Product Description

Drawing on the authors’ extensive research and project implementation around the globe, Solar Energy: Renewable Energy and the Environment covers solar energy resources, thermal and photovoltaic systems, and the economics involved in using solar energy. It provides background theory on solar energy as well as useful technical information for implementing solar energy applications.

The book details the strengths, weaknesses, and applications of solar power generation technologies. It discusses the design and implementation of often-overlooked solar technologies, such as solar water pumping, distillation, detoxification, refrigeration, and village power. The text also examines photovoltaic power and how it is best suited for remote-site applications with small to moderate power requirements. Examples, real-world case studies, and lessons learned from technical failures illustrate how to best implement solar energy projects.

The time for clean energy solutions is here. Only through energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies can modern civilization extricate itself from the gathering "perfect energy storm." Focusing on one of the keys to lessen the potentially harmful impacts of the storm, this book discusses how to increase energy production from a clean energy source—the sun.

Customer Reviews (1)

All you need to know about solar energy
Robert Foster is passionate about solar energy, and you can feel it in this book, it is really an excellent source of updated information and basics about any single application for the radiation coming from the sun, a must have for any solar or even renewable energy professional. ... Read more

Product Description
The global economy and our way of life are based on the exploitation of fossil fuels, which not only threaten massive environmental and social disruption through global warming but, at present rates of consumption, will run out within decades, causing huge industrial dislocation and economic collapse. Even before then, the conflicts it causes in the Middle East and elsewhere will be frighteningly exacerbated.

The alternate exists: renewable energy from renewable sources – above all, solar. Substituting renewable for fossil resources will take a new industrial revolution to avert the worst of the damage and establish a new international order.

It can be done, and it can be done in time. The Solar Economy, by one of the world’s most effective analysts and advocates, lays out the blueprints, showing how the political, economic and technological challenges can be met using indigenous, renewable and universally available resources, and the enormous opportunities and benefits that will flow from doing so. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent look at the energy industry as a WHOLE.
As another reviewer has pointed out this book will not be easy going for everyone. A lot of it written in rather a dry style and is dense with good points. i.e. it is not written in the style of a popular science book. On the other hand this is what makes it so interesting and convincing in its arguments.

The other thing I liked about it was that it takes a very broad view of different energy sources and considers their implications at every level. One of the main points is that when considering the efficiency of an energy source one should account for the energy wasted at every stage of the supply chain rather than the amount of energy going into and coming out of the generation plant. For example the supply chain for coal is Mining - Refining - Shipping - Coal-fired power station - National grid (high voltage) - NG (medium voltage) - Distribution (low voltage). Many of these are energy intensive processes. The supply chain for nuclear is even worse. Compare that to the on-site generation solar supply chain: PV installation - Distribution (indefinitely at no further cost). Many of the true costs of the fossil fuel supply chain is not paid by the consumer or even by the companies involved in supply. The author also considers the social costs involved, which many people seem to be willing to ignore.

There are also some good insights into the oil industry. The most interesting one that comes to mind is how the oil using industries are dependent on each other for the cheap prices of oil. When crude oil is refined the proportions of different products cannot be varied to a great degree. A certain proportion will be kerosene for plane fuel, a certain proportion will be for automobile fuel, a certain proportion usable by the chemicals industry and so on. If the demand for automobile fuel decreases due to efficient engines and the demand from other industries stays the same then the other industries oil prices will go up to cover the cost. This gives the reason for the chemicals industry's opposal to fuel duty. This gives all oil using industries an incentive to keep their demand in line with everybody else's i.e. steadily increasing.

An inspiring book that doesn't rely on its writing style. It gets by purely on its ideas.

Throw away society is flushing our planet down the pan
I liked this book, it gets a bit heavey and technical at times and I indeed had to have a breather once or twice, but it is one of the few books I wanted to read again and had too. I wasalready a convert to living off grid in Spain with solar and wind energy and this book a surprise Xmas gift from my son only strenghed my renewable off grid living decision. Im no eco warrior or green fanatic Im just ahead of the game, this book lets you know how little of everything we have left not just oil and coal and gas but every metal and mineral we take for granted. Our throw away society is flushing this planet down the pan. Our response till its too late is like the drunk i the pub, mines a pint please, goodbye leave the light on it will turn its self off !

Current trends indicate the world wide burning of fossil fuels is likely to flare by 50 percent between 1990 and 2010
All economic activity relies on the physical and chemical conversion of materials from one form into another, and the conversion of fuels into the energy need to distribute and consume the resultant products.

Energy and raw materials are the fundament of our economies.

