* An invaluable, handy, and affordable reference for all interested in solar energy

* Peer-reviewed and authoritative, this book provides essential solar data, explains the underlying theory, and offers helpful illustrations on a myriad of topics relating to solar energy

* Written for a global audience by leading international experts in association with the International Solar Energy Society (ISES)

Prepared and peer-reviewed by some of the foremost experts in the field, this easy-to-use pocket reference includes a wealth of information relating to solar energy.

Topics covered range from solar angles, sun path diagrams, solar radiation, and radiative properties of materials to thermal collectors, thermal energy storage, photovoltaics, and daylighting. The book also includes conversion factors and constants and is peppered throughout with helpful illustrations, equations, and explanations.

Renewable energy professionals, students, and solar entrepreneurs among others will find a host of answers in this book -- a practical assimilation of data, fundamentals, and guidelines for appication.

Table of Contents:

Sun/earth Geometric Relationship * Solar Angles * Solar Time * Declination Angle * Equation of Time * World Standard Time Meridians * Sun Path Diagrams * Shading * Solar Radiation * Radiative Properties of Materials * Transparent Materials * Thermal Collector Overview * Non- Concentrating Thermal Collectors * Concentrating Thermal Collectors * Thermal Energy Storage * Photovoltaics * Water Heating * Space Heating * Solar Heating System Evaluation * Daylighting * Solar Drying * Life Cycle Costing * References * Conversion Factors * ISES