Product Description
The Solar Electricity Handbook is a practical and straightforward guide to using electric solar panels.Assuming no previous knowledge of solar panels, the book explains how solar panels work, how they can be used and explains the steps you need to take to successfully design and install a solar electric system from scratch using photovoltaic solar panels.

This is an update to the 2010 Edition of the book with even more diagrams, details and up-to-the-minute information on this exciting technology.

Accompanying this book is a solar resource website containing lots of useful information, lists of suppliers and on-line solar energy calculators that will simplify the cost analysis and design processes.

Why buy the Solar Electricity Handbook?
* The Handbook is a simple, practical guide to using electric photovoltaic panels.
* The book is suitable for enthusiastic novices and professionals.
* Clear examples, diagrams and example projects are given to demonstrate the true capabilities of these systems.
* The Handbook is updated yearly, providing a up-to-date reference for anyone planning to use electric photovoltaic technology.
* It is the most comprehensive book on solar electric systems available today.
* It is backed up by the most powerful online calculator tools available, to make your design and calculations as straightforward as possible.
* With comprehensive detail in the book for both North America and Europe, the Handbook provides you with information that is relevant to you and your project - where ever you live. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Solar electricty handbook, 2010 edition
Wanting to know elementary and perhaps more detailedelements ofsolarelectricity I ordered two books: 1.solar energy for the home by Martin O'Donnell,which I did not appreciated,and
2.Solar electricity handbook, by Michael Bowell, which I appreciatedvery very much: Plenty of facta, nice and clear explanations,usefulhints andsuggestions.I sent thisbook to theteachers of my sponsoredchild in Africa, inKanya, Meibeki, in the primaryKapkorosschool ofMoiben, where theteachershave been planning to get solar panels for light, and possibility to later for desktop computers. I think the bookshouldsuite well for getting practicalknowledge, and allso for educating themselves and thepupils about greenelectricity.
I liked the book so much that I immeadiatelyorder thesame book for myself. I gotit lastweek and it is already readonce, butit will be read several times, and be a goodthesaurus for me. Thank you so much.

Solar Electricity Handbook by Michael Boxwell
The book is comprehensive and easy to understand. It is suitable for beginners who want to learn about solar system installation and wiring concepts and basic design. People who have technical knowledge will find it very easy to understand. The book should not be called a handbook as it lacks technical and material specifications on solar panels and other necessary equipment and also limited in in-depth design calculation. It essentially provides a basic understanding and practical knowledge for people to start with.

WHY I LIKED THIS BOOK ABOVE THE OTHERS I BOUGHT
THE BOOK IS RECENT
IF YOU NEED TO LEARN ABOUT TODAY'S STUFF DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON A BOOK THAT IS NOT A CURRENT YEAR AS WELL AS A FIRST EDITION.

THIS BOOK EXPLAINS THE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE A SYSTEM FOR YOUR OWN USE REGARDLESS OF HOW LARGE OR HOW SMALL.

READ AND OUTLINE THE BOOK AND IF YOU COME ACROSS SOMETHING YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND GO TO THE INTERNET AND FIND OUT WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE GOING FARTHER.

YOU BUY THE BOOK TO LEARN AND THIS BOOK IS THE BEST STARTING POINT I HAVE EVER SEEN.

KEEP IN MIND THAT THE WORDS "STARTING POINT" APPLY TO TODAY AND NOT TOMORROW.TOMORROW IS ANOTHER BOOK HOPEFULLY BY THE SAME GUY WHO TOOK THE CARE THAT WAS DONE IN THIS ONE.

INSTRUCTION SHEETS WRITTEN BY ENGINEERS ARE USUALLY WORTHLESS AS THEY TOO OFTEN ASSUME THAT YOU KNOW AS MUCH ABOUT THE SUBJECT AS THEY DO.
(GERMAN FACTORY MANUALS FOR MY PORSCH COST OVER $400 NO MATTER HOW YOU BUY THEM AND YOU CAN SEE THE TECH WRITERS SNEERING AT YOU)
THE BEST MANUALS WERE EDITED BY PEOPLE WHO KNEW NOTHING ABOUT ANYTHING AND GOT THE PROBLEMS FIXED.
THE WRITER OF THIS BOOK IS A THOUGHTFUL PERSON.IT WILL NEVER GET BETTER THAN THAT.

great nuts & bolts guide
This is a neat book for non electricians.It explains concepts clearly and shows you how to design & build your own system.

Not a Solar Panel DIY
I was looking for a book that would walk me though building solor panels, andbased off what I'd read about it and the breif except, I thought it would be useful.

It wasn't helpful at all, book is mostly about what you need to consider when buying or installing a system for you home (I have purhcesed solor cells and want to build my own panels to power yard lights and a water feature, book is useless for that) ... Read more

Product Description
687687-page Expanded Professional Edition of The Passive Solar Energy Book is comprehensive. Includes 5 Solar Radiation Calculators which are transparencies used to determine the amount of energy striking a surface. Noted author is an architect acclaimed in the field of solar energy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

The Passive Solar Compendium
This is the design authority for energy crisis 1.0 passive solar design.Very appropriate today.

Essential Resource
Many years ago I found Edward Mazria's 1979 "Passive Solar Energy Book" in a used book store and bought it on a whim. For years it sat waiting in my reference library. Now as a retired Engineer interested in designing an energy independent house -- it is by far, a most useful Bible.

The book's self-limitation to "passive" (rather than "active") systems -- only affects the architectural design philosophy and patterns (rules of thumb). Russel Ball's sketches illustrate basic concepts extremely well.

Charts and tables of solar insolation on surfaces at various latitudes and tilt-angles (from his computer analysis in the 70s) are extensive, detailed and applicable anywhere, for ANY solar design.

My "Professional Edition" (687 pages) includes 14 Appendices filled with reference charts and tables -- and clear plastic chart overlays for latitude and panel orientation. I only wish Mazria's underlying formulas for calculations were provided (as many now on the Internet are dangerously poorly documented.)

