27 Best Books on Solar Energy

We have compiled a list of the Best Reference Books on Solar Energy, which are used by students of top universities, and colleges. This will help you choose the right book depending on if you are a beginner or an expert. Here is the complete list of Solar Energy Books with their authors, publishers, and an unbiased review of them as well as links to the Amazon website to directly purchase them. If permissible, you can also download the free PDF books on Solar Energy below.

1. Solar Energy Engineering and Materials

 
1."Solar Energy: The physics and engineering of photovoltaic conversion, technologies and systems" by Arno Smets and Klaus Jäger
“Solar Energy: The physics and engineering of photovoltaic conversion, technologies and systems” Book Review: This book discusses the physics of photovoltaic cells and their application in designing photovoltaic systems for practical use. The book covers a range of topics, including the principles of semiconductor solar cells and various photovoltaic technologies such as crystalline silicon solar cells and thin-film cells. It also covers the components, design, deployment, and performance of photovoltaic systems. This book serves as an essential reference for researchers, engineers, and designers working in the field of solar energy generation. It is also a valuable resource for students studying physics or engineering at the university or third-level courses with a focus on solar photovoltaics. The book includes exercises at the end of each chapter to test the understanding of the subject matter. The significant topics covered in the book are the status and prospects of PV technology, the working principle of a solar cell, electrodynamic basics, basic semiconductor physics, and semiconductor junction. This book is suitable for students studying physics and engineering.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
2."Physics and Technology of Solar Energy: Volume 2" by H P Garg and M Dayal
“Physics and Technology of Solar Energy: Volume 2” Book Review: The detailed study on physics and technology of solar energy is presented in this book. It encompasses the results of research and development conducted in both developing and developed countries. The book addresses the challenges and highlights the screening, selection, adaptation, and management of emerging solar energy technologies for use in developing countries. It also discusses the role of international organizations in assisting the establishment of local solar energy R&D and manufacturing capabilities in developing countries. The book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, industrial engineers, and designers working in the field of solar energy technology.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
3."Future Solar Energy Devices (SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology)" by Mihaela Girtan
“Future Solar Energy Devices (SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology)” Book Review: The focus of this book is on the intersection of electronics and photonics, and what the future of this technology may hold. It covers recent advancements in solar cells and photonic devices, as well as a new approach that combines photonics and electronics. This book provides readers with fresh perspectives and insights for their own research. It explores how electronics and photonics are interconnected, and proposes a potential means of utilizing solar energy directly through future photonic devices. This book is an excellent resource for individuals interested in learning about the technological advancements and possibilities of solar energy.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
4."Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes" by John A Duffie and William A Beckman
“Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes” Book Review: This book is an ideal resource for undergraduate students in engineering and science streams. It provides the latest information on solar energy theory, systems design, and applications in various market sectors. The book covers the fundamentals of solar radiation, building heating using active, passive, and hybrid methods, solar cooling, solar industrial process heat, solar thermal power systems, and solar ponds-evaporative processes. It also focuses on solar system design and analysis using simulations to give readers a practical understanding of the subject matter. The book includes a separate chapter on CombiSys, which simulates a solar-heated house with solar-heated domestic hot water. Furthermore, the book covers the design of active and passive systems, hybrid heating systems, photovoltaic systems, and wind energy. It also provides detailed coverage of photovoltaics and solar cell and heater design. This book is suitable for students studying solar engineering, solar energy, alternative energy, as well as professionals working in the power and energy industry and related fields. The book includes several solved and supplementary examples in each chapter, multiple-choice questions with answers, and practice problems at the end of each chapter to help readers better understand the concepts.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
5."Physics and Technology of Amorphous-Crystalline Heterostructure Silicon Solar Cells (Engineering Materials)" by Wilfried G J H M van Sark and Lars Korte
“Physics and Technology of Amorphous-Crystalline Heterostructure Silicon Solar Cells (Engineering Materials)” Book Review: This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the current state-of-the-art in the physics and technology of amorphous-crystalline heterostructure silicon solar cells, with a focus on cell efficiencies exceeding 23%. The book introduces the heterojunction concept and covers the materials used in the cells, including their processes and properties. It then discusses heterointerfaces, characterization techniques, and simulation tools. This book is recommended for those who want to learn about the physics and technology of amorphous-crystalline heterostructure silicon solar cells.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
6."Inner Solar System: Prospective Energy and Material Resources" by Viorel Badescu and Kris Zacny
“Inner Solar System: Prospective Energy and Material Resources” Book Review: The focus of this book is on the potential energy and material resources that can be found on Venus and Mercury. It explores various topics related to the exploration and utilization of these planets and presents past and future technologies and solutions that could become a reality. The book is an informative source for specialists who are interested in current activities related to Venus and Mercury. It is also beneficial for space researchers, inventors, technologists, and potential investors.

