This book provides a comprehensive description of photovoltaic (PV) technology, presenting the fundamental concepts for solar energy, types of solar cells, solar PV (SPV) modules, and SPV systems, which makes it a useful reference text in this field. The chapters are well written, illustrated, and organized, and the end of each chapter includes a summary and a list of homework problems.
The book begins by discussing solar energy and photovoltaics, first with a general presentation on solar-energy-conversion principles and semiconductor properties, and subsequently describing solar cells and their efficiency. Chapters 2–5 address the different types of solar cells: crystalline silicon cells, thin-film solar cells, III–V semiconductor solar cells, and organic and polymer solar cells. These chapters explain the synthesis and properties of the materials, operation, efficiency, and applications of each type of solar cell.
The focus of chapter 6 is upon manufacturing technology of the main types of solar cells, such as the baseline processes of crystalline silicon cells and III–V semiconductor-based cell technology. Chapter 7 explains the manufacturing of solar PV modules. The description of the characterization techniques used during SPV module manufacturing continues throughout chapter 8. Chapter 9 introduces SPV systems, covering topics such as solar inverters and power conditioning units, classification of SPV systems, energy production, and the economic viability of these systems. The book concludes with a chapter devoted to the design and implementation of off-grid and on-grid SPV systems.
This book is an excellent choice for an introductory course in PV technology for graduate and undergraduate students. It is also a good reference for scientists and engineers working in this area. Overall, it provides a good overview of fundamental concepts, principles, and applications of photovoltaic devices and systems, including an extensive list of relevant and updated references.
Reviewer: Mariana Amorim Fraga, visiting professor at the Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil.