The book is written in a friendly and understandable format, while also filled with hard-data -- as relevant today as when written. I can't believe it hasn't been continuously re-published. If you are designing solar and find a copy, grab it without hesitation.

Down to earth, practical methodology book
From a number of books I have been reading on passive energy topics, Mazria's small book is the most concrete, understandable and organized. I designed my home using the book and the forecasted energy compsumptionmatched the calculations!

Excellent reference!
When I designed our first house this book was invaluable.We are now designing our second home and looked to see if there is an update.Unfortunately it has not been revised but then little has changed with thesun and mass and the book will once again be a valued resource.

absolutely indispensable!
A seminal reference on the fundamentals of solar design.Easily used, yet thorough and quantitative.Should be required reading for everyone in the architecture & building design fields.Sunfall info given here is relevant to every structure ever designed -- and if you actually use it, the info *will* improve your design!! ... Read more

Product Description

FOLLOW THE SUN TO MORE EVIL FUN!

Let the sun shine on your evil side - and have a wicked amount of fun on your way to becoming a solar energy master! In this guide, the popular Evil Genius format ramps up your understanding of powerful, important, and environmentally friendly solar energy - and shows you how to build real, practical solar energy projects you can use in your home, yard - even on the road!

In Solar Energy Projects for the Evil Genius, high-tech guru Gavin Harper gives you everything you need to build more than 50 thrilling solar energy projects. You'll find complete, easy-to-follow plans, with clear diagrams and schematics, so you know exactly what's involved before you begin.

• Illustrated instructions and plans for 30 amazing pretested solar energy projects that assume no prior experience with energy science
• Explanations of the science and math behind each project
• Projects that progress in difficulty - from simple ones that may inspire science fair entries - all the way to converting a real home to solar energy
• Frustration-factor removal-needed parts are listed, along with sources-plus all the tools you'll need

Solar Energy Projects for the Evil Genius provides you with complete plans, instructions, parts lists, and sources for:

• Crushed berries solar cell
• Solar "death ray"
• Solar powered hot dog cooker
• Solar furnace
• Sun-powered refrigerator
• Camping shower, oven, and more
• Hot recipes for solar cooking
• Water purifier
• Flashlight
• Garden lights
• Solar vehicle
• Environmentally friendly robot
• Much more!

Customer Reviews (18)

Evil Genius - Solar
I would recomend this book to anyone wanting to get a start in learnig about solar energy.

Very simplistic.Extremely disappointed.
This is a good book for a 10 year old maybe.Was expecting some neat, unconventional uses for solar energy based on the title, but this was just a collection of things such as distilling water with saran wrap and the like.Very disappointed.

You can get the information in the book online for free
You can get the information in the book online for free..
* Black and white photos
* Phases of work you need further clarification
*Book gives an overview of the project .

Fun, but scant on details
I was disappointed in this book. It's hard to tell who the book is aimed at - an electronics buff or a middle school science teacher. There is almost enough information to complete many of the simpler projects, but not enough to tackle the more interesting ones. And some of the projects have no directions at all!

I would buy this book if I wanted to get inspired and play around with some simple projects, but if I were interested in constructing a photovoltaic system or a solar hot water heater, I would find another book. The book, Green Energy Projects for the Evil Genius, has more complete directions for more interesting solar projects that this book.

Lots of Solar Experiments
I learned new things about solar energy. Did you know the sun does not rise in the east or even south of east in the continental USA? I thought it did, knowing we are north of the tropic of cancer and even at June solstice high noon the sun still is slightly south of me.
It rises in the northeast in the morning swings south of vertical at noon and arcs into a sunset in the northwest!
The projects are not fully explained at times and well explained at others, so I could not rate it a 5 star. ... Read more

Product Description
The bestselling alternative energy reference book in North America—now in an updated edition

Want to take advantage of solar power in your home? Whether you’re looking to save on your energy costs by adding a few solar components or you want to build a solar-powered house from the ground up, Solar Power For Dummies, 2nd Edition takes the mystery out of this energy source and shows you how to put it to work for you!

This new edition gives you hands-on tips and techniques for making your home more energy-efficient though solar power—and helping the planet at the same time. Plus, you’ll get all the latest information on changes to federal, state, and local regulations, laws, and tax incentives that seek to make solar-power adoption more feasible.

• Expanded coverage of the technology that underpins full-scale solar-power systems for the home
• New small- and mid-sized solar products, projects, and applications
• Rik DeGunther is a design engineer who started his own energy consulting firm

Featuring ten of the easiest and cheapest DIY solar projects, Solar Power For Dummies, 2nd Edition is the fun and easy way to meet your energy needs with this clean power source! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

Light weight
I use to read Mother Earth News 30 years ago, I now belong to the local chapter of the Electric Auto Association, have installed solar light tubes, and solar hot water to my home so this book was light weight for me.

Battery technology and charging station technology are changing so fast that the best way to get into solar energy is to join a group like EAA and listen to the speakers. The engineers can be difficult but those who are actually building electric vehicles or adding solar energy items to their homes can answer your guestions. With a lot of help from EAA members I built an electric bike.

The best part of this book was the author explaining that you don't want to go completely off the grid unless you have to. The difficulty and expense of being completely independent is very great.

Looking deeper helps.
A great book as far as it goes, but working for a solar supplier (PV and thermal) here is one area which probably merits deeper exploration. This is the answer to the old chestnut question, which is: "How long does it take before I reach energy payback on my solar installation". While this is often addressed where the baseline is money, for a green technology the environmental baseline is at least as important. Our research suggests that the answer is:

PV installations - 5-7 years.
Complex solar thermal systems (low carbon mains electric pumps) - over 4 years.
Zero carbon, simple solar thermal systems (thermosyphon or PV pumped such as Solartwin) - 2 years or less.

The risk is that the "techno-bling" or "eco-bling" appeal of complex technologies can sometimes outsmart the environmental appeal of simpler technologies. Or insulating. Or using less heat in the first place!

regarding todays technology and this book.
SORRY, I COULDN'T FIND THE "SPELL CHECK" FIRST THE PENCIL THEN THE TYPWRITER AND NOW THE COMPUTER WITHOUT SPELL CHECK KEEPS MAKING MISTAKES.