World energy consumption show that 32 per cent is generated by burning crude oil, 25 per cent by burning coal, and 17 per cent by burning natural gas.Five per cent comes from nuclear fuels, and another 14 per cent from combustion of biomass, and hydroelectricity accounts for 6 per cent of all energy consumption.

Current trends indicate the world wide burning of fossil fuels is likely to flare by 50 percent between 1990 and 2010.

Is Nuclear energy life threatening?No.New pebble reactors will provide safe energy and safeguard against the possibility a critical chain reaction.France is building a new experimental fusion reactor and if successful could move the world into a hydrogen society.Long-term the world has infinite energy.

Scheer wants an immediate shift away from "life threatening fossil fuel resource trap"Solar=Hydrogen=electrical, "Only with the transition to renewable resources, and thus to a solar global economy can economic logic and with it the future path of economic development be radically altered."

Fallacy #1: Sheer says, increases in productivity and efficiency must stabilize resource consumption at its current level. Energy stabilize needs to be replaced with energy expansion.Life gets better as more energy becomes available. Energy consumption will only increase, increasing many fold over the next decade.Allocative efficiency favors big business and restricts competition.

Fallacy #2: Sheer says, "as reserves of crude oil, natural gas and certain strategically important minerals approach exhaustion, resource crisis are becoming more intense."Who has economic control?Who sets the prices for crude?And in the end Who will pay for them?It takes time to migrate from one energy source to another.Large capital investment is required to build infrastructure. The point of no return begins as banks and corporations begin building the new energy future. Energy shortages are short term crisis that push innovation and adoption of newer and cheaper fuels.Capitalist use their profits from a crisis to build the new infrastructure and world keeps on running.

Fallacy #3. Sheer says, "Energy and mineral resources are found in relatively few locations around the globe". Wow, amazing fear factor.In the 70s and 80s the US reduced dependancy on foreign oil by 50% before oil became cheap again.Today, the US and Canada represent a vast empty quarter of oil in the form of shale and tar. Canada is becoming an important source of oil.Wyoming will be developed as a new Texas oil source.Cheaper oil extraction system will become popular and make accessible oil in the western hemisphere.

Sheer is the realist.Sheer responses "but which the modern techno-pundits now imbue with bright promise) has been dazzled by partial, faddishly exaggerated and overgeneralized reports of the actual developments". Change requires risk.Innovation surges and falls before maturing.

Tough read, but interesting
The first time I tried to read this book, it confused me so much I had to put it down for a year.The author mixes a paragraph or two of insight and vision within pages of example and data.On, this my second, read I am doing better by skimming past the long lists of examples.
I would love to see this book boiled down to about 20 pages, with another 20 of optional documentation.
What the author does for the reader is lay out the foundation of the modern energy system, and its hidden costs. In great detail. Then he addresses the technical aspect of several different forms of "solar" or renewable energy technologies, and their potential.
I am learning quite a bit, even if I have to take it in small doses

A warning...
Scheer's previous work on this matter was entitled "A Solar Manifesto".That should give you a pretty accurate idea as to his opinions on the matter.If you looking for a somewhat-balanced view of the coming renewable energy economy, look elsewhere (for example, Hawken's "Natural Capitalism").If you looking for a neo-Luddite environmentalist rant, this book is exactly what you are looking for.

There are numerous flaws in Scheer's reasoning.For example,

1:He repeatedly calls lack of taxes a "subsidy".

2:He ignores that the most promising photovoltaic technologies are based on things like titanium and ruthenium, which are not renewable and by his own data are in short supply.Even in the best case they are a complex technology that requires big, centralized plants to product (reasonably) cheaply.

3:He a priori dismisses anything big or centralized.

4:He considers a system that uses more human labor a GOOD thing.

5:In 325 pages, he never mentions the cost of PV in $$/kwh, because it would undermine his point.

6:He repeatedly insults everyone who isn't in his camp.The word "blind" must appear a hundred times in this work.

I think the greatest example of Scheer's muddled thinking is the final sentence of the book.

"Renewable resources will bring a new era of wealth-creating economic development - initiated not by bureaucratic fiat, but by the free choices of individuals".

I think many people would agree with this.Now, if Scheer hadn't spent the previous two chapters describing in detail the many bureaucratic fiats he wanted in order to enforce his ends upon free people, he may actually finished his book with a coherent point.

From a little earlier...

"Instead [eco-taxation proposals] must be founded on a clearly articulated strategy to drive nuclear and fossil fuel out of the market...

At least he is honest.




