CONTENTS
Preface v
Acknowledgements vii
1. Overview of solar photovoltaic programme worldwide 1
Introduction
The onset of new generation technologies
The bigger renewable energy statement
Growing photovoltaics installed capacities
Off-grid photovoltaics application
Photovoltaics: country perspective
Other photovoltaics markets
Policy support
The sunny march
2. Components of photovoltaic systems 7
Introduction
Silicon wafer
Solar cells
Solar module
Thin film cells
Concentrator cells
Other technologies
Comparative evaluation of crystalline and thin films
Expected market share of PV module technology in 2014
Balance of system
Blocking diode
Other components
3. Applications of photovoltaic systems 23
Introduction
Lighting systems
Solar water pumping application
Solar power for refrigeration
Photovoltaics for telecommunications
Large industrial facilities for captive use
Large commercial facilities
Solar power for warning signs
Off-grid and captive power plants
Underlying operation
PV grid system with battery backup
PV grid system (without battery storage)
PV–diesel hybrid power system
PV–wind hybrid systems
4. Designing a solar PV system 41
Introduction
Factors influencing performance
Solar radiation in India
Key considerations for system design
Guidelines on life expectancy of key solar components
Criteria for a good quality PV system
Designing a PV system with battery backup
PV system designing
Determining the battery bank
Assumptive key battery determinants for an energy storage battery
Case studies—sampled system sizing calculations
Designing a water pumping system
Overall system design for water pumping supply
System sizing procedure for a grid-connected PV system
Case-specific examples
PV syst
Ret screen
PV-watts
Homer
Conclusion
Determining the battery bank
Assumptive key battery determinants for an energy storage battery
Case studies—sampled system sizing calculations
Designing a water pumping system
Overall system design for water pumping supply
System sizing procedure for a grid-connected PV system
Case-specific examples
PV syst
Ret screen
PV-watts
Homer
Conclusion
5. Costing of solar photovoltaic systems 71
Introduction
Segmented cost approach
Visible challenges
Solar module pricing in India
Cost estimates of a selective few PV systems
Component-wise cost of PV rooftop systems
Financial and fiscal incentives for rooftop systems
Point-specific analysis of PV pricing differences
Cost estimates of MW-scale PV power plants
Cercbenchmark for 1 MW PV power plant
Financial aspects of projects
6. Installation and maintenance of photovoltaic systems 85
Introduction
Understanding the solar energy measurement
Working principle of a solar cell
Idea of a solar cell grouping
Key components of a solar power system
Commonly used categories of PV systems
System installation
Selection of the component location
System component interconnections
Maintenance requirements
Routine care of the electronic components
7. Overview of solar photovoltaic programme in India 101
Introduction
Historical perspective
Key achievements of PV programme
Production pattern of solar cells and modules in India 104
PV installed system base
Proposed cost goal for PV
PV market development programme in India
Key PV market segments
PV marketing models
Successfully adopted PV marketing mechanisms
Recent PV programme initiatives
State solar policies and achievements
Commulative grid-connected solar PV installation
State-wise distribution of PV installations
Scheme for development of solar parks and ultra-mega power projects
Solar powered agricultural pump sets programme
Development of canal projects
The road ahead
Databank of potential sites from climatic data perspective
Quality control
Building-centric focus of PV installations
8. International photovoltaic programme 121
Global PV programme
PV country programmes
Annexure I 137
Annexure II 139
Annexure III 141
Annexure IV 149
Index 151
About the Authors 159