THIS BOOK IS A GOOD STARTING PLACE TO LEARN THE TERMINOLOGY AND GLEAN IDEAS FOR SERIOUS, "BEFORE YOU BUY ANYTHING" STUDY.
I RECOMMEND BUYING IN ADDITION OTHER BOOKS AS LONG AS THEY HAVE AN INITIAL PUBLICATION DATE OF 2010 OR 11 NEXT YEAR ETC.

DO NOT BUY A NEW BOOK ON TECHNOLOGY THAT IS EXPANDING LIKE A NUCLEAR EXPLOSION UNLESS IT IS FIRST EDITION CURRENT YEAR.

(TV SETS 5 YEARS AGO LO DEF PLASMA2 YEARS AGO CHEAPER PLASMA AND LCD 1 YEAR AGO HIDEF LCD THIS 2010 HIDEF AND 3D AND NOW 4 COLOR TECHNOLOGY.ACCORDING TO THE ADVERTISING AS LAST MONTH.)

WHEN YOU BUY ANYTHING THAT USES ELECTRICITY TAKE THE TIME TO DETERMING ESTIMATED KWH AVERAGE AT 70 DEGREES F.UNLESS OF COURSE MONEY DOES NOT MATTER.

IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE WITH THE CURRENT THINKING OF THE GOVERNMENT AFTER NOVEMBER 2006 YOU ARE GOING TO BE PENALIZED FOR HAVING POWER HUNGRY APPLIANCES.
(THEY ALREADY GOUGE YOU ON YOUR INEFFICIENT AUTOMOBILE CLASSES AS A GUZZLER).

HOWEVER,,,
THERE ARE TWO AREAS OF CONCERN WHEN IT COMES TO SOLAR POWER CHOICES.

FOLKS WITH NO MONEY AND NO PHYSICAL ACCESS TO MATERIAL
FOLKS WITH GOBS OF MONEY AND ARE WILLING TO SPEND IT WISELY.

FOLKS LIKE A CERTAIN NOBEL PRIZE WINNER WHO HAS THE LARGEST SINGLE FAMILY ELECTRIC BILL IN THE NATION AND THE MILLIONS TO PAY IT WOULD NOT NEED THIS BOOK.

THIS BOOK IS IN-BETWEEN BUT MORE TOWARD THE TOP OF THE RANGE OF NEED.
PROBABLY A 7 OF 10 IF YOU NEED A REFERENCE POINT.

SOLAR ELECTRIC IS GOING FORWARD SO FAST IT IS AMAZING BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE COST IS ALSO GOING AHEAD AT THE SAME SPEED LIKE THE CARROT IN FRONT OF THE MULE.

ACTUALLY THE SOLAR ELECTRIC COST IS GOING UP FASTER THAN THE SAVINGS. BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING CHECK THE BOTTOM LINE WHEN COMPARING THE COST OF THE PAID FOR SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM AT THE END OF IT'S GUARANTEED LIFE TO THE COST OF THE ELECTRICITY YOU DID NOT USE. KEEP IN MIND THAT YOU WILL BE BILLED FOR THE PAPERWORK EACH MONTH REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH YOU USE.
ASK THE ELECTRIC COMPANY HOW MUCH YOU ARE PAYING PER KWH BASED ON 500 PER MONTH OR WHATEVER YOU HAVE BEEN USING. THEN DIVIDE YOUR CONSUMPTION INTO YOUR ACTUAL BILL IN PENNIES (MATH BECOMES COMPLICATED OTHERWISE) AFTER BEING PREPARED FOR A SHOCK.
I PAY $36 FOR THE FIRST THOUSAND GALLONS OF WATER I USE.THE ACTUAL WATER IS MORE LIKE $1.25 BUT THE ADD-ONS HAVE ME FOR LUNCH.

AVERAGE WAGE IN JAPAN IS AROUND $60,000 USD WHICH IS WAY AHEAD OF AVERAGE U.S. WAGES, AND STILL THE JAPANESE PEOPLE SPEND ALL THEY MAKE JUST TO LIVE. THIS IS THE SAME FOR ANYBODY NOT LIVING ON A TECHNOLOGY EXPLOSION CURVE.

THOSE FOLKS WHO HAVE TIME TO READ AND STUDY THIS BOOK ARE NOT LIVING ON THE EXPLOSIVE CURVE AND DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO INVEST IN A SYSTEM THAT WILL TAKE 30 YEARS TO PAY FOR IT'S SELF.

THERE ARE THOSE WHO DO ACTUALLY INSTALL SOLAR ELECTRIC BECAUSE THEY MUST.
PEOPLE LIVING A 3000 FEET DOWN A 30 DEGREE HILL FROM THE GRID NEED SIXTEEN POLES AT $8000 A POLE JUST TO GET ELECTRICITY.THIS IS $128,000 JUST FOR THE POLES.SOLAR ELECTRIC AND WATER LOOKS VERY GOOD THEM.

YOU CAN BUILD A SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM FOR A THIRD OF THE ELECTRIC COMPANYS POLES COST IN THE CASE ABOVE AND BE IN ELECTRIC SERVICE IN A WEEK AFTER THE JOB STARTS. FIGURE HOW MUCH YOU NEED AND THEN DOUBLE IT FOR PRACTICALITY.

I KNOW ABOUT THE ABOVE BECAUSE ONE OF MY FRIENDS IS IN THIS SITUATION, AND FOR 10 YEARS HAS LISTENED TO PROMISES FROM THE ELECTRIC COMPANY GO UNFULFILLED.AFTER 10 YEARS OF GENERATOR POWER HE BORROWED THE MONEY AND CONTRACTED THE SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM. HE DID NOT READ A BOOK BUT INSTEAD WENT TO A SYMPOSIUM HELD BY THE SALES ORGANIZATION.THE BOOK IS OF NO VALUE TO THE NON TECHNICIAN EXCEPT FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF LEARNING WHAT THE WORDS AND NUMBERS MEAN.

