Focusing on the complete system rather than on a single component, new edition of a bestseller offers the most comprehensive reference to all aspects of modern renewable energy systems. The book begins with individual sections devoted to wind power and solar photovoltaic technologies, their engineering fundamentals, conversion characteristics, operational considerations to maximize output, and emerging trends. It includes two chapters devoted to new and specialized technologies, examines legal aspects and the effects of deregulation vs. regulation on renewable power systems, and contains quick-lookup charts for screening the economic profitability of potential energy farm sites.