advertisement
advertisement
Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
7."Materials Concepts For Solar Cells (Energy Futures)" by Thomas Dittrich
“Materials Concepts For Solar Cells (Energy Futures)” Book Review: This textbook provides a coverage of both fundamental and advanced literature on solar cells, specifically focusing on photovoltaic solar energy conversion. The first part of the book explains the general principles of solar cells and material requirements. The second part of the book delves into the four classes of material concepts for solar cells, which includes solar cells based on silicon crystals, epitaxial layer systems of III-V semiconductors, thin-film absorbers on foreign substrates, and nano-composite absorbers. This textbook is an excellent resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive introduction to material concepts for solar cells.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
8."Advances in Solar Energy: An Annual Review of Research and Development: Volume 6" by Karl W Böer
“Advances in Solar Energy: An Annual Review of Research and Development: Volume 6” Book Review: This book provides a thorough examination of the most recent technological breakthroughs in solar energy. It presents the outcomes of research and development endeavors undertaken in both developing and developed nations. The book discusses different challenges and emphasizes the importance of evaluating, selecting, adapting, and managing emerging solar energy technology for use in developing countries. It discusses the role of international organizations that can help in establishing local solar energy research and development as well as manufacturing capabilities in these countries. Researchers, industrial engineers, and designers who are engaged in solar energy technology will find this book valuable.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
9."Semiconductor Materials for Solar Photovoltaic Cells (Springer Series in Materials Science)" by M Parans Paranthaman and Winnie Wong-Ng
“Semiconductor Materials for Solar Photovoltaic Cells (Springer Series in Materials Science)” Book Review: This book offers an in-depth analysis of current and future strategies for improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar PV cells. It addresses the challenges of bridging the gap between laboratory-scale efficiency and commercial module efficiency. The book provides an overview of solar cell materials and covers the latest developments and research directions in semiconductor materials. It will be a valuable resource for materials scientists and engineers looking to identify research areas to meet energy demands and for researchers seeking to understand emerging semiconductor materials in the solar market.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)


2. Solar Energy for Industrial Process Heat

 
1."Active Solar Collectors and their Applications" by Rabl
“Active Solar Collectors and their Applications” Book Review: This book is aimed at undergraduate students pursuing engineering or science degrees. It covers the basics of optics for solar collectors and presents an overview of solar equipment and applications, solar geometry, insolation data, and models. The book also covers collector efficiency, collector testing, non-tracking collector optics, tracking concentrator types, optical analysis, and optimization of parabolic reflectors. It discusses heat transfer in solar collectors, heat transfer factors, system models, economic analysis, and system optimization. The book contains numerous illustrations and real-life applications to enhance the learning experience.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
2."Principles of Solar Engineering" by D Y Goswami and J F Kreider
“Principles of Solar Engineering” Book Review: This textbook is designed for undergraduate students in engineering and science streams. It covers the basics of solar radiation and delves into topics such as solar collection, thermal conversion, energy storage and transport, solar heating and cooling systems, and passive heating methods. The book also includes information on solar thermal power, photovoltaic heat, solar photochemistry, SIPH systems, and Rankine solar thermal power plants. It features numerous illustrations and real-life examples to facilitate learning.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
3."Solar Energy Engineering: Processes and Systems" by Soteris A Kalogirou
“Solar Energy Engineering: Processes and Systems” Book Review: This book provides a valuable resource for undergraduate students studying engineering and science. It covers the fundamental principles of solar energy and examines various applications including solar water-heating systems, solar space heating and cooling, industrial process heat, chemical applications, solar dryers, desalination systems, photovoltaic systems, and solar thermal power systems. The book also offers detailed explanations on the design and modeling of solar systems, solar energy analysis, and wind energy systems. The book contains numerous illustrations and real-life applications to enhance learning.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
4."Advances in Solar Heating and Cooling (Woodhead Publishing Series in Energy)" by Ruzhu Wang and Tianshu Ge
“Advances in Solar Heating and Cooling (Wood head Publishing Series in Energy)” Book Review: This book serves as a guide for undergraduate engineering and science stream students, providing an explanation of the fundamentals of solar heating and cooling systems. It covers topics such as active solar space and water heating systems, as well as photovoltaic-powered and solar-powered adsorption cooling systems. It also discusses the various methods of heat storage for solar heating and cooling applications, including sensible heat storage, latent heat storage, and chemisorption heat storage. The book also includes a discussion of thermochemical heat storage for solar heating and cooling systems, combined photovoltaic/thermal technology for building applications, and future trends for solar energy use in nearly zero energy buildings. The book features numerous illustrations and real-life examples.

