Solar Photovoltaic Power Optimization Enhancing System Performance through Operations, Measurement, and Verification

This book focuses on the rapidly maturing solar photovoltaic (PV)industry, which is achieving an ever-increasing share of U.S. and global power production. There is a growing need for all stakeholders– owners, maintenance technicians, utilities, and installers– to fully understand the operations and maintenance of PV systems, and how to monitor and diagnose systems post installation. Recognizing this need, this book covers monitoring and diagnostic techniques and technologies, including how to identify the causes of poor performance, and measure and verify power production. Drawing on global case studies, it details how to achieve optimal PV power output in the field through an overview of basic electrical, the solar PV module and Balance of System, and processes and software for monitoring, measurement, and verification. It also provides an overview of the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioner’s (NABCEP) new PV System Inspector credential, which will be outlined in the final chapter. Equipping the reader with the knowledge and confidence required to maximize the output of solar PV installations, Solar Photovoltaics Power Optimization will be an essential resource for PV practitioners and students.

Preface 1. The Need for Solar Photovoltaic System Operations and Maintenance, and Measurement and Verification 2. Electricity and Solar Cell and System Fundamentals 3. Tools and Methodology for Maintenance and Troubleshooting 4. Tools and Methodology for Monitoring, Measurement and Verification 5. Conclusion: The Growing Market for PV System Inspectors Index

Michael Ginsberg is a LEED AP O+M, CEM, and NABCEP PV Installation Professional, holds an MS in Sustainability Management from Columbia University, and is a Doctor of Engineering Science candidate at Columbia University specializing in solar energy integration into the electrical grid. In his work with the U.S. Department of State, Michael has performed technical analyses of large-scale solar installs on U.S. compounds worldwide, and trained nearly 1,000 engineers and technicians in renewable energy and building systems at U.S. embassies in West Africa, South America, the Middle East, and Europe.