Solar Energy, Photovoltaics, and Domestic Hot Water: A Technical and Economic Guide for Project Planners, Builders, and Property Owners

by Russell H. Plante

Overview

Solar Energy, Photovoltaics, and Domestic Hot Water provides a fundamental understanding of heat and energy conversions and of both solar domestic hot water system types with associated components and photovoltaic/inverter system combinations. It provides the information needed to determine and understand the proper siting requirements, the amount of energy needed (based upon usage), the amount of solar energy available, the methods of comparing collectors for both hot water and photovoltaic situations, and the number of collectors necessary for either hot water or electricity. Solar Energy, Photovoltaics, and Domestic Hot Water also details the investment and cost savings advantages of using solar energy through a unique compilation of information and explanations not available in other publications or on the internet. This includes comprehensive financial explanations with examples using basic engineering management analysis methods. These examples include present and future worth relative to break-even costs and cash flow analysis and actual quoted systems and worksheets for typical electrical solar PV and DHW demand scenarios allowing you to calculate your own cost estimates and to evaluate your own projects relative to investment payback. Solar Energy, Photovoltaics, and Domestic Hot Water will enable readers make informed decisions about the economic practicality of solar generation sources for residential or commercial use based upon location, energy demands, associated conventional fuel costs, solar energy system costs, and tax incentives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780124201552
Publisher:	Elsevier Science
Publication date:	05/08/2014
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Russell H Plante, Engineering Physicist, Applied Technologies, Inc. A former project engineer in Kalwall Corp.’s Solar Division and DOD Branch Head in Control Engineering, Russell was appointed by the University of Maine to advise and assist the Physics Department in providing an industrial perspective for quality education. A skilled technical writer and project manager, he has received awards for Solar Building Engineering Design from the State of Maine Office of Energy Resources and from the U.S. Department of Energy for Energy Innovation Technologies

Table of Contents

1. Considering the Solar Alternative2. Simple Solar Basics 3. Determining Energy Usage 4. Solar Domestic Hot Water (DHW) Systems5. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems 6. Economic Criteria for Financial Decisions 7. The Economics of Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems 8. The Economics of Solar Photovoltaic Systems 9. The Solar Investment 10. The Energy Conundrum and Economic Consequences

AppendixA. Mathematical Tables, Relationships, and ConversionsB. WorksheetsC. Comments on Draft Technical Support Document for Endangerment

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

An invaluable resource that provides an in-depth evaluation of the payback and investment advantages of using photovoltaic (PV) or solar domestic hot water (DHW) systems versus conventional systems

Editorial Reviews

" ... a technical and economic guide...that provides the information necessary for determining whether either a photovoltaic (PV) or domestic hot water (DHW) system makes economic sense...If you are a builder, or property owner planning on installing solar energy systems, this well-written book is definitely worth purchasing." —IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine

From the Publisher