When it comes to going green, nothing matches solar energy. Apart from the cost of installation, there’s nothing better than solar energy, and luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the top 10 solar energy books of all time!
Best Solar Energy Books
1. Mr. Michael Boxwell: Solar Electricity Handbook: A Simple Practical Guide to Solar Energy
Hardcover: $34.29
Paperback: $19.99
2. Soteris A. Kalogirou: Solar Energy Engineering: Processes and Systems
The book includes high-interest topics such as solar collectors, solar water heating, solar space heating and cooling, industrial process heat, photovoltaic technology, and solar thermal power systems and contains a new chapter on wind energy systems.
Hardcover: $108.98
3. Ryan Mayfield: Photovoltaic Design and Installation
Photovoltaic Design and Installation
Photovoltaic Design & Installation For Dummies gives you an understanding of the foundational courses required for entrance into an engineering or electrical program, as well as provides an introduction to the fundamental physics and math concepts required for designing photovoltaic systems.
Kindle: $15.00
Paperback: $35.89
4. Solar Energy International: Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual
Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual
Now, with Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual, Solar Energy International (SEI)―a world-class solar energy training and education provider―has made available the critical information to successfully design and install PV systems. Included are chapters on sizing photovoltaic systems and analyzing sites before installing PV systems, as well as detailed appendices on maintenance, troubleshooting, and solar insolation data for over 300 sites around the world.
Paperback: $22
5. John Perlin: Let It Shine: The 6,000-Year Story of Solar Energy
Let It Shine: The 6,000-Year Story of Solar Energy
Let It Shine shares these with us to reveal the surprising extent to which humans have understood and harnessed sunlight, and the latest breakthroughs that may one day enable us to colonize space.
This book is a fascinating look at how people have used solar energy throughout time, how it relates to human development, and where we may be headed in our search for other planets where humans can live.
Hardcover: $18.95
Paperback: $24.95
6. Andy Walker: Solar Energy: Technologies and Project Delivery for Buildings
Solar Energy: Technologies and Project Delivery for Buildings
Solar Energy: Technologies and Project Delivery for Buildings by Andy Walker is a comprehensive textbook on solar energy technologies and project delivery for buildings. It provides a conceptual foundation for the design of solar energy systems and presents detailed descriptions of the various technologies available.
With examples, technical explanations, sample documentation, and special tools that provide all the information needed for the complete design of a solar energy system for buildings to enable mainstream MEP and design firms, not just solar energy specialists.
Hardcover: $82.42
Paperback: $44.18
The Author
Andy Walker is a recognized authority on solar energy and a thought-leader in the optimization of energy systems. He currently serves as Principal Engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where he conducts engineering and economic analysis of energy efficiency projects for Federal agencies such as national parks and military bases. He also provides consulting services to commercial and industrial clients.
7. David Toth: The Sun King: From Retired Engineer To King Of Solar Power (Novel)
The Sun King: From Retired Engineer To King Of Solar Power (Novel)
But David soon discovers that simply putting up solar panels isn’t enough; he must first gain acceptance from local regulators, then convince potential customers, who may not welcome competition from a brand new start-up out of nowhere.
If you love intrigue and suspense, this is the book for you. If you are an environmentalist, it will delight and enlighten you. If you are an entrepreneur, it will motivate and inspire you.
Kindle: $2.99
The Author
David Toth is a retired engineer living in the picturesque Adirondack Region of New York State. On a recent trip to his former employer, he learns that the company’s CEO is selling its solar business and urges him to consider taking over the operation. He immediately decides that this would be the perfect way for him to realize his long-dormant entrepreneurial dream.
8. Allan Fowler: Energy from the Sun: (Rookie Read-About Science: Earth Science) (For Kids)
Energy from the Sun: (Rookie Read-About Science: Earth Science)
Paperback: $11.40
9. Sean White: Solar Photovoltaic Basics
Whether or not you are taking this exam, learning the material covered here is an essential investment toward securing your place and moving up in your solar career. Full coverage of all ten NABCEP skill objectives ensures that you’ll be ready for any question they might throw at you on exam day, including PV Markets and Applications Safety Basics Electricity Basics Solar Energy Fundamentals PV Module Fundamentals System Components PV System Sizing Principles PV System Electrical Design Performance Analysis Maintenance Troubleshooting.
Hardcover: $127.00
Paperback: $23.91
10. Arno Smets: Solar Energy: The Physics and Engineering of Photovoltaic Conversion, Technologies, and Systems
The Physics and Engineering of Photovoltaic Conversion, Technologies, and Systems
PV technology: crystalline silicon solar cells; thin-film cells; PV modules; third-generation concepts. – PV systems, from simple stand-alone to complex systems connected to the grid; components; design; deployment; performance. The book is an invaluable reference for researchers, industrial engineers, and designers working in solar energy generation. The book is also ideal for university and third-level physics or engineering courses on solar photovoltaics, with exercises to check students’ understanding and reinforce learning. It is the perfect companion to the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Solar Energy presented by co-author Arno Smets.”
Paperback: $37.00
Solar Energy Definition
Solar energy is the radiant light and heat from the sun that reaches Earth. Solar energy can be harnessed through a range of ever-evolving technologies like solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal electricity, and solar architecture, which can provide benefits to the environment, as well as the economy.
Solar energy can be harnessed to provide electricity in a variety of ways. It also includes direct heating or cooling of water or air, usually done with the use of sunlight collected by a solar thermal collector or through a photovoltaic panel that transforms light into electrical energy. For solar energy to become more widely adopted, it must be cost-competitive with traditional methods of generating electricity. The efficiency of solar panels has increased dramatically over time – modern thin-film cells have an efficiency of up to 25%, while older conventional silicon cells have an efficiency of up to 17%.
Solar energy is clean and renewable, but it is also intermittent: most locations get only 6 to 7 hours of full sun per day. Worldwide there are now many large and small solar thermal power plants as well as solar hot water heaters. The largest solar thermal power plant in the world is located in California’s Mojave Desert.
Why Is Solar Energy Important?
The sun is one of the most abundant sources of energy on earth. In fact, it provides us with more than enough energy to power our homes and businesses.
Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that has the potential to supply all the world’s energy needs.
Solar power is now being used by homeowners, businesses, and utilities in every state around the country. As technology improves and costs continue to fall, solar power will become an increasingly important part of our country’s energy mix.
Here are some reasons why solar energy is so important:
Helps fight climate change – Burning fossil fuels for electricity releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere that contribute to climate change. Switching to renewable sources like solar helps reduce these emissions by avoiding burning fossil fuels for electricity generation and transportation.
Protects our air quality – Solar power plants use no raw materials or water in their operations, reducing their environmental impact compared with conventional fuel-fired plants. They also emit no air pollutants or greenhouse gases during operation.
Reduces our dependence on foreign oil – Every 1 million kilowatt hours of electricity produced from coal-fired generation produces 4,900 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2), according to EPA estimates
How To Learn Everything About Solar Energy?
There are several ways to learn everything about solar energy.
The first way is to visit your local library or bookstore and look for books on solar power. You will find many excellent texts that provide a wealth of information on this subject. You can also check out some websites that provide information on solar energy, such as the U.S. Department of Energy’s website at www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/.
Another way to learn more about solar energy is by talking with people who have experience with it. Many people who have installed solar panels in their homes are willing to share their experiences with you, and they may even offer advice on how to get started yourself.
Conclusion
This list includes some of the most interesting, informative, and enjoyable solar energy books. It covers a number of different topics ranging from choosing the right angle for your panels to the latest breakthroughs in solar technology. Once you have finished reading these books, don’t forget to share them with your friends.
