Easy-to-understand, accurate and comprehensive, this is THE guide for anyone interested in installing a solar electric system. The book provides a basic understanding of electricity, solar energy and the sun, and solar site assessment. It discusses the types of PVs and PV systems, advances in PVs, charge controllers, inverters, batteries, and generators, as well as the installation and maintenance of a PV system. This book is written for the layperson, and is designed to raise the solar electricity literacy of readers. It provides a great overview of the many options available and is designed to help homeowners make wise decisions during the design, purchase and installation of solar electric systems -- and save a lot of money. Providing readers with the knowledge necessary to communicate effectively with PV installers, this is a great guide for homeowners, business owners, installers, architects, building department officials, utility company employees, and just about anyone else who wants to lower their energy bills or achieve greater energy independence.