THIS SAME PERSON IN THE PARAGRAPH ABOVE BOUGHT A SOLAR WATER HEATER SYSTEM WHICH HAS NO MOVING PARTS WITH THE TANK MOUNTED AS PART OF THE PANEL. (NO ELECTRIC FOR A PUMP)AGAIN HE DID NOT READ A BOOK AND HAD THE SOLAR SALES GUY CONTRACT THE INSTALLATION.IT WAS NOT THE BEST CHOICE OF PLUMBING ARANGMENT (I SERVICE FIVE DIFFERENT BRANDS OF HOT WATER SYSTEMS) AND IT HAD PROBLEMS THAT I WAS ABLE TO EASILY FIX BY DOING THE CORRECT ROUTING AND PLUMBING TO MAKE IT RELIABLY DO WHAT WAS EXPECTED OF IT.
THIS SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM PAID FOR IT'S SELF IN VERY SHORT ORDER. HIS PREVIOUS HEAT CAME FROM PROPANE TANKS HE HAULED TO THE PROPANE STORE TO BE FILLED. IN HAWAII ENERGY IS SOLD BY THE BTU WHETHER IT IS GASOLINE DIESEL, PROPANE, OR ELECTRICITY.YOU PAY FOR THE ENERGY YOU USE AND NO SYSTEM PROPERLY USED IS CHEAPER THAN ANY OTHER.

THINK OF THIS.
ALL WATER HEATERS AND STORAGE TANKS LOOSE ENERGY THROUGH THE SHELL. SOME ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS,, A LOT BETTER. GAS HEATERS ALSO LOOSE ENERGY THAT GOES OUT THE CHIMNEY (DON'T BURN YOUR FINGERS TESTING THIS).

(YOU WOULD BE AMAZED AT HOW MANY HOUSES AND CONDOS HAVE STRANGE PLUMBING RESULTS DUE TO SIMPLE ERRORS)
IMAGINE THE NEXT DOOR CONDO USING YOUR HOT WATER. CONDOS ARE USUALLY FLIPFLOPPEDBR TO BR KIT TO KIT. STUFF HAPPENS.
I DISCOVERED THIS 40 YEARS AGO WHEN AN OWNER SUDDENLY HAD NO HOT WATER IN THE BATH BUT DID HAVE IT EVERYWHERE ELSE. I FOUND THE ELECTRIC BEING OFF NEXT DOOR WAS THE KEY TO SOLVING THE PROBLEM. THE BATH HOT WATER WAS SWITCHED. (IN CONDOS THE COLD WATER IS PROVIDED UNMETERED IN VERTICAL STACKS FOR TWO ADJACENT APARTMENTS) SWITCHING COLD PIPES IS INCONSEQUENTIAL UNTIL YOU TRY TO SHUT THE WATER OFF AND THE MISPLUMB IS INVOLVED
(ALL WATER FOR ONE CONDO UNIT IS TERMINATED AT ONE PLACE NEAR THE KITCHEN IN MOST CASES).
ANOTHER TIME I FOUND THE ELECTRIC FOR TWO (WALL COMMON) HEATERS WERE SWITCHED. THE OWNERS WERE PAYING EACH OTHERS BILL. ONE GUY KEPT TRYING TO CONSERVE AND THE OTHER GUYS BILL KEPT GOING DOWN SO HE DID NOT CARE ABOUT USAGE.

SOME FOLKS THINK THAT A PLUMBING INSPECTORS JOB IS TO MAKE CERTAIN THE SYSTEM IS SAFE AND WILL WORK PROPERLY.THE "SAFE" PART PROBABLY,,, BUT WORK PROPERLY IS NOT NECESSESSARILY GOING TO HAPPEN. THE FIRST CHALLENGE TO THE PLUMBING AND ELECTRIC INSPECTOR IS TO COUNT THE FIXTURES TO SEE IF THE QUANTITY MATCHES THE APPROVED PERMIT. TOO MANY OR TOO FEW WILL BE CAUGHT BY THE INSPECTOR. PERMITS PRICING IS BASED ON ESTIMATED COST AND NUMBER OF TERMINATIONS.
SOME REALISTIC REASONING IS ALSO APPLIED BUT VERY LOOSELY.
CODES MUST BE MET WHERE SAFETY IS INVOLVED SUCH AS TERMINATING THE T&P VALVE OUTSIDE OF A LIVING SPACE AND PROPER GROUNDING PRACTICES. THE T&P OF A SOLAR HEATER PANEL IS RARELY BROUGHT DOWN TO A PROPER DRAIN OR SAFE AT GROUND LEVEL VENT.(STEAM FROM A PANEL THROUGH A 3/4 INCH PIPE CAN AND WILL BE OVER 300 DEGREES AND WILL DESTROY ROOFING AND PLASTIC GUTTERS IN SECONDS. (LIKE A CHEAP PLASIC CAN IN YOUR DISHWASHER)

(THAT STRANGE OFF-COLOR YOU SEE NEAR ONE END OF A SOLAR WATER PANEL IS NOT FROM STUFF IN THE TAP WATER, IT IS FROM SUPER HEATED WATER THAT IS INSTANTLY BROUGHT TO BOIL WHEN THE PRESSURE IS RELEASED AND BLEW OFF TO CORRECT THE OVERHEAT WHEN THE PUMP ELECTRIC OR THE PUMP IT'S SELF FAILED.
ANYBODY IN THE PATH OF IT IS GOING TO BE SEVERELY BURNED,
(YET IT MEETS CODE).

