Although wires are actually very different from water pipes, electricity flowing through wire can be compared to water flowing through pipes. When electricity is flowing, there is said to be electric current. Current (I) is the rate of flow of electrons through the wires. It is measured in amperes (called amps, A) which is a […]

This section reviews some terms used to describe basic electrical principles. If you are just beginning to learn about electricity, you should check a secondary-school text for a good introduction to the subject. Books on how to wire houses are a good introduction to the subject of 110/230V AC electricity. Electricity is power provided by […]

The following section is a review of the energy concepts that must be understood to install and design solar energy systems. Energy Energy is referred to as the ability to do work. For example, energy is required to boil tea, to move a vehicle between two points or to make a radio work. When boiling […]

The five companies below offer solar products through catalogues and on-line. They have interesting catalogues of products, books and specialized design services. There are many more companies like these around the world. Name Country of origin Products Website Real Goods USA Large line of solar and off-grid products www. realgoods. com Alternative Energy Engineering USA […]

The list below provides a basic introduction to major inverter and charge controller suppliers in the off-grid market. Name Country of origin Products Website Phocos Germany Charge regulators, inverters, lights www. phocos. com Apollo Solar USA Charge controllers, inverters www. apollosolar. com Studor Switzerland Inverters, monitors www. studer-inno. com Blue Sky Energy USA Charge controllers […]

Codes of practices guide the installation methods, choice of materials, workmanship and system maintenance, ensuring a long and safe lifetime for PV power systems. They provide the criteria by which systems can be inspected to ensure sustainable and safe operation. The following codes of practice and lists of pre-qualified products are available: International Electro-technical Commission […]

International finance organization dedicated to improving access to modern lighting services for low income groups in Africa. Helps in the promotion of low cost, high quality lighting products through networking, quality monitoring, policy initiatives and competitions. www. lightingafrica. org Solar Electric Light Fund International development organization promoting solar power and wireless communication, with many projects. […]

This chapter provides resources for those interested in gaining further information about solar products, training opportunities and general knowledge about solar. Please note that the section is largely based on the author’s network and experience. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list. Also note that the author and publishers cannot be held responsible […]