advertisement
Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
5."Solar Radiation Data: Proceedings of the EC Contractors’ Meeting held in Brussels, 20 November 1981" by Willeke Palz
“Solar Radiation Data: Proceedings of the EC Contractors’ Meeting held in Brussels, 20 November 1981” Book Review: This book is a comprehensive guide to solar radiation data and its applications. The book covers various chapters on topics such as solar radiation measurements, data collection and processing, solar energy systems, and their applications. It provides detailed insights into the latest research and developments in the field of solar radiation data, making it a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and professionals in the field of renewable energy.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)


3. Science and Technology of Solar Energy, Hydrogen and Other Renewable Energies

 
1."Solar Cell Devices - Physics" by Fonash
“Solar Cell Devices – Physics” Book Review: This book provides an introduction to solar cell devices, covering topics such as material properties, device physics, structures, materials, and scale of homo-junction solar cells. It also includes discussions on semiconductor heterojunction cells, surface barrier solar cells, and dye-sensitized solar cells. The content is presented in-depth with detailed analysis, making it an ideal resource for physics and chemistry students.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
2."Fundamentals of Solar Cells Photovoltaic Solar Energy" by Fahrenbruch and Bube
“Fundamentals of Solar Cells Photovoltaic Solar Energy” Book Review: The fundamentals of solar cells are covered in this book, including major chapters on solar insolation, semiconductor properties, transport equation applications, and junctions. Other topics covered include the calculation of solar efficiency, silicon solar cells, and heterojunction and heteroface structure cells. Each chapter concludes with a summary and general references for further reading, while diagrams and equations are explained in detail. This book is suitable for students studying physics and chemistry.

advertisement
Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
3."Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells" by Chandra
“Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells” Book Review: This book presents an overview of photoelectrochemical solar cells. It covers major topics such as a physical comparison of a PN junction and semiconductor-electrolyte interface, potential distribution at the semiconductor-electrolyte interface, charge transfer reactions, photo-induced charge transfer reactions, and electrochemical photovoltaic solar cells. The book also includes descriptive diagrams to aid understanding. It is recommended for students studying physics and chemistry.

Buy-this-book (US)
 
