ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses aspects of photovoltaic systems, such as battery storage, system controllers and system design criteria. It reviews the major applications of photovoltaics which are presently cost effective, including telecommunications, cathodic protection and rural power supplies. The chapter also deals with photovoltaic hybrid systems, i.e. those in which photovoltaics is coupled with one or more other electricity sources, to give greater flexibility or reliability of supply. Telecommunications is the largest market area for photovoltaics and, very rapidly, the advantages of reliable, clean, virtually maintenance free, silent power sources were accepted by the telecommunications equipment manufacturers and photovoltaic systems became recognised and accepted as a viable source of electric power. The requirement for performance versus cost supports the selection of a lead acid battery for photovoltaic systems.