... Read more

Product Description
The updated, cornerstone engineering resource of solar energy theory and applications. Solar technologies already provide energy for heat, light, hot water, electricity, and cooling for homes, businesses, and industry. Because solar energy only accounts for one-tenth of a percent of primary energy demand, relatively small increases in market penetration can lead to very rapid growth rates in the industry???which is exactly what has been projected for coming years as the world moves away from carbon-based energy production. Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, Third Edition provides the latest thinking and practices for engineering solar technologies and using them in various markets.

This Third Edition of the acknowledged leading book on solar engineering features:

• Complete coverage of basic theory, systems design, and applications
• Updated material on such cutting-edge topics as photovoltaics and wind power systems
• New homework problems and exercises

Customer Reviews (7)

A MUST HAVE
Sure, its technical.But anyone with a college level understanding of physics and science should be fine. Thanks to this book, I was able to deal with the engineers that 'energized' my barns. Maybe bit pricey, but this was an excellent investment for me and turned out to be a useful resource for the contractor I hired. Wiley books are rarely inexpensive, but always top value. I just bought some of their stock - which is one way to take some of the sting out of the price.

Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes
This is written for engineers to develop skills and application of solar thermal processes.It also addresses photovoltaic design and wind energy systems.This is quite technical and not suited for someone with a casual interest wishing to enter into the green area.

Great part of you library...
This book should be part of your library. It is more technical then someone would expect but it is a great reference book and study material. Worth money.

A must for the Solar Thermal Engineer
This book is a must for the Solar Thermal Engineer. It is very comprehensive and covers a very wide range of topics. Excellent work by Duffie and Beckman.

The Bible of Solar energy.
This is the best book to have an initial view about solar energy and its aplicattion. ... Read more

Product Description
With the threat of global warming, and the gradual depletion of petroleum supplies, solar electric power is rapidly becoming significant part of our energy mix. The range of solar cells spans different materials and different structures in the quest to extract maximum power from the device while keeping the cost to a minimum. Devices with efficiency exceeding 30% have been demonstrated in the laboratory. Solar Energy Engineering: Processes and Systems. Solar Energy Processes and Systems includes all areas of solar energy engineering. All subjects are presented from the fundamental level to the highest level of current research. The book includes subjects such as energy related environmental problems, solar collectors, solar water heating, solar space heating and cooling, industrial process heat, solar desalination, photovoltaics, solar thermal power systems and modelling of solar systems including the use of artificial intelligence systems in solar energy systems modelling and performance prediction.



Environmental consequences of solar energy
Solar desalination including indirect systems
Modelling and performance prediction of solar energy systems
Worked examples and cases studies ... Read more

Product Description
Provides detailed information on design and construction of solar energy devices, from collectors and storage systems to advanced photovoltaic systems. Contains 55 tables, a multitude of illustrations, and a complete list of references. ... Read more

Product Description
This guide to solar panels for the home covers information about the installation and building of your own panels. The basics are laid out in an easy informative manner with tips on how to find wholesale panels, getting solar panels if you are a renter, use of solar energy for your pool and much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Nice basic review book of solar panels
I was looking for some basic information about solar panels. I don't like to be misinformed when contractors come to my house. This book covered all the basics on what to look for and how to buy panels. I found it to be helpful. Some of the books I looked at were more expensive and were either for engineers or DIY people who want to build panels from scratch. Not my cup of tea and I am not about to climb up on my roof. So if you are looking for a book with a bunch of diagrams and such, this one is not it. But it did help me to talk to people and get estimates, and since I knew nothing about solar panels or contractors, that made it worth the price.

There is also information on solar panels for renters and for your RV if you are interested. ... Read more

Product Description
This publication brings together details of 60 recently completed and future building projects from across Europe that utilize the power of the sun. A wide range of high-quality projects was presented to the fourth European Conference on Solar Energy in Architecture and Urban Planning, at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin in March 1996. The aim of the conference and its accompanying exhibition of the selected 60 projects is to promote the design ideas employed in these buildings so that they may be used in future schemes, to the benefit of the planet. Furthermore, it is intended that these designs will generate additional innovative ideas, opening up new avenues, with the aim of achieving universal awareness in all future urban planning, from simple domestic apartments to schools, offices, cultural and public buildings. Following a brief text in English, German and Italian, each description includes illustrations of the project. The book finishes with a review of 20 new building products, all with wide applications, that have been specifically designed to conserve solar energy in buildings of the future. ... Read more

Product Description
"The revision of this text hallmark text on Solar Energy has been done keeping in mind the current scenario in Solar Energy requirements. As a result the book is updated with the energy scenario and the various applications of solar energybeing used today. Numerous new topics comparison tables solved and unsolved problems,have been added and changes have been made to cater to the changing requirements of the students. In all it is the most updated and comprehensive yet concise book on the subject." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Useful and not difficult
I bought it to improve my knowledge on Solar applications.
I did not know that the book ws written by Indian but after reading it I could understand the Solar applications are popular there.
It is written easily to read and the contents are very helpful for the reader to overview many kinds of applications. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (42)

The Best of The Best
I have been in the renewable energy field for some time now and have used many products for instructional purposes, but this is the best.It has all the material needed to get people here in the IBEW up and running for the installation and design of solar systems.
I have used this book since taking the train the trainer course using the same book and feel it does more to explain the things you run into everyday in the field.

