Balfour (founder, PerfectPower, Inc.), Shaw, and Nash here aim to approach photovoltaics from an integrated systems perspective, observing performance as an outcome of many interrelated design processes. The first several chapters cover basic aspects of materials and circuits, system design considerations including weather exposure and energy storage, and installation. Aspects treated in more detail include orientation of panels, site evaluation, electrical components, safety regulations, as well as monitoring and troubleshooting strategies. Each chapter ends with a summary and a checklist of assessment questions. There is no bibliography. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)