Solar Photovoltaic Cells
Photons to Electricity

A technical and detailed guide for engineers, outlining the resource, processes and scalability of solar electricity

Alexander P. Kirk (Author)

9780128023297, Elsevier Science

Paperback, published 10 November 2014

138 pages, 32 illustrations (7 in full color)
22.9 x 15.1 x 1 cm, 0.2 kg

Solar Photovoltaic Cells: Photons to Electricity outlines our need for photovoltaics - a field which is exploding in popularity and importance. This concise book provides a thorough understanding of solar photovoltaic cells including how these devices work, what can be done to optimize the technology, and future trends in the marketplace. This book contains a detailed and logical step-by-step explanation of thermodynamically-consistent solar cell operating physics, a comparison of advanced multi-junction CPV power plants versus combined-cycle thermal power plants in the framework of energy cascading, and a discussion of solar cell semiconductor resource limitations and the scalability of solar electricity as we move forward. Quantitative examples allow the reader to understand the scope of solar PV and the challenges and opportunities of producing clean electricity.

1. Energy demand and solar electricity2. From nuclear fusion to sunlight3. Device operation4. Energy cascading5. Resource demands and PV integration6. Image Gallery

Subject Areas: Alternative & renewable energy sources & technology [THX], Electrical engineering [THR], Engineering: general [TBC]