Just What I Needed
I'm taking a training course in solar panel installation, repair and maintenance.My instructor recommended this book as an excellent resource along with the course.I'm finding it invaluable.By buying it through Amazon, I saved considerable money and received it very quickly.

A lot of good info, but is a bit overpriced for true content.
In many of the "Official Solar" websites, this is "THE" most recommended book on solar, and probably it was "The Book" for years while this science was still pretty new.It is a good book, it has a lot of useful tables and general info, and does offer many good suggestions and recommendations.If you buy this book, and are pretty new in this field, this will be helpful to you.
Though all the above is true, this book is quite over priced for what you get, but as with nearly all text books and manuals for use type of stuff, you do tend to get ripped on cost a bit.It should be no more than a $25 book.....however that may be....This book is probably still going to be the "standard" upon which most other non-engineering level books are measured by for some time.Though overpriced (IMHO), you will not regret having used this book.I have read it through more than twice, and the author has a good way of expressing the info so nearly anyone can understand it: good man!enjoy.

Very Satisfied
I am very satisfied for purchasing this item from Amazon.com .Delivery date was very early than expected. Thanks

Can't miss with this book
The book exceeded my expectations. Comprehensive and practical in scope. I'm glad I own it. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (21)

Not cool
This was supposed to a gift for my dad. I waited 6 weeks for my book then a week before Christmas they told me they lost it. They ruined Christmas.

Its in There!
Everything you needed to know about solar water and space heating is in this book!Written by 2 people who have been doing it for many years and have seen many succeses and a few failures. I appreciate their candor. Written for anyone to understand.Read this book before making any real plans and you will avoid some mistakes.Well worth reading!

Great Book
I was a little upset having read the chapter 1 only to find out that several systems described in detail the author would never recommend using. I was thinking to myself why did I waste time reading about those. But that's where the accurate part comes in. And by knowing why the author doesn't really even use those systems you get to participate in the pleasure of knowing everything there is to know about solar water heating.

With this complete book and a simple how to directions on plumbing almost anybody could build a system for their own specific climate and needs.
If you just want to find out about solar water heating and are thinking of buying an "off the shelf" solution this book will guide you to a great choice.

www.solarpanelkitsreviewed.com

Wagan Solar ePanel 12 Power Supply
Sunforce 39810 SHARP Polycrystalline Solar Kit - 80W

Nothing special.
content on solar heating..

Nothing special; good or bad.

MJL

Great compact manual
I don't know a heck of a lot about solar technologies. But after reading just the first few chapters I feel confident enough to build a simple flat panel solar water heater. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (32)

Easy to Read and Easy to Understand
This is a good starter book to get a general outline of what needs to be done.I only rated it three stars because I've already taken classes that offer a lot more detail.

Better than your average off-grid source book
Lots of good reading with in depth discussion of the authors own hot water and PV systems.I was impressed, the book is somewhat generic and tries to teach simple electrical formulas, boring the crap out of your average reader.The author was a bit too eco-conscious for my taste, but the info was good.Its going on my shelf for future reference.

Great informative book
I was very impressed with both the information and the easy to read and comprehend presentation.It is very easy to see the time and effort put into this book and the author has a very plain way for presenting the information.This book provides detailed advise on making your home a much more efficient and money saving place to live.It is not specifically geared towards Off-Grid Living and has a wealth of valuable information for any home owner wishing to have a more efficient house.It provides a good look at renewable energy options and is a great source of information.

limited information
This is yet another renewable energy book that is far to generalized and does not tell you how to really get off the grid.Lot's of information on how to do it to a tiny cabin, but not a regular house (at least in any specific terms).Pretty well written if you want to familiarize yourself with alternate energy or what's involved in going off the grid, but you sure won't know how to actually do it.Cheaper to read a few articles on-line than to buy this book.

WHAT A HANDBOOK!!!
This excellent work by the engineer William H. Kemp has made me to decide about installing my own small-wind turbine generator.

In this book you will find the basics about renewable energy, without entering in much technical details, so as a good introductory book it is excellent. Living in a farm with excellent resources all the year round, wind and water, not only I will install a wind generator, but because of this book I have started thinking about inmicro hydro electricity production, chapter 8; chapters 9 to 11, are dedicated with some extend to batteries, converters DC TO AC, and DC regulation or controllers.

