The global demand for green energy has never been higher, and it’s set to soar.
There’s never been a more critical time for us to harness the power of the sun, and with the world deploying solar photovoltaic (PV) technology more quickly than ever, we need to get it right.
Offering insights from the frontline of the utility-scale solar industry, Solar Boom sets out the pathway to success and how to avoid mistakes in your new-build pipeline, whether you’re a solar newbie or a veteran.
Read this book to understand:
Who’s who in the utility-scale solar industry Strategies to revamp and repower your portfolios How to enhance your ageing and underperforming assets The key mistakes of the subsidy-driven solar boom and how to avoid them The future of solar PV and its potential to save the world from the effects of climate change
By:
John Davies
Imprint: Rethink Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 216mm,
Width: 140mm,
Spine: 12mm
Weight: 283g
ISBN: 9781781336137
ISBN 10: 178133613X
Pages: 258
Publication Date: 16 September 2021
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Introduction The climate and ecological emergency From black to green Goals and takeaways PART ONE The Solar Coaster 1 The History Of Solar Simple solar Let there be light 2 What Is Photovoltaic Technology? Modules Inverters Transformers Mounting structures Earthing Cabling Connectors String combiner boxes Switchgear and protection relays Metering SCADA and communications systems CCTV and security systems Meteorological equipment 3 Solar Sectors And Applications Rooftop Large-scale and utility Off-grid and stand-alone systems Floating solar Carports Buildings and facades Transportation Space applications 4 Who’s Who In The Solar Industry Developers Local authorities Landowners District network operators ICPs EPCs O&Ms Asset owners and fund managers Asset managers TAs Other organisations involved in large-scale solar Roles within utility-scale solar organisations 5 The Competency Gap PART TWO PV Assets 6 Operational Assets – Fleet Status Operational phase – key players Defects, damage and dire installation standards 95 7 Operational Assets – Knowledge Is Power The warranty window countdown SOS and Road2Repower Revamp and repower 8 New-build Assets New-build market status New-build phase – key players CAPEX vs OPEX Garbage in, garbage out Why pre-construction module testing is a no-brainer Securing your supply chain 9 Lessons Learnt From The UK Solar Boom Lesson 1: Subsidy solitaire Lesson 2: Pump-and-dump shovel-ready flips Lesson 3: Invest in green and clean renewables Lesson 4: Just sign it off, Mr TA Lesson 5: Focus on CAPEX over OPEX Lesson 6: Shake off the module quality delusion Lesson 7: We do it this way in Europe PART THREE The Future Of Solar 10 Committing To A Solar-powered Future Quitting non-renewables and going cold turkey Focus on quality The age of revamp and repower When and where to build? EPC vs EPC-M Solar + storage = baseload renewables 14 Technology Treats Module and cell technology Tracking systems Optimisers and sensors Inverter technology AI, machine learning, analytics and big data Robots and PV Blockchain, cryptocurrencies and solar 12 Scaling Solar And The Big ‘H’ Connection congestion Decommissioning solar farms 13 The Renewables Revolution Continues 100% renewables and a Net-Zero future Conclusion: The Bigger Picture Solar Boom round-up Notes Further Reading Acknowledgements The Author Contact
John Davies CEng is a chartered engineer with over twenty years’ industrial experience, ten of which he has spent working in utility-scale solar. His career has taken him from the black of fossil fuels to the clean and green of renewables. Along the way he has sought innovation and technology to deliver service excellence and world-leading solutions. John shares his field-based insights from his project life-cycle experiences during the UK solar boom, to educate and inform the world, and to make Solar PV the planet-saving technology it deserves to be. Find out more at www.2degreeskelvin.org
Reviews for Solar Boom: The insider's guide to the utility - scale solar industry
‘This is a compelling story about solar energy, from its beginnings to the future, uniquely situated in the context of the UK solar boom of the past decade. John shares his personal journey, which has taken him from the black of oil, coal and fossil fuels to the green and clean technologies of renewables. John’s passion for renewables is highly contagious, and his call to fight to save the plant is powerful. His inspiring book is particularly accessible to those with little to no knowledge of solar energy and gives great insight into the what, the who and the why of the UK solar boom. Buckle up and enjoy this solar coaster!’ — Arnoud C Klaren, Head of Projects, Quintas Advisory ‘This is a comprehensive but easy-to-read book about the solar-powered universe. It provides in-depth knowledge, particularly for those entering the professional solar business, as well as detailed insights about advanced testing, well-explained benefits and technical approaches. I’m often surprised when I speak to people in the industry to find how little they actually know about solar and how the sector works. This book will bring everyone up to speed. I would highly recommend it as a mustread for everyone in the utility-scale solar industry.’ — Erik Lohse, solar quality expert and creator of the MBJ Mobile Lab ‘This is a must-read textbook for the utility-scale solar PV industry. John articulates clearly and dives deep into the details, addressing the issues and providing applicable solutions. Whether you are a newcomer to the industry or a seasoned professional, this book is the one you will always refer back to.’ — Ypatios Moysiadis, managing partner, Wattcrop, and postgraduate lecturer, City University
- Winner of Business Book Awards: Change & Sustainability Category 2022