KEEP IN MIND THAT IF YOU DEPEND ON REDDY KILOWATT TO POWER THE SOLAR SYSTEMS WATER PUMP AND FOR ANY REASON THE POWER GOES OFF THE SUN DOESN'T.
YOU HAVE TWO CHOICES AT THAT TIME.
1. COVER THE PANELS WITH A SILVER TARP.
2. ACCEPT THE DAMAGE THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN THE PANEL TRIPS THE TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE VALVE AFTER YOU TURN OFF YOUR WATER AND RELEASE THE CITY PRESSURE LEAVING THE HOT TAP OPEN SO THE STEAM WILL GO INTO YOUR NON PLASTIC SINK OR TUB.
(THAT PLASTIC DRAIN PLUMBING WILL NOT DO WELL IN 180 DEGREE, OR HOTTER, WATER)YOU CAN TEST THIS BY RUNNING A P TRAP THOUGH A DISHWASHER CYCLE IN THE BOTTOM RACK.
(SOME DISPOSERS WILL BE DAMAGED BY SUPER HOT WATER). THIS HAPPENS MORE OFTEN THAN YOU WOULD IMAGINE
(I SERVICED ISE BRAND FOR 40 YEARS AND SOME HAD PLASTIC PANES IN THEM THAT WOULD DEFORM WITH 180 DEGREE TAP WATER AFTER TEN OR MORE MINUTES).

IN HAWAII GROUNDING IS A JOKE BUT THE CODE IS MET ANYWAY. GROUNDING CODES ARE BASED ON ORGANIC SOIL WHICH IS THE RESULT OF A MILLION YEARS OF MOTHER NATURE DOING HER THING. SOME CODES REQUIRE SOIL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING AND SOIL ADDITIVES ARE NECESSARY (THIS WORKS WIHT ORGANIC SOIL)
HAWAII DOES NOT HAVE ORGANIC SOIL. YOU CAN PICK MY FARM SOIL UP WITH A MAGNET.

NOT EVERYTHING IS WHAT IT SEEMS AND YOU HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION.

Pass on this
Not worth the money, have read much better books, with more explanations and more details. Just not that good.

Great for Information Gathering
This is a well written, comprehensive source for information on all types of home solar systems. It has a wealth of information for the home owner who wants to see if solar is is the right choice. I would recommend this book to users in the information gathering phase. Well worth the money to get you started. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description

Customer Reviews (16)

Are you rich?
Great intel but the cost of the ideas in here are way to high for the gains.

A MUST HAVE homeowner's guide for renewable & energy efficiency
This is a must have book for anyone wanting to read up on how to improve your environmental footprint. Good Source of information for both renewable energy and energy efficiency. The book is a easy read and I highly recommend this book as well as others that Dan Chiras has written.I love this author, he really knows what he is talking about.Not only does he talk about it, he also practices what he preaches.

Very user friendly, informative.
This is very good review of renewable options.You don't have to be an engineer yet it is more than you've read in the newspapers and such.I saw some things I hadn't heard of.It is realistic, not everything works everywhere.It takes into account cost and return.It is not a tech manual, you won't know how to install the whole system (whichever it would be) but you'll likely know which way to go if need more.If I have a beef it is that the photos could be more and better.

Ok book.
Could have used more content on solar theory and techniques, and less on what is available commercially...

More DIY info would be better.

MJL

The bible ofrenewable energy for the home.
This is an outstanding, readable, comprehensive presentation of the subject of renewable energy for the homeowner. For each topic the author presents the principles, salient facts and a range of projects from the simplest do-it-yourself to that which would require a professional installation. Illustrations are excellent. In solar hot water for example he presents projects which range froma mini batch system consisting of a coiled black hose to a professionally installed all weather solar collector, storage with on-demand gas supplement. Based on this reading I plan to build a freestanding outdoor thermosiphon solar shower using cast off materials and to replace an inefficient hot water tank with a propane on-demand all season hot water heater. Chiras educates the homeowner to think broadly and to plan very manageable projects suited to his/her needs. Superb! ... Read more

Product Description
* An invaluable, handy, and affordable reference for all interested in solar energy

* Peer-reviewed and authoritative, this book provides essential solar data, explains the underlying theory, and offers helpful illustrations on a myriad of topics relating to solar energy

* Written for a global audience by leading international experts in association with the International Solar Energy Society (ISES)

Prepared and peer-reviewed by some of the foremost experts in the field, this easy-to-use pocket reference includes a wealth of information relating to solar energy.

Topics covered range from solar angles, sun path diagrams, solar radiation, and radiative properties of materials to thermal collectors, thermal energy storage, photovoltaics, and daylighting. The book also includes conversion factors and constants and is peppered throughout with helpful illustrations, equations, and explanations.

Renewable energy professionals, students, and solar entrepreneurs among others will find a host of answers in this book -- a practical assimilation of data, fundamentals, and guidelines for appication. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not exactly what we wanted.
This book is rich in technical detail, with graphs and charts that are mind-boggling.We were looking for something to help us optimize solar energy for a home in Brazil and found this book lacked information for this particular purpose.Only buy this book if you are already fairly well versed in energy and solar related mathematics. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review
It is easy to think of harvesting solar energy as a highlytechnical system involving wiring and plumbing and high-tech gadgetsand gizmos you'd need an engineer to design and set up (andoperate!). But really, every time you walk outside on a sunny day andevery time you realize that the rooms on the south side of your hometend to get warmer during the day, you are witnessing solar energy atwork. The beauty of passive solar energy is, for me, its"low-tech" approach, as the words imply. A bit of designforesight when building or remodeling your home will yield a wide setof possibilities for using solar energy to warm and cool yourhome. This is the book that can show you how. It is well illustratedand written for folks who may not have a technical degree. Not being atechno-wizard of any kind, I can understand this book, and I'll betyou can too! ... Read more

Product Description
* International experts in the field explore the relationship of building design to the urban setting
* Enables building professionals to adopt environmental design strategies in their daily work
* Designed as an academic module that can satisfy postgraduate certificate requirements and is suitable for distance learning
* Includes a free CD-ROM

The importance of an integrated approach in urban design is becoming increasingly apparent. This book explains how to overcome related challenges in environmental design of urban buildings and offers guidance on the use of new materials and techniques and the integration of new philosophies.
Supported by the European Commission’s SAVE 13 programme, the book includes contributions from experts at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, the Hellenic Open University, Greece, Cambridge Architectural Research and REHVA/University of Ljubljana. ... Read more

Product Description
A straight-talking book tells grid-connected homeowners how to use free energy from the sun and wind to reduce or even eliminate their electric bills, and what to expect from this independent, thoughtful lifestyle.Whether you live in the sun-soaked Southwest, or windy North Dakota, alternative energy has come of age with affordable modern technology.Now with rebates and incentives from most states, installing a home system is an economically-attractive and environmentally-responsible option.Chapters include:- Why invest in alternative energy for your home?- Is it legal and safe?- How solar electricity really works- Batteries or not?- Sizing a system to fit your home and your needs- Got Wind?- What does it cost?- Does your state offer rebates or incentives?- Permits, Paperwork and Financing- The Nuts & Bolts: what to look for, what to avoid- Who does the installation?- Extensive appendix with resources, manufacturers, sizing worksheets, glossary, and more ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

got sun? go solar
great book, a must for people who want to go grid tied solar. great and thorough explantions. would highly reccomend.

