Solar energy is derived ultimately from the sun. It can be divided into direct and indirect categories. Most energy sources on Earth are forms of indirect solar energy, although we usually don’t think of them in that way. Coal, oil and natural gas derive from ancient biological material which took its energy from the sun (via plant photosynthesis) millions of years ago. All the energy in wood and foodstuffs also comes from the sun. Movement of the wind (which causes waves at sea), and the evaporation of water to form rainfall which accumulates in rivers and lakes, are also powered by the sun. Therefore, hydroelectric power and wind and wave power are forms of indirect solar energy. Direct solar energy is what we usually mean when we speak of solar power ? it is the use of sunlight for heating or generating electricity. Solar energy research and applications have been receiving increasing attention throughout the world as solar energy must play a much greater role in the energy mix in upcoming years. This new book examines new research in this frontier field.

1. Thermal Performance Characterization of Capric Acid and Lauric Acid Mixture for Low Temperature Energy Storage; pp. 1-42
Takayuki Watanabe (Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan) and Maria N. R. Dimaano (University of Santo Tomas, Philippines)

2. Smart Materials for Temperature Regulation in Passive Solar Buildings; pp. 43-70
R. Nikolic et al. (Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Serbia and Montenegro)

3. A Concretization of a Proposal for an Innovative Design of a Solar Flat-Plate Thermal Collector; pp. 71-95
C. Cristofari and G. Notton (Universite de Corse)

4. Solar Energy for Domestic Heating and Cooling and Hot Water Production; pp. 97-148
Soteris Kalogirou (Higher Technical Institute, Cyprus)

5. Solar Thermal Power Generation on Mars; pp. 149-198;
Viorel Badescupp (Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Romania)

6. Thermosyphons and Thermodiodes for Solar Energy Utilization; pp. 199-238
Kuan Chen (University of Utah, UT) and Wongee Chun (Cheju National University, Korea)

7. Solar Boosted Heat Pump; pp. 239-254
Lu Aye et al. (University of Melbourne, Australia)

8. Solar Water Heating Systems with Thermosyphonic Flow; pp. 255-275
M.R. Riazi (Kuwait University, Kuwait)

9. New Method for Estimating the Time Series Fractal Dimension: Application to Solar Irradiances Signals; pp. 277-307
S. Harrouni (USTHB, Algerie) and A. Guessom (Universite de Bilda, Algerie)

10. Time Series Holds Prospects for Real-time Forecasting of the Maximum Power Point for a Photovoltaic Array; pp. 309-320
S. Shahnawaz Ahmed et al. (Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh)

11. Characterization of Solar Cells and Materials for the Cells by Surface Photovoltage Method; pp. 321-355
J. Touskova et al .(Charles University Prague, Czech Republic)