The Solar Generation (original) (raw)

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2018 book by Philip R Wolfe

The Solar Generation

Technology and regional trends (Figs 5.3 and 5.4 from the book)
Author Philip R Wolfe
Language English
Subject Solar energy Renewable Energy
Publisher John Wiley & Sons; copyright IEEE
Publication date 2018
Publication place USA (author UK)
Media type paperback and electronic versions
Pages 411
ISBN 978-1-119-42558-8

The Solar Generation: Childhood and Adolescence of Terrestrial Photovoltaics is a 2018 book by Philip R Wolfe published by John Wiley & Sons[1] and the IEEE. It describes the early years of the solar power sector, covering in particular the years between 1973 and 1999.

The author's foreword says[2] this was a period when solar power was "discounted as an irrelevance", but he "confidently predicts that it will be the world's largest energy source" within his lifetime.

The book covers specifically solar photovoltaic power generation for terrestrial uses. It does not deal with space applications of solar cells, nor solar thermal energy including CSP.

Book Volumes and Chapters

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The book is presented in three parts:

Part I: A biography of terrestrial photovoltaics

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This part tells the story of the period from various perspectives; research and technology, industrial development, applications of solar generation, economics and the geo-political context.

It has chapters entitled:

  1. Origins of terrestrial solar power;
  2. What is photovoltaics?;
  3. Terrestrial solar applications;
  4. Photovoltaic research;
  5. PV business and markets;
  6. Economics of solar generation;
  7. Solar industry participants;
  8. Geo-politics of the early solar sector; and
  9. The next generation

Part II: Encyclopaedia; People, organisations, events

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Central to this section is a 'Who's Who' of the leading participants in the early solar sector:

Part II also includes compendia enumerating specific records and achievements in research and technology; national and international policies towards the sector; prizes, awards, conferences and expositions.

Part III: Dictionary; References, glossary and indexes

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This very comprehensive reference section includes Acknowledgements; Citations; Bibliography; Glossary and Indexes

  1. ^ "The Solar Generation: Childhood and Adolescence of Terrestrial Photovoltaics". Wiley. John Wiley & Sons. Retrieved 3 March 2019.
  2. ^ Wolfe, Philip (2018). The Solar Generation: Childhood and Adolescence of Terrestrial Photovoltaics. Wiley / IEEE Press. p. 411. ISBN 9781119425588.