Excellent Book
This definitely in no how to book. The author's intent is to make you more knowledgeable prior to having a solar technician out. He does not to tell you how to do it yourself, he actually discourages it for several reasons which he lists. I think you can build them yourself. But he does show you how to size a system and give you a in depth look at the many different solar possibilities that are available.

I am new to solar technology, and have found this book to be very helpful. It is well documented and gives you many details. The authors try and keep it fun when they can, to keep your interest. Researching this subject on the Internet is very hard to do for solar, its hard to know is which system to use. Without this book, my head would still be spinning attempting to determine who has the best kit.

Top 3 Solar Panel Kits 09
Reviewed. We tested 11 Solar Panel
Kits so you don't have to
www.SolarPowerKitsReviewed.com

The Review Guy

Awesome
Awesome book on renewable energy. Thanks to these tips, I now know how I will build it.AAAA++++

Solar energy
Provides the needed basic information to beginners like me in a clear and easy to understand language. Well illustrated.

Great intro for getting a home solar system!
"Got Sun? Go Solar" provided me with a great amount of introductary information for a residential solar PV system. When looking for information on a $20,000 home investment, $15 is a great start. Well worth it. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Lots of good information
I bought this for my son who is using it as a reference book.He's very happy with the information in it.

Great book for anyone novice to expert
Great book for anyone novice to expert. I am a retired multi-skilled technician with an extensive background in electronics and electrical fields. I found this book very informative for anyone interested in finding out more on solar panels and/or practicle installations. One can choose to get in great depth or just fundamentals. It is a great book.

Great book
Great book and breaks down the concepts and math of solar power into digestable bites.

A top pick for any collection catering to homeowners interested in alternative energy sources
Power from the Sun: Achieving Energy Independence offers a fine guide to solar energy and is written for the layperson wishing to install a solar electric system. Homeowners and business owners will appreciate an easy guide to all the solar energy options, from solar site assessment to inverters, batteries, and more. A top pick for any collection catering to homeowners interested in alternative energy sources. ... Read more

Product Description
Solar Collectors, Energy Storage, and Materials covers the materials and basic components needed for solar thermal energy systems. Using thermal performance and durability as the major criteria, the twenty six chapters emphasize the modeling and assessment of devices rather than their application or cost. Each part begins with an overview and concludes with an assessment of current issues and opportunities. The contributors have been careful to document failures as well as successes in materials research. This is the fifth volume in a series that distills the results of the intensive research on and development of solar thermal energy conversion technologies from 1975 to 1986.

Francis de Winter is President of the Altas Corporation, Santa Cruz, California and a member of the Santa Cruz Energy Advisory Committee.

Contents: Solar Collectors. Collector Concepts and Designs. Optical Theory and Modeling of Solar Collectors. Thermal Theory and Modeling of Solar Collectors. Testing and Evaluation of Stationary Collectors. Testing and Evaluation of Tracking Collectors. Optical Research and Development. Collector Thermal Research and Development. Collector Engineering Research and Development. Solar Pond Research and Development. Reliability and Durability of Solar Collectors. Environmental Degradation of Low-Cost Solar Collectors. Energy Storage for Solar Systems. Storage Concepts and Design. Analytical and Numerical Modeling of Thermal Conversion Systems. Testing and Evaluation of Thermal Energy Storage Systems. Storage Research and Development. Materials for Solar Technologies. Materials for Solar Collector Concepts and Designs. Theory and Modeling of Solar Materials. Testing and Evaluation of Solar Materials. Exposure Testing and Evaluation of Performance Degradation. Solar Materials Research and Development. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A great little book to explain the facts and future of solar power
The Sun is the most important star in the universe for the people, animals and plant life here on earth.Without it we surely would not survive.There are many reasons why the sun is so very important to us!According to Tea Benduhn, the author of this book, "the use of the Sun's light and heat energy is called solar power."In this book there are four chapters:

What is Solar Power?

Sources of Energy

How Solar Power Works

Solar Power in the Future

Tea talks about many interesting facts. Did you know that there is such a thing as solar fabric and that a tent made out of it can power a computer?Did you know that there are cars that can run on solar energy?Did you know that the Sun is a renewable resource?There are many interesting facts in this book!This book is not only fun to read, but you can learn many scientific facts you may not have known before.The photographs are very interesting, especially the unusual looking solar car. This is an excellent beginner's guide to solar power. ... Read more

Product Description
Ages 9 to 12 years. This amazing new book tells why solar power is becoming a very real replacement for our current energy sources, with detailed images featuring different types of solar collectors, solar thermal plants, and solar cells. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Disappointed
The book was very general.I expected to get more specific and indepth information. ... Read more

Product Description
Practical Photovoltaics, the now-classic reference on solar electricity, offers a unique combination of technical discussion and practical advice. Physicist, lecturer, and solar-home dweller Richard Komp explains the "how" and the "how-to" of PV, while providing valuable information on the industry, new developments, and the future. The book is a comprehensive guide to the theory and reality of solar electricity, as well as a detailed installation and maintenance manual. A well-illustrated appendix offers step-by-step instructions for constructing your own solar module, a creative approach to demystifying the technology.Presented in a clear, concise, and understandable style, Dr. Komp's contribution to PV literature has been called the "best single reference available," "the easiest and most complete education on photovoltaics," "one of the best basic books on PV," and "the best of the books." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Solar sells "the best book"
This is a must have for anybody interested in building quality solar panels. It is an outstanding book to put it mildly, The information is up to date, The wrighter is very knowledgable and gives you a great wealth of information. He also gives you many contacts on the history of solar cells. I could not put this book down till went threw it twice. John Morin Brownville, MaineI rate this book as a 11 on my book shelf.

