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This ebook explains, for a UK business audience, the technical, scientific and economic aspects of solar photovoltaics (PV) technologies. It is useful to anyone considering a business use of solar PV, whether an investor, potential purchaser, or thinking of setting up a company in the sector.
It succinctly examines:
- their applications and how to assess them;
- the prospects and drivers for cost reductions and implementation;
- the role of PV in carbon offsetting;
- and the business case for and against investment.
It will arm the reader with sufficient knowledge to talk to contractors or to compile a business investment case for senior management.
PV is the sunrise sector for electricity generation; the renewable technology whose time has come. Clean and with no moving parts to wear out, it interfaces neatly with other technologies in our digital world. Cost curves are decreasing and installation curves exponentially rising. Due to the Feed-in Tariff support silicon-based cells receive, within the next five to eight years, the lowering production costs and technological innovations will mean that solar electricity will be poised to find even more widespread applications.
Read an extract: Is it still worth investing in PV in the UK?
Reviews
"This is an essential source of information for actual or prospective solar investors, and recommended reading for all solar enthusiasts. A well researched, and authoritative work on an important sector. David Thorpe knows his subject inside out." OLIVER TICKELL, author of Kyoto2 (Zed Books: 2008), greentech entrepreneur, editor of The Ecologist, environmental writer, and solar enthusiast with a 4kW array on his roof. He is an advisor to the new Green House Think Tank.
"This easy-to-understand guide offers a comprehensive overview of why solar PV makes environmental and economic sense. It is essential reading for business owners considering installations." MARTIN DOWLEY, MD, 7Energy Ltd
"This is a really useful and concise briefing on solar electricity in the British policy and market context. It answers most questions about how, why and what, without getting too technical, whilst encouraging the reader to be the who and decide the when. I am sure that it will be helpful and insightful for a range of enquirers, from people wanting to find a good home for major investment, through to people who want to do something practical about renewable energy at home." – Jo Abbess.
Contents
About this book, What is solar power?, Solar electricity, Energy efficiency, The photovoltaic effect, Types of cell, Environmental impact, Applications, The advantage of speed, grid connected systems, Stand-alone systems, Transport, The cost of PB systems, Feed-in tariffs, State of the industry, Advice to installers, Planning a solar installation, Costs, Maintenance, Sourcing & talking to suppliers, Investing in PV, Financial support, Utility level developers, Energy Service Companies, Sources of information, Sources of advice, Decision tree
