This book offers readers a clear and concise introduction to solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and their applications. Solar energy is arguably one of the most important technologies for energy generation today, with the potential to replace fossil fuels and mitigate the negative environmental impacts of climate change. Drawing on decades of experience in teaching photovoltaics, optimizing manufacturing processes, and building practical PV systems, the author skillfully explains complex topics, fundamental scientific principles, and engineering concepts in straightforward language, using classroom-tested methods. The book's accessible style presents concepts with step-by-step explanations and clearly defined principles. This approach aims to engage and inspire anyone interested in understanding this rapidly growing technology. 

Photovoltaic Systems Crash Course: A Concise Introduction is an easy-to-understand book written by an educator, technology leader, and researcher, designed for a wide range of readers. It is a great resource for students in community colleges and universities studying engineering, environmental science, and other fields. The book also serves as a powerful tutorial for business executives, analysts, investors, and other busy professionals, as well as anyone interested in learning about solar energy.

Dr. Slobodan Petrovic is a professor at the Oregon Institute of Technology, where he teaches and conducts research in numerous areas, including renewable energy, semiconductor manufacturing, solar energy, PV systems, energy storage, batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen, materials, solid state devices, sensors, MEMS, nanoMEMS, electrochemistry, and global energy. Before joining OIT, he served as a professor at Arizona State University. He also held various industry positions, including Director of a semiconductor company, Chief Technology Officer of a fuel cell company, and Vice President of Engineering at a battery company. Dr. Petrovic received a BS in Physical Chemistry from the University of Belgrade and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Technical University of Dresden. He has more than 40 years of experience in various areas of science and technology. He is the author, co-author, and editor of several books, including Battery Technology Crash Course: A Concise Introduction (Springer, 2021), Electrochemistry Crash Course for Engineers (Springer, 2021), Renewable Energy Crash Course: A Concise Introduction (Springer, 2021), World Energy Handbook (Springer, 2023), Renewable Energy in Cuba: Overview, Tutorial, and Recommendations (Springer, 2023), and Electrochemical Energy Storage (McGraw Hill, 2022), Dr. Petrovic has published numerous articles in international journals and conference proceedings and has 50 pending or issued patents. He is the Founder and President of Solar Hope, a humanitarian organization dedicated to providing solar energy to developing countries. He has worked extensively in Africa, accomplishing over 120 solar PV installations mainly for schools and hospitals, impacting over 1,000,000 people. In addition, Dr. Petrovic is a Director of Emerging Technologies for the Climate Institute (climate.org), a non-profit organization at the forefront of education and development related to climate protection and renewable energy.