Out Common Components and Systems ..................................21
Chapter 3: Powering through Electricity Basics ..........................................................35
Chapter 4: Warming Up to the Solar Resource ............................................................57
Chapter 5: Properly Selecting a Site for a PV System ..................................................79
Part II: Digging into Complete System Details ............. 99
Chapter 6: PV Modules: From Sand to Electricity .....................................................101
Chapter 7: The Basics of Batteries ..............................................................................121
Chapter 8: Keeping Current and Voltage in Check: Charge Controllers .................139
Chapter 9: Inverters: AC (From) DC ............................................................................149
Chapter 10: Staying Secure: Wiring and Safety Components ...................................163
Part III: Sizing a PV System ..................................... 177
Chapter 11: Sizing a Grid-Direct System .....................................................................179
Chapter 12: Sizing a Battery-Based System ................................................................203
Chapter 13: Sizing Conductors, Conduit, and Safety Components .........................229
Part IV: Installing a PV System ................................ 247
Chapter 14: The Permitting Process ...........................................................................249
Chapter 15: Staying Safe Anytime You Work on a PV System ..................................261
Chapter 16: Assembling the Mechanical Parts ..........................................................279
Chapter 17: Integrating the Electrical Elements ........................................................301
Chapter 18: Commissioning, Inspecting, and Maintaining a PV System .................319
Part V: The Part of Tens ........................................... 341
Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Avoid Common Code Mistakes ........................................343
Chapter 20: Ten Ways to Maximize Energy Production for Your Clients ...............349
Index ...................................................................... 355