Evidently if you want to know a little bit more you have to study more, I would recommend too to the excellent manual by Hugh Piggott, HOW TO BUILD A WIND TURBINE. ... Read more

Product Description
Revised and Expanded Edition—Includes CD-ROM with Custom Design Software

For the past ten years The Passive Solar House has offered proven techniques for building homes that heat and cool themselves, using readily available materials and methods familiar to all building contractors and many do-it-yourself homeowners.

True to this innovative, straightforward approach, the new edition of this best-selling guide includes CSOL passive solar design software, making it easier than ever to heat your home with the power of the sun. Since The Passive Solar House was first published, passive solar construction expert James Kachadorian has perfected user-friendly, PC-compatible software to help readers analyze the efficiency of their passive solar house designs and the solar potential of their current homes or building sites.

This is the building book for a world of climbing energy costs. Applicable to diverse regions, climates, budgets, and styles of architecture, Kachadorian’s techniques translate the essentials of timeless solar design into practical wisdom for today’s solar builders. Profiles of successful passive solar design, construction, and retrofit projects from readers of the first edition provide inspiration to first-time homebuilders and renovators alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Great Book
This is a very good book on this subject.However, the best book I have found is Daniel D. Chiras, "The Solar House".

passive solar letdown
The author, in my layman's opinion, is too focused on the details. I think a lot of the laborious calulations could be greatly reduced into simple rules of thumb. However, I don't know where these rules of thumb are to be found, so to a certain extent, I have growned my way thru some of the calculations. One major concept I have rejected as not being worth the investment is the concrete block under the slab. However, the most influential concept has been the, in my case, estimate of thickness of the slab; rather than 4", I chose 6".

A must read for understanding passive solar
This book is a near soup-to-nuts presentation of James Kachadorian's patented passive solar design.The patent had expired when the author released this book.While his design may not be suitable all climates, the book covers the design with a pretty good look at the parameters and calculations behind it.The sizing and calculation process is outlined step by step, and this process appears to be readily adaptable to other passive solar designs.Like many books on passive solar, it tends to focus on passive solar heating and gives less attention to passive solar cooling.As such, the discussions of ventilation strategies aren't as rigorous as those concerning heat loading and thermal storage.All in all, I'd say this book is a must read for those really wanting to begin an education in passive solar design.

Fabulous and excellent EXCEPT for...
First to address TJ in Houston's cooling problems. 1) movable awnings over windows and walls exposed to sunlight 2) slit windows at the bottom and top of the north side wall will allow heat to escape at the top which will pull cool air in at the bottom, especially at night and especially in a two story building. You might also explore cooling towers which essentially do the same thing.

I've been involved with building houses for several decades, and I've been thinking passive solar for quite some time too. In fact many of the ideas in this book are very similar to ideas I've developed independently.

I've seen everything on thousands of jobs from everyday homes to ultra gigantic mansions. One thing I've learned from the BEST builders is to avoid the experimental. Avoid extravagant shapes. Build simple buildings. Put your money into quality material and hardware... unless you want problems. And please keep the place neat. Nobody likes tripping over or cleaning up garbage the last guy left. Call your subs BEFORE you need them and ask them what drives them nuts, instead of finding out you made the same goof everyone makes, after you've spent a bunch of TIME and MONEY building it wrong.

I have to say the slab thing, and the ideas about the Sun's inclination etc are ingenious. They've changed my thinking considerably.

WHY THEN ONLY 3 STARS?

Well mainly some small, but galling, typos, and the lack of a website, or at least an obvious website. James needs to get feedback on these problems and the revisions need to be posted somewhere so they don't keep driving people nuts:

1) on page 76, Table 6-10 it says "see appendix 4." If you use appendix 4, like I did, it will totally confuse you and give you a headache. It SHOULD read appendix 5. The data on appendix 4 LOOKS like it MIGHT work which makes the problem worse. This one took me almost an hour to figure out.

2) The book has many pictures and come with even more on a CD, many useless, like a picture of a truck delivering stuff. I've seen trucks on roads before James. This is no help. However there is no CLEAR picture of HOW the slab is CONNECTED to the foundation walls. I'd like to see a close up. The diagrams are not clear enough on this issue. I don't have that much experience in this area and I'd like an answer. It seems to me that if the slab is in contact with the foundation wall there will be heat loss thought transmission from the slab to the foundation wall. Isn't that why the wall is insulated on the inside? If the slab does not contact the wall it seems to me that it's free floating which makes me nervous. In the diagram it looks like plywood ties the slab and wall together which make me think termites. Poured concrete slabs are usually tied together using rebar or similar. What is the secret?