Book was a bit disappointing, yet there is value.....
I just received this book.I was expecting a "book / manual" that covered more than the most basic of information that almost all know.It is a good book, but........

If you just want to know "about" photovoltaics from the standpoint of say, a high school student for a basic level science project..... this will do well. It gives the basic physics for the solar cell, the way they have been used in society now, and offer projected future uses of the same.

If however, you actually wanted serious practical info, possibly building your own system, possibly going into a home Grid-Tie system, or other ideas with a little bit more technical and useful data, this book isn't it even though the name "Practical Photovoltaics" sound as if you would.

Thanks
I had the oportunity of read this book. It is easy to understand and I had the book right on time.
Thanks.

Somewhat Technical
I won't pick on the book too much because if you are interested in the chemical composition of photovoltaic systems you will find this interesting. I personally thought I was getting something which talked about practical applications, and not so much the transport of electrons in crystaline substances. If you are looking at the possibility of applying solar at home then looks somewhere else. If you need a history lesson on the start of solar electric then this isn't a bad book at all. Although it appears a little dated and the pictures aren't that inspiring, if your wondering how photovoltaic cells work on an atomic level you'll love this.

photovoltaic science for the layman
This is the best book on PhotoVoltaics I've found yet. Comprehensive, thorough, yet simple enough for the layman - without being too simple. I'd recommend this book for anyone who is interested in the coming green revolution in energy production. ... Read more

Product Description
In Solar Revolution, fund manager and former corporate buyout specialist Travis Bradford argues—on the basis of standard business and economic forecasting models—that over the next two decades solar energy will increasingly become the best and cheapest choice for most electricity and energy applications. Solar Revolution outlines the path by which the transition to solar technology and sustainable energy practices will occur.

Developments in the photovoltaic (PV) industry over the last ten years have made direct electricity generation from PV cells a cost-effective and feasible energy solution, despite the common view that PV technology appeals only to a premium niche market. Bradford shows that PV electricity today has become the choice of hundreds of thousands of mainstream homeowners and businesses in many markets worldwide, including Japan, Germany, and the American Southwest.

Solar energy will eventually be the cheapest source of energy in nearly all markets and locations because PV can bypass the aging and fragile electricity grid and deliver its power directly to the end user, fundamentally changing the underlying economics of energy. As the scale of PV production increases and costs continue to decline at historic rates, demand for PV electricity will outpace supply of systems for years to come.

Ultimately, the shift from fossil fuels to solar energy will take place not because solar energy is better for the environment or energy security, or because of future government subsidies or as yet undeveloped technology. The solar revolution is already occurring through decisions made by self-interested energy users. The shift to solar energy is inevitable and will be as transformative as the last century's revolutions in information and communication technologies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

A reasonable, but dated and opinionated introduction
This book introduces the reader to photovoltaic solar energy and argues why solar energy is the only long-term alternative. However, since this book was published in 2006, lot of information is dated. It may be OK for readers who are reading their very first book on the topic. Others are unlikely to find it satisfying.

Great book not a "go green" take on it, but an economics viewpoint
Great book that discusses the future of energy. This in not a save the planet type book, it gives an analysis for how we will get our energy in the future and the outcome of that analysis is solar. Bradford does a great job of using conservative estimates and giving both sides of the argument as much as possible within the scope of the book. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to know the mechanics of why the shift to solar will happen from a dollars and cents and economics standpoint.

Better titled "The Estimated Rough Economics of Photovoltaics"
This should have been a magazine article in the Economist, not a book.As other reviewers have explained, this is about photovoltaics and only photovoltaics (PV) and even at that it's limited.True, other energy sources are mentioned, such as hydrogen fuel cells, but they get about half a page.

It would be better titled "The Estimated Economics of Photovoltaics."But even at that it's weak.Photovoltaics come in many forms from rigid structures to concentrators to flexible fabrics.Only round numbers are used, such as, "In the case of photovoltaic modules, the cost to produce them in the late 1970s was around $25 per watt but has since dropped to less than $3.50 per kW,..."(p, 109) But there's no mention of the applicable configuration.

Some things are footnoted, like "Various forms of solar energy have been used since prehistoric times."But others, like Figure 7.2 where today's PV costs are shown at $6 per watt are not.And the $6 per watt in Figure 7.2 hardly correlates with the $3.50 quoted above for production costs.Yes, I know one is production cost, the other presumably installed cost, but even that isn't clear and an installed cost that's 1700 times production cost deserves some explanation.

I couldn't find one reference to actual PV conversion efficiency, yet there are statements such as "Even at today's efficiency of PV cells, the land required would be 10 million acres, or 0.4 percent of the total land area of the United States."Perhaps the efficiency assumption is buried in the primary documents but it should be shown here since it's pivotal.I didn't notice any reference to the fact that today's PV's degrade over time.PV efficiency and life is fundamental to PV economics.

There are few diagrams, all economics and order of magnitude.

It is clear that a lot of work went into preparing and documenting the book, but in the end you can't do much with what's here.If you wanted, for example, to crudely estimate say the cost of a megawatt of photovoltaic power so you could compare it to say Nevada Solar One, the solar concentrator facility outside Boulder, NV, you only have the $6 per watt from the chart quoted earlier and that gets you to $6 million/megawatt.But you don't know what PV efficiency that's based on.(Solar One's cost is about $4 million/megawatt)

From this book you'd think PV's were the future.But the Europeans are moving ahead with solar thermal at the bulk stage.Do PV's make sense for example on say roof tops and solar thermal makes more sense at the utility level?From this book, you can't even begin to answer that question, or know if a breakthrough in PV efficiency would make a difference.

