Related Links on Solar Electricity (Photovoltaic): General Resources
Take a look at general resources that help to explain the basic theory behind photovoltaics, the benefits and uses of this energy technology, and some of the issues facing and actual applications of solar electricity.
Some of the following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Adobe Reader.
Brookhaven National Laboratory: PV EH&S Research and Assistance Center
This Web site provides information and guidance for the PV community and interested public on issues of environmental health and safety regarding PV technologies.
From Space to Earth-The Story of Solar Electricity
A book by John Perlin, Aatec Publications, 1999
Harnessing Solar Power: The Photovoltaics Challenge
A book by Kenneth Zweibel, Plenum Buplishing Corp., 1990
How Much Land will PV Need to Supply Our Electricity?
PV FAQ sheet on how much land photovltaics will need to supply our electricity in the United States (PDF 256 KB)
Photovoltaics
Here's an excellent introduction to solar electricity. You'll see simple diagrams of how solar cells operate and how they are joined together to form modules and arrays. There's also a batch of Frequently Asked Questions, which just may answer some of yours.
Power Where You Need It: The Promise of Photovoltaics
Photographs and minimal text on photovoltaic installations throughout the United States, illustrating the diversity of PV and how PV can benefit individual homeowners, utilities, the military, and others.
Practical Photovoltaics, Electricity from Solar Cells, 3rd edition
A book by Richard J. Komp, Aatec Publications, 2001
PV Basics
Explanation of PV physics, devices, systems, and more.
Sandia National Laboratories' Photovoltaics (PV) Program
Sandia collaborates with the U.S. PV industry, DOE, NREL, other government agencies, and international organizations to increase the world-wide use of PV systems by reducing cost, improving reliability, increasing performance, removing barriers, and growing markets.
What is the Energy Payback for PV?
PV FAQ sheet on the energy payback for photovoltaic technologies (PDF 331 KB)
Will We Have Enough Materials for Energy-Significant PV Production?
PV FAQ sheet on whether we have enough materials for energy-significant photovoltaics production (PDF 168 KB)