Solar Energy Conversion Systems - 9780123970213

Solar Energy Conversion Systems makes solar energy conversion in design and engineering accessible to a broad audience of scientists, engineers, architects, planners, and economists. The book provides valuable background by first considering the political and economic dynamics that have affected the development of this technology. With this perspective, readers can then delve into practical chapters on astronomical and geographical considerations, measurement of light, technology such as optoelectronic and optocaloric collectors, and more.

Today's debates on the future of "green jobs," climate change, and energy independence all implicate solar technology in some way. This book provides history, theory and practice in a single package. It makes an ideal companion for students embarking on studies of renewable energy, designers or builders in search of fundamental background, or anyone with an interest in solar power.

• Contextualizes solar conversion for implementation in practical applications
• Provides a complete understanding of solar power, from underlying science to essential economic outcomes
• Integrative approach includes systems simulations from real radiation and weather data rather than estimations from "rules of thumb"