3) on page 67 he goes though a series of equations to derive the elegant end equation I=Btus/hr·ºF. However you don't need the last equation to derive the information on the next pages. You need the NEXT to the last equation. It took me half and hour to get past that confusion. I kept looking for the LAST equation. Where oh where was it? The math is moderately difficult for us non engineer people but this typo made my head hurt. Ouch!

4) the diagram on page 46 appears to have a stud that makes a 45 degree turn and then another 45 degree turn??? I really don't think it does this,but I'll be durned if I can figure what they are trying to illustrate.

Anyway James, if you see this please put up a little tiny website with your email address please, so we can contact you about errors. A web appendix with corrected typos would be nice too. Websites are cheap and easy now days and you don't need much of a website really.

Otherwise great ideas.

SolarHome Design
I have been using this book as a text book for my class - Solar Home Design for the past several years because the thermal analysis worksheets are an excellent way for my students to learn the fundamental principles of energy & thermal performance of various building envelope systems. The worksheets allow my students to calculate any size or type of building and design for any location desired. Students conclude via the worksheets the Solar peformance ratios per month and annual solar performance , plus the needed supplemental heat required from a variety of heat sources.
This is an excellent book for teaching thermal performance and energy balances of residential buildings toadults interested in designing a comfortable Solar Home. ... Read more

Product Description
Towards Zero-energy Architecture is a much needed call for the design professions to redefine architecture to help alleviate ecological problems. This book explores the theories, practices, and principles of new approaches to solar architecture that foster both design excellence and low-energy use. ... Read more

Product Description
Studies have shown that the average North American family will spend more than a quarter of a million dollars on energy in a lifetime. What many other countries, including Germany, Spain, France, Denmark, China, Brazil, and even Iceland, have realized is that there is a better way to power our homes, businesses, and cars by using renewable energy sources. Recently, the United States has begun to understand the importance of reducing its reliance on coal, natural gas, nuclear power, and hydropower plants, which comprise the majority of the nation's electricity, due to increasing oil prices. Some sections of the country, including California, are turning to renewable energy sources. In fact, 12 percent of California s electricity is produced by renewable resources. The potential for the use of renewables is very large and understanding their use and their impact is key. Renewable Energy Made Easy will provide you with everything you need to know about these alternative energy sources. You will learn about solar power, wind power, water power, biofuels, geothermal energy, ethanol, wave farms, photovoltaic power plants, and hydrogen fuels. You will also become well-versed on the availability, aesthetics, environmental and social considerations, and longevity issues of these so-called soft energy technologies. In addition, you will learn about the current costs and the projected costs in the future, Energy StarTM regulations, the newest research and innovations, and the high development potential of renewable energy. This book will serve as a guide to creating more efficient buildings and an invaluable resource for how to change our preconceived notions about power. This book has taken the complexity and scientific terms out of this topic, making it jargon-free and easy to understand. Ultimately, you will learn how our country can improve energy efficiency, reduce oil dependence, improve energy security, and reduce the health and environmental impact of our current energy system. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Poorly written
I only started this, then put it down. It is possible that the author knows the subject, but this is so poorly written that it did not inspire confidence for me. It reads like a self published book created without an editor. I prefer the many other good references on the subject.

good book for basic information
Energy and the environment are topics of such importance today that it is easy to feel like a fool when you don't know even the basics.Renewable Energy Made Easy lives up to its name, making the subject easy to handle by dividing the book up into manageable sections.For me, I found the text a little simplistic at first.Recycle, Reduce, Reuse makes me feel like I am in fifth grade again.However, after the beginning he gets into a lot of interesting information about the actual technology making these changes in energy possible.

I wanted to see more diagrams/pictures of all the technology that the author talked about.I did enjoy, though, the case studies towards the end of the book that helped to give a clearer picture of how these technologies will be used by companies today.While the author is, of course, pro alternative energy, I didn't feel like he glossed over the many difficulties of making alternative energy work effectively and integrating it into our economy.

This is definitely a good book for those looking to get a basic grasp of renewable energy and especially for people looking for an in to more complicated material.

Decent Overview
Decent overview of the primary sources of renewable energy.I feltit lacked a little bit of flow, the author seemed to launch into some technical discussion without providing sufficient background.Perhaps those with engineering/technical experience will be able to follow a little bit better.

Way too basic..
The book is written in extra-large font (to fill the pages?) and it's very, very basic. Author repeats useless information over and over again.. If you want an introductory book on the topic, your money is better spent elsewhere.