4."Hydrogen as an Energy Carrier Technologies Systems Economy" by Winter and Nitch
“Hydrogen as an Energy Carrier Technologies Systems Economy” Book Review: This book covers significant topics related to hydrogen as an energy carrier. The book includes information on energy supply structures, the role of gaseous energy carriers, hydrogen energy applications, engineering, and hydrogen as a raw material. It also covers the safety aspects of hydrogen as an energy carrier and energy storage, as well as photovoltaic power generation, and thermal and mechanical energy production. The book provides detailed explanations and examples of techniques for using hydrogen. This resource is appropriate for advanced physics and chemistry students.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
5."Solar Photovoltaic Technology and Systems: A Manual for Technicians, Trainers and Engineers" by Solanki C S
“Solar Photovoltaic Technology and Systems: This manual provides a comprehensive overview of various concepts of solar PV technologies. It covers topics such as the basics of electricity, introduction to energy and solar PV energy, solar cells, and solar PV modules. Other topics include solar PV module arrays, battery basics, and applications of batteries in solar PV systems. The manual also includes a section on do’s and don’ts at the end of every chapter to aid student understanding. It is suitable for advanced physics students seeking to expand their knowledge of solar PV technologies.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
6."Solar Photovoltaics - Fundamentals, Technologies and Applications" by Solanki C S
“Solar Photovoltaics – Fundamentals, Technologies and Applications” Book Review: This book covers the basics of solar photovoltaics and its applications, including its place in the world’s energy scenario. It explains the fundamentals of semiconductors and the motion of charge carriers within them. The book also covers topics like PN junction diodes, solar cell design, silicon production, and thin-film solar cell technologies. Each chapter includes review questions for revision, and references are added for further reading on the respective topics. This book is an ideal resource for advanced students in physics, chemistry, and electrical engineering.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
7."Solar Energy" by Wilbur Cross
“Solar Energy” Book Review: This book includes the principles of solar energy and its practical applications, covering chapters on semiconductors as solar cell materials, PN junction diodes, solar cell designs, and silicon sheets. It discusses high-efficiency silicon solar cells and advances in silicon cell processes suitable for near-future commercialization. The book concludes with a discussion of the applications and future use of solar energy. Each chapter is followed by review questions and references for further reading. This book is beneficial for advanced physics and electrical engineering students.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
8."Thermodynamics of Solar Energy Conversion" by Alexis De Vos
“Thermodynamics of Solar Energy Conversion” Book Review: This book is intended for both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in mechanical, electrical, chemical, or production engineering. It comprehensively explains various thermodynamic models and their principles, featuring solved examples and practice problems. Idealized models are used to illustrate general principles throughout the book, and technological examples are provided at the end of each chapter to facilitate comparisons between theory and reality. The book also includes a description of various units for easy comprehension. From the general thermo-chemical endoreversible engine to photothermal and photochemical solar energy converters, this book covers a range of topics.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
9."Solar Energy - Principles of Thermal Collection and Storage" by S P Sukhatme
“Solar Energy – Principles of Thermal Collection and Storage” Book Review: This textbook primarily focuses on solar energy collection and storage devices for thermal applications, but also explores methods for converting solar energy into photovoltaic, wind, and biomass energy, as well as techniques for evaluating the economic viability of solar energy systems. The book covers key topics such as Solar Radiation, Liquid Flat-Plate Collector, concentrating collectors, and Solar Heater. Each chapter includes additional resources such as links, websites, and references to further readings. This book will be valuable for anyone interested in renewable energy sources and solar thermal energy.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
10."Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes" by J A Duffie and W A Beckman
“Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes” Book Review: This book is an essential reference for professionals in the solar engineering, power, and energy industries, as well as related fields. It covers solar energy design and analysis, utilizing simulations to aid readers in applying theory to practice. The book is divided into three parts: Fundamentals, Applications, and Design Methods. The Fundamentals section covers topics such as Radiation Characteristics of Opaque Materials, Radiation Transmission through Glazing, Absorbed Radiation, Flat-Plate Collectors, Concentrating Collectors, and Energy Storage. The Applications section includes Building Heating (Active and Passive), Hybrid Methods, and Solar Cooling. The Design section emphasizes practical design applications and simulations. A range of problems is provided at the end of the book to help readers master the concepts covered.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
11."Principles of Solar Engineering" by D Y Goswami and J F Kreider
“Principles of Solar Engineering” Book Review: This solar engineering textbook offers a comprehensive coverage of various aspects of solar energy systems, including solar energy conversion, solar radiation, solar thermal collectors, solar heating systems, solar thermal power, solar photochemical applications, and thermal energy collection and storage. Each chapter begins with a basic introduction to the underlying physics and then delves into various concepts related to system design, measurement, and estimation for practical applications of solar energy. The book provides an exhaustive discussion of each topic to ensure thorough understanding.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
12."Power from the Sun: A Practical Guide to Solar Electricity Revised 2nd Edition" by Dan Chiras
“Power from the Sun: A Practical Guide to Solar Electricity” Book Review: This book is a comprehensive and updated resource for producing solar electricity, written in an accessible way for individuals or companies without technical expertise. It covers the basics of lighting, wiring, and solar energy, providing practical guidance for analyzing solar sites and selecting the appropriate solar panel for electricity production. The book also explains the differences between grid-tied and off-grid systems, and includes details on recent developments in photovoltaic devices, charge controls, inverters, batteries, generators, and net metering policies. With a focus on options available for solar electricity generation, the guide assists readers in making informed decisions during the planning, implementation, and maintenance of their solar energy system. This is the ultimate guide for consumers, business owners, installers, builders, and anyone interested in reducing energy costs and achieving greater energy independence through solar power.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
13."Feasibility Model of Solar Energy Plants by ANN and MCDM Techniques (SpringerBriefs in Energy)" by Mrinmoy Majumder and Apu K Saha
“Feasibility Model of Solar Energy Plants by ANN and MCDM Techniques (SpringerBriefs in Energy)” Book Review: This book targets undergraduate engineering students and centers around utilizing models to determine viable sites for solar energy production. The latest decision-making models and artificial neural networks are explained in detail to aid in pinpointing locations that will maximize energy output. Additionally, the book covers methods for generating optimal amounts of electricity to meet market demand, and offers a wealth of case studies and research papers with various applications.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
We have put a lot of effort into researching the best books on Solar Energy and came out with a recommended list and their reviews. If any more book needs to be added to this list, please email us. We are working on free pdf downloads for books on Solar Energy and will publish the download link here. Fill out this Solar Energy books pdf download" request form for download notification.

advertisement
advertisement
Subscribe to our Newsletters (Subject-wise). Participate in the Sanfoundry Certification contest to get free Certificate of Merit. Join our social networks below and stay updated with latest contests, videos, internships and jobs!

Youtube | Telegram | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Manish Bhojasia - Founder & CTO at Sanfoundry
Manish Bhojasia, a technology veteran with 20+ years @ Cisco & Wipro, is Founder and CTO at Sanfoundry. He lives in Bangalore, and focuses on development of Linux Kernel, SAN Technologies, Advanced C, Data Structures & Alogrithms. Stay connected with him at LinkedIn.

Subscribe to his free Masterclasses at Youtube & discussions at Telegram SanfoundryClasses.