This thoroughly revised text, now in its second edition, continues to provide a detailed discussion on all the aspects of solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies from physics of solar cells to manufacturing technologies, solar PV system design and their applications.

Organized in three parts, Part I introduces the fundamental principles of solar cell operation and design, Part II explains various technologies to fabricate solar cells and PV modules and Part III focuses on the use of solar photovoltaics as part of the system for providing electrical energy. In addition to this, numerous chapter-end exercises are given to reinforce the understanding of the subject.

This text is intended for the undergraduate and postgraduate students of engineering for their courses on solar photovoltaic technologies and renewable energy technologies. Besides this, the book will be immensely useful for teachers, researchers and professionals working in the photovoltaic field. In a nutshell, this book is an absolute must-read for all those who want to understand and apply the basics behind photovoltaic devices and systems.About the Author

CHETAN SINGH SOLANKI, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. He is the recipient of Young Scientist Award from European Material Research Society (2003), Young Investigator Award from IIT Bombay (2009) and several other awards for paper presentations. He has authored many books published by PHI Learning, New Delhi. The Hindi version of his book Renewable Energy Technologies—A Practical Guide for Beginners got the first prize from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in 2011. His research areas include high efficiency c-Si cells, thin film c-Si cells, concentrator cells and modules and nano-materials for solar cells. Dr. Solanki is currently one of the principal investigators of the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE), funded by the MNRE, Government of India.