The most comprehensive, authoritative and widely cited reference on photovoltaic solar energy

Fully revised and updated, the Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering, Second Edition incorporates the substantial technological advances and research developments in photovoltaics since its previous release. All topics relating to the photovoltaic (PV) industry are discussed with contributions by distinguished international experts in the field.

Significant new coverage includes:



three completely new chapters and six chapters with new authors
device structures, processing, and manufacturing options for the three major thin film PV technologies
high performance approaches for multijunction, concentrator, and space applications
new types of organic polymer and dye-sensitized solar cells
economic analysis of various policy options to stimulate PV growth including effect of public and private investment

Detailed treatment covers:



scientific basis of the photovoltaic effect and solar cell operation
the production of solar silicon and of silicon-based solar cells and modules
how choice of semiconductor materials and their production influence costs and performance
making measurements on solar cells and modules and how to relate results under standardised test conditions to real outdoor performance
photovoltaic system installation and operation of components such as inverters and batteries.
architectural applications of building-integrated PV

Each chapter is structured to be partially accessible to beginners while providing detailed information of the physics and technology for experts. Encompassing a review of past work and the fundamentals in solar electric science, this is a leading reference and invaluable resource for all practitioners, consultants, researchers and students in the PV industry.