"This book is not only an outstanding contribution to the understanding to solar photovoltaics from almost atoms through arrays—but its timing is perfect with the world now beyond the tipping point for implementing this electricity source. Though primarily a comprehensive technical volume servicing the exacting needs of the academic and technical communities (and it certainly does serve this important purpose), it even potentially provides the consumer and decision-maker a complete and honest overview of the “art and complexity of producing solar electricity”. It comes as solar photovoltaics is growing extraordinarily in world electricity markets. And at a time in which countries are looking to invest in their own manufacturing infrastructures. The understanding of the needed investments for silicon PV technology is a strength of this book. The coverage is complete, current, and state-of the art. Much of the interest might be in the manufacturing aspects (Chapters 1-5). The strength of this part of the book is that it covers the range of approaches along the PV value chain—Siemens versus fluidized-bed reactor methods for producing the feedstock, monocrystalline-Si versus multi- or polycrystalline growth of the technology base, and wafer preparation alternatives. The device physics is explored, and most important, the range of device structures is explained and evaluated for their strengths and limitations. The description of module assembly is a particular strength of this book—one can almost “see” the panels being assembled in the factory from cell interconnections to encapsulation, framing, and testing. The discussion of different module types is thorough—even providing insights into bifacial approaches that are now starting to dominate many markets. Quite frankly, the book would be well worth it if it had only ended here. But the authors take the PV product to the next expanses of the value chain—adding considerably to the impact and interest. Chapters 6-9 focus on systems and applications. This ranges from stand-alone through central station. The technical and economic aspects of systems are analyzed and compared—from rooftop through power plants. The balance-of-system requirements are emphasized—and the discussions of levelized cost of electricity are especially useful. The final Chapter finishes the PV coverage with an in-depth look at grid integration—certainly an aspect that represents the major markets currently. An important feature is the treatment of system reliability, degradation mechanisms, and meeting specifications. The underpinnings of proper maintenance are described—with the importance to delivering expected power and electricity cost effectiveness. The book reflects the expertise and experience of the authors who have worked in all aspects of this technology—from PV R&D through manufacturing and system development. The book is technically complete from basics through applications. It is well written. The focus is “silicon technology,” and has few omissions in this area which covers >90% of current markets. Thin-film technologies (e.g., CdTe, CIGS) are not covered or compared for their potential in various applications and climate conditions. The focus is the power sector. There are some discussions of growing interest of the intersection of PV with mobility. And the buildings and architectural applications, such as cooking, heating, and cooling—and needs for building-integrated rather than building-applied PV could receive more attention. Solar PV has incredible opportunities in these 3 major sectors—power, built environment, and transportation. It has proceeded well in “power”, but the opportunities in the other two sectors provide the path to meeting the terawatt-hour issue. Despite these minor points, this book is really your “one-stop shop” for solar PV electricity. It is important, timely, and highly recommended." —Dr Lawrence Kazmerski, NREL (Emeritus Research Staff), University of Colorado Boulder- RASEI (Research Professor) and Fellow, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI), University of Colorado Boulder, USA
"The “Solar PV Power” book is one of the most comprehensive on manufacturing of solar cells and panels, design of complete solar photovoltaic systems and applications including “Off Grid” and “Grid Connected”. The details given in the book show the in-depth and practical knowledge of the authors. The book describes the manufacturing processes of silicon solar cells starting from the raw material, purification, crystal growth, ingot growth and casting, wafer manufacturing, making of solar cells and finally integration of cells to form panels. Description of the whole process from raw material to panels does not leave out even minute details of the process. The book also describes the various tests needed to confirm the reliability of manufacturing and to measure the performance of the panels and the systems. The book describes in detail the solar systems and applications, including, lighting, water pumping, refrigeration, telecommunications, oil and gas platforms, space applications, transport solar highways just to name a few. It also gives detailed description of design and construction methods of off-grid systems, rooftop and BIPV systems and grid connected small as well as large systems. For design and construction, this book describes the civil works, such as foundations and structures, and the electrical works including specification of the components and their integration. The book also describes the batteries for energy storage. I am amazed at the depth and comprehensiveness of the information in the book. For anyone interested in design of solar PV systems, from small off-grid systems to large solar power plants, this book provides anything and everything you need to know. Also for anyone interested in manufacturing of silicon solar cells and panels, this book is indispensable. I have been teaching solar energy for more than 30 years and have gone through most of the books that have been published on this topic. I have not seen another book with so much detailed practical knowledge of the manufacturing processes, design and construction, and operations and maintenance of solar power systems. This book is a must read for all students, teachers and practicing engineers in the field of solar photovoltaics. " —Prof Yogi Goswami, Former Editor in Chief on international journal of Solar Energy being published by Elsevier and Distinguished Professor & Director Clean Energy Research Centre, University of South Florida, FL, USA
"The book on ‘Solar PV Power - Design, Manufacturing and Applications-Sands to Systems’ by Rabindra Satpathy and Venkat Pamuru published by Elsevier, 2021, is a book which addresses most of the details related to Solar Photo Voltaic Power. It shall act as guide for Students, Technicians, Engineers and Scientists. This is a useful book for solar PV system design and engineering, solar PV value chain manufacturing equipment and processes, while it has variety of solar PV applications with details for readers understanding. The content of this book revolves around solar PV value chain manufacturing equipment and processes. It depicts beautifully different methods of design of solar Off-grid and on-grid systems. In addition, it has elaborate description on variety of solar PV applications, such as lighting, water pumping, telecom, cathodic protections oil & gas platforms and several other solar applications. Simple design methodologies with example of solar PV off-grid and on-grid system have been illustrated quite well, with simplified steps for calculation and hence be a very good tool for new solar PV designers.
The content provided in the book are elaborated in detailed steps, be it manufacturing process of solar PV cells or module. The manufacturing process from Sand (Quartz) to solar pv module is covered comprehensively and will act as an useful scholastic tool for students/ technician/engineers as well as Trainers. Manufacturing supervisors, technicians, process engineers and entrepreneurs will find this book as a solar handbook as well as understanding alternate /new manufacturing processes. This book is helpful for solar pv system designers, system installers , O & M engineers as it has detailed information about PV system engineering and design, solar PV system components and its characteristics, while updating knowledge about new O& M techniques and processes. Also this will serve as a basic guide for new start up solar entrepreneurs in complete value chain of solar pv manufacturing, solar pv system engineering & design, while spreading the details about variety of solar pv applications. I reckon that this book will help to create new solar technicians/ engineers/ pv system designers as well as budding solar scientists to take forward climate change goals. —Sarma NDR Nuthalapati, PhD, Adjunct Professor, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA Principal Engineer – Contractor, Dominion Energy, Richmond, VA, USA