A Great Resource
While scanning the table of contents of this book words like biomass and photovoltaic jump out.On first glance, these unknown words may turn some casual readers off.Fortunately, the author is knowledgeable enough and writes with such accessibility that these words quickly go from becoming unfamiliar to familiar.The author lives up to the title and does make renewable energy "easy".
The author not only informs readers about the different types of renewable energy (solar, hydro, wind, biomass and geothermal), which he delves into in separate chapters and illuminates each completely, he also spends time on what people can do to help bring these types of renewable energy into their everyday lives.With this book you can learn how to build your own solar battery charger or how to create your own hydrogen among other interesting lessons.
This book is a great resource for anyone interested in renewable energy, from the lay person interested in making a difference in the environment, to the student needing a detailed understanding of renewable energy.
... Read more

Product Description

This book thoroughly examines the technical parameters of photovoltaic systems, and appraises their net energy balance from production, operation and maintenance, to recycling. Similar performance and yield analysis is applied to optical, thermal, and electrical parameters and interfaces. Professor Krauter demonstrates how accurate yield calculations, optimal system performance, and new prototypes aid in cost reduction. Examples, tables and figures are included.

Customer Reviews (2)

excellent
Finally someone wrote a book that also treats the interface from the solar cell to the operating conditions in a real environment.
Very nice are also the LCAs (including energy (and CO2) payback via recyling) for different sites of application.

Energy supply via photoelectric power generation - globally
This book explores the real potential of solar electric power generation in order to reduce CO2 emissions and prevent the planet from global warming. For this purpose the author analyses the entire energy balance of photovoltaic power plants during their life time from the production to the recycling - taking into account the whole system. He considers all optical interfaces and layers passed by the sunlight from the sun into the solar cell, thermal layout of any photovoltaic module and its heat transfer mechanisms, its related actual electrical properties, allowing an accurate calculation of yield and an optimization of system components, thus reducing costs for solar electricity. Different locations for production and installation of photovoltaic systems are also considered. The concluding message is: If applied in an intelligent way, global energy supply via photo-electric power generation is widely possible. ... Read more

Product Description
"This is the Bible of independent living and renewable energy. Now in its tenth edition, the Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook has been in print and regularly updated since 1982. In these pages you'll find up-to-date articles on all aspects of appropriate technology, written by experts with decades of personal experience, and a knack for sharing."--BOOK JACKET. "Whether you're a layperson or professional, novice or longtime afficionado, the Sourcebook puts the latest research and newest products at your fingertips, giving you all the information you need to make sustainable living a reality."--BOOK JACKET.Amazon.com Review
Includes products ranging from simple energy-saving deviceslike compact flourescent lights to home-scale energy-harvestingsystems that utilize the sun, wind, and water to make electricity forpeople living "off-the-grid." Chapters on IndependentLiving, Land, Shelter, Harvesting Energy, Managing Energy Systems,Heating and Cooling, Water, Energy Conservation, the Nontoxic Home,Home and Market Gardening, Mobility and Electric Vehicles, andLivelihood and Learning.Committed to selling only products thatpromote environmental responsibility at an honest value, The RealGoods Trading Company is one of the fastest-growning companies inAmerica.Many of the products listed in another of our favorites,The Millenium Whole Earth Catalog, can be purchased by mail from RealGoods.

"The Sourcebook remains the best introduction toenergy-efficient technology for common folks." --Whole EarthReview ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

'Must' read on solar and alternate life style power

After many years of planning, we built our solar efficient home from scratch (4.5 kw of PV, & batteries off-grid, and thermal radiant heat loops); er, yes, I'm an engineer.This book is a great introductory, up to fairly advanced level.If at all interested in solar photo-voltaics, this is key.site planning, batteries, outputs, setting up a energy budget, just about all you need to get started..after sucking up this book, the next level would be the tech data on Outback Energies web sites, by reading their use and design guids.

The Real Deal
This product is great for anyone interested in getting involved in keeping their enviroment healthy. The products and information contained within the pages of this book will guide the novice to the right product choice for their needs. This book is the stepping-stone for a sustainable life in harmoney with nature. At the least this liturature will be informative and enlighten the reader to one's place on earth.

One of the major areas addressed in this catalog is waste management. The average family consumes more than fifty gallons of water a day in toilet water, which must be recycled either through chemical or natural treatment before it can be used by humans again. Another problem caused by human consumption in normal life is garbage. This book addresses both of these issues rationally and offers suggestions to limit and eliminate some of the causes of this enourmouse amount of consumption.

Out of everything consumed by the human population, what we consume the most is energy; we need energy in one form or another to power our vehicles, homes, and to produce the products we use. This book focuses on products that use renewable energy sources the sun, wind, and water. It also informs people that some apliences, even when off, are still eating energy in the form of phantom loads, this can account for twenty-five percent of an energy bill. Addressing this issue can mean a significant savings. This book also offers products that cut energy consumption in half when in use.

