Solar photovoltaics (SPV) forms an integral part of renewable energy systems that are crucial for combating global warming. Written to serve as an ideal text for students, researchers and industrial personnel, it discusses the principles of operation of photovoltaic devices, their limitations, choice of materials, and maximum efficiencies. It covers in depth discussion of new materials and devices based on organics and perovskites, and a flow-chart of the manufacture of Si, GaAs and CdTe cells, their characterization and testing. It highlights characterization, testing and reliability of solar PV modules, comparison of fixed and tracking SPV systems using concentrator cells. Economical aspects of grid-connected and stand-alone systems and a wide range of applications, from solar pumps, and street lighting to large power plants is covered in the text. Several aspects such as cell and module manufacture, characterization, testing, reliability, and system design are described considering commercial SPV manufacturing plants.
