This book focuses on the current situation of two technologies for electricity production from renewable energy sources, wind and solar photovoltaic energy, analysing and describing both technologies in detail.
Four regions of the world, with distinct energy markets and conditions, are explored. Together, the USA, Europe, China and Japan represent one third of the world¿s population and occupy 25% of the planet, therefore offering a representation of a global picture. In each of these regions, the development of the solar and wind energy is examined, and the economic implications are described.

Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. Solar and wind energy technologies.- Chapter 3. Wind energy and solar PV developments in China.- Chapter 4. Wind energy and solar PV developments in the EU.- Chapter 5. Wind energy and solar PV developments in Japan.- Chapter 6. Wind energy and solar PV developments in USA.

Professor Tariq Muneer is the co-ordinator of Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers' Solar Data Task Group and in this capacity he has been involved in the production of the CIBSE Guides A & J for Weather and Solar Data. Professor Muneer has also been employed both by the government and industry as a consultant on a large number of engineering projects. Professor Muneer has been awarded several prestigious awards including the Royal Academy of Engineering Industrial Fellowship (2000-02), the Royal Academy of Engineering Engineers Secondment Overseas (1995), the Leverhulme Trust (1989) and the University College, Oxford/General Electric Company (1989) Research Fellowships. He is also the recipient of the Osmania University's Karamat Jung Gold Medal (1974), CIBSE Carter Bronze Medal (1990), CIBSE Napier Shaw Bronze Medal (1999), Millennium Commission's Fellowship Award (1999), Walsh-Weston (Society of Light & Lighting, London) Award (2002), Services to Industry Group's Proof of Concept award (2003) and the Scottish Green Energy, Highly Recommended Best Renewable Award (2006).

Eulalia Jadraque Gago is a Professor at the University of Granada in the Department of Civil Engineering Construction and Engineering Projects. Civil Engineering, M.Eng., Ph.D. with 23 international publications and 4 chapters in books of prestigious publishers, as CIBSE Guide A: Environmental design. Eulalia has over 15 international conferences and continually participates in investigation projects and contracts acting as researcher. Eulalia has directed 1 thesis and has had management charges at the University. Eulalia has been invited as researcher and professor at different universities. Since 2013, she has been a member of the Word Society of Sustainable Energy Technologies.

Saioa Etxebarria Berrizbeitia is a Professor at the University of the Basque Country in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Mechanical Engineering, M.Eng, Ph.D. with 6 international publications. Saioa has overn 5 international conferences and has participated in the organization of the 6th Internation Conference on Solar Radiation and Daylighting and has been a member of the scientific committee of the 5th International Conference on Educational Innovation in Technical Careers. Saioa has been invited as a visiting lecturer and researcher in several universities.