Another catagory is enviromental quality of the home and office, ofering healthy cleansers, an alternative to the heath threatening harsh volitile organic compounds commonly found. Features of these products are recycled material and more biodegradeable components.

This catalog offers a large range of products, from construction material, to household essentials, to resource guides and how-to books. It is a great help for anyone who wants a healthy life for their family.

A fair introduction to Alternative energy sources
Be aware that this product is 25% information and 75% sales catalog. It provides a brief overview of a particular technology and then presents the reader with many pages of products addressing that technology. Whilst this is a useful introduction to (say) wind generators for home use, $... is a lot of money to charge for a catalog. This book/catalog tries to address everything from passive solar to hydro-electric power generation, but doesn't really do a great job on any of it. Not a bad introduction, but certainly not a "must have' kind of book.

Worth every cent in having understanding of alternatives!
At least for anyone looking to cheese off the oil and power companies!! I'm not a bleeding heart, but I do kind of have to live on this planet!If I can do so without mucking it up, well, that's probably a good thing.This book made it easy to clean up at least my own act!

This book has paid for itself a dozen times over in the money I have saved in electrical costs! The tech chapters were over my head, but my electrician understood them and (thank God) was willing to try something new! A fine book!!

A necessary book for all interested in effficient living
From novices to pros, this book explains Renewable energy and efficient building practices.Great reference to start design and cost estimation from each section.One of the best features of this book is the additionof the National Electric Code for RE systems.It's possible to pick abuilding material to build a house, design a solar electric system, decideon appliances, determine the use of a greywater system, and more from 562pages.No more looking up pages on the net! ... Read more

Product Description
The subject of the book is CVD thin film optical coatings for application in photothermal solar energy conversion. The specific character of the materials research in the area of thermal solar energy conversion is the necessity of large areas for interception of the solar flux. The interceptive surfaces meeting the solar flux are mainly thin film (for cost effective purposes) coatings and the price of their production should be very low. Besides, they must withstand high temperatures reaching in some applications 500 degrees C, and the film should be stable for a long time (15-20 years). The possible diffusion processes lead to structure changes in thin films and deterioration of optical properties. These coatings differ from the ones for thin film optics, where the applications are basically at room temperature. These coatings differ also from the microelectronics materials, where miniaturisation lowered the price. ... Read more

Product Description
A book about solar energy that even grown-ups can understand.Using appealing cartoons with a cast of lively and curious kids, experts Malcolm Wells and Tilly Spetgang demonstrate how solar power works in a wonderfully clear and understandable way. The fun lesson unfolds in a classroom where students explore solar energy and today s technology: active systems, passive solar, and the conversion of sunlight into electricity. In addition to learning why the sun is superior to nonrenewable fuels, young environmentalists will discover the many cool things you can do with this clean and natural energy. And it s all spiced with irreverent humor that makes the complex subject not only easy to grasp, but delightful. Plus, for their adult friends and relatives, it is a simple and clear lesson on the need for solar power in this environmentally challenged world we live in. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children
This book invites you to join a particularly timely and interesting discussion of solar energy in a classroom occupied by a knowledgeable teacher and a set of lively students.Solar energy has, of course, taken on greater relevance as concern grows over the earth's supply of non-renewable energy sources and as people around the world take a more proactive stance toward conservation and eco-friendly lifestyles.

Today's youth have a strong stake in the development of alternative fuel sources, and they will have a powerful voice in the future to affect change as they start to pay taxes and vote. Already in countries such as Japan and Israel where imported fuel sources are relatively costly, many families rely on active solar systems, which include solar panels, to energize their homes. Other homes are designed with passive solar systems and improved insulation to store warmth.

The clear text is effective in informing without preaching, while the madcap illustrations can help eliminate whatever dryness readers might expect to find in a book about solar energy. Cleverly intertwined with the science are a series of economics lessons about the cost advantages of energy-efficient buildings and changes over time in the production and price of solar cells.The Kids' Solar Energy Book makes a useful resource that will prompt readers to want to learn more about adopting solar power systems.

FANTASTIC
I HAVE MREAD THIS BOOK AND SENT MY 24 YEAR OLD GRANDAUGHTER A COPY IN OREGON...SHE CALLED ME TO TELL ME HOW WONDERFUL THE BOOK WAS WITH ALL THE ILLUSTRATIONS....SHE SAID THAT SHE LEARNED A GREAT DEAL FROM THE BOOK AND WANTED TO GET A FEW COPIES TO SEND TO HER FRIENDS ... Read more