Book Review: Solar Power in Building Design

Solar Power in Building Design by Peter Gevorkian is subtitled “The Engineer’s Complete Design Resource,” and it is certainly an apt description of this extensive volume.

The book goes far beyond what a casual reader interested in solar power would need to know, but there is a wealth of good information inside, and it is likely to be useful for a wide range of readers who have more than just a casual interest in solar power. It is largely concentrated on electrical generation strategies with solar power, although the final chapter of the book deals with passive solar heating technologies.

This book is more than just an engineering technical manual. In addition to being a resource for engineers and architects, building managers, owners (and here I’m thinking more of commercial building manager and operators rather than the average homeowner), and other non-technical readers will find a wealth of information about current energy programs such as the California Solar Initiative Program and about the economics of solar power systems–aspects that play a major role in determining whether or not to install a solar power system.

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The book is not so extensive as to be a sole reference for the specification of a particular photovoltaic system. It’s not enough to turn you into a solar energy systems electrical engineer, but there is plenty of information for an electrical engineer or other professionals to be able to deal with what may be an otherwise less-familiar technology.

The book starts out with a history of photovoltaic technology and the photoelectric effect, then, it introduces the different types of solar power generating methods that are currently available.

As is the case in other books we’ve covered, energy conservation is as much of a concern as the generation system itself. Solar Power devotes a chapter to this, as well. When evaluating the economics and payback period of a system such as a solar photovoltaic system, the cheapest power comes from the power that isn’t used at all. Selecting more efficient equipment and systems that use the power that is being created allows a smaller system to be selected, making the overall cost of the system lower and the payback period shorter. Considerations in conjunction with the LEED program are also covered, and several case studies are included in that chapter.

Perhaps some of the most useful information in this book will be the extensive appendices, including: solar design reference tables, a photo gallery of support hardware options, listings of California Energy Commission certified equipment, and listings of sustainable energy equipment suppliers and consultants.

In a real world application, selecting, specifying, integrating and installing a solar power system is a complex undertaking. Solar Power in Building Design offers a complete overview of the process, dealing not only with the technical aspects of solar photovoltaic systems, but also site design considerations, and the economics and regulatory aspects of choosing and installing these systems in an informed and appropriate fashion. It’s a good reference for professionals and, with its broad scope, is likely to have new information for most anyone dealing with solar power systems.

476 pages; hardcover; b&w illustrations

Solar Power in Building Design [Amazon]

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