I liked one of the reviews on the back cover..."deeply researched and hopeful."Says it all, and says nothing.

Wish I could refer you to a better book, but haven't found one yet.There's material on the net.Scientific American's September 2006 and March 2009 issues cover the technologies briefly, but are weak on the economics.There's an absence of clear economic data on solar energy sources.

You Say You Want A Revolution
I'm trying to do my part in promoting clean energy by investing in green stocks including companies like First Solar, Vestas, Suntech and General Electric so what I wanted to get from this book was some information on whether or not I'm making a wise investment. More specifically I wanted to know what is currently holding back solar energy and the possible timetable for a worldwide energy revolution. The author answered most of my questions but new ones arose. Make no mistake the author is a solar power proponent so there is little to no criticism of it as an emerging energy source.

After getting through a history of energy and comparison of new alternative solutions the author finally gets down to the nuts and bolts. The benefits of solar power include its ability to be deployed quickly and in a piecemeal manner. Solar power can start generating energy in months rather than the years that it takes to build a traditional power plant and additional panels can be brought online as needed. Countries like Japan and Germany that are leading the world in solar power deployment are creating their solar infrastructure in a distributed manner. Individuals can generate there own electricity with panels installed on their homes and then send the excess into a 'smart' grid. Unlike wind power, which is considered by some to be an eyesore, solar panels can be created as "roofing materials, architectural glass, and potentially paint and plastic casing"

The author writes, "The amount of sunlight that falls on the earth every day is equivalent to the total energy that is used by the earth's current population in twenty seven years" What is holding solar power back as a viable alternative to fossil fuel energy is simply cost per watt and the barrier is shrinking every day. The lowest cost for a PV system was $5 per watt in 2005 but First Solar has set a goal of 65 cents by 2012. In one chart the author shows solar power costing between 15 and 27 cents per kWh while other forms of energy ranging from 3 to 15 cents per kWh so there is a gap to close. Mr. Bradford points out that the gap is even smaller than it appears because in addition to the apparent cost we pay for energy, taxpayers pay billions in hidden costs including military costs and the environmental price of using dirty fuels. Once solar power approaches parity with fossil fuels we will likely see a positive feedback loop as increased usage cause prices to drop creating increased usage. As the world's appetite for energy grows solar energy is the perfect solution in that the regions of the world most in need of energy are the same regions that are flush with sunlight and in those areas solar energy doesn't need to compete with an already existing fossil fuel energy grid.

One major problem with this book is that the breakneck speed of technology has left it woefully out of date having been published in 2006. The author writes that the "current" six percent efficiency ceiling of PV panels may reach 30 percent in three to five years. However, in late 2006 a solar cell broke the 40 percent efficiency barrier so the author's prediction was too conservative and the book is already outdated. The author's confidence in efficiency improvements was in response to new solar cells that could generate electricity from light rays outside the visible spectrum which leads to one of the questions I had that the author didn't answer. If electricity can be generated using rays outside the visible spectrum does this mean that electrical energy could be generated even on a cloudy day in winter? This is important for someone like myself who lives in northern Ohio.

I'm 100% sold on solar power but I would like to know what the feasibility and environmental impact is of manufacturing millions of solar panels. I mean that is a lot of material. That's one subject never addressed in the book. My belief is that if solar energy is not adopted soon my portfolio value may well be irrelevant given climate change and other problems related to having a fossil fuel based energy policy so I might as well place my bet. I found this book informative however even at a slender 200 pages it still seemed to have quite a bit of filler and as mentioned previously its numbers are out of date.

It's happening now
Great book.I have taken a renewed interest in solar power the past few years and everything this fellow wrote about only a few years ago is coming to fruition.As the utility companies come to see having residential solar installations not as competition, but rather as a way to ease stress on the grid during peak usage periods (when the sun is the brightest), meaning less brownouts, and less need for new substations, you'll see the rate of change accelerate.And need I say anything about the obvious fact that the Obama Administration is going to kick the renewable energy field and solar into a new gear? ... Read more

Product Description
Solar thermal systems available today offer efficiency and reliability. They can be applied in different conditions to meet various requirements in the residential, commercial and industrial building sectors. The potential for this technology and the associated environmental benefits are significant.

This fully updated edition of 2004’s bestselling guide offers clear guidance on planning and installing a solar thermal system, crucial to the successful uptake of this technology. All major topics for successful project implementation are included. Beginning with resource assessment and an outline of core components, it details solar thermal system design, installation, operation and maintenance for single households, large systems, swimming pool heaters, solar air and solar cooling applications. Details on how to market solar thermal technologies, a review of simulation tools and data on regional, national and international renewable energy programs are also provided.

In short, the book offers comprehensive guidance for professionals who wish to install solar thermal technology. This new edition will be a highly valued resource for architects and engineers alike who are working on new projects, electricians, roofers and other installers, craftsmen undertaking vocational training and anyone with a specialized and practical interest in this field. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good book but lacking important sizing info !
I am an engineer and recently I had to look into designing big solar thermal systems. I agree with a previous reviewer that nothing from the US comes even close to the usefulness of the information included in this book.
The book seems to be a compilation of different materials, mostly german. I also owe the "Grosse Solaranlagen" (Big solar systems) book published by SolarPraxis in Germany:

[...]

Initially I thought that the information is redundant because the diagrams and pictures look the same in both books. Reading both I realized that this book reproduces only a part of the german book. Unfortunately it does not go into the specifics of actually sizing the system (flows, circulation pumps, pressures, solar stores). For me without that info, it is of limited use.

The book is good as an introduction to different schemes and on how to approach the problem, but it cannot be used to actually size a system.

I recommend the SolarPraxis german books if you can read them.

Not really for the general USA reader .. all SI units.
This is a very good book for the right reader ... unfortunately you need to be familiar and able to use the SI system.

[...]

It goes from simple to complex and domestic to commercial scale with calculations and illustrations. However, the concepts of design and consumption are more suited to the frugal European rather than the average middle class American (no insult intended but American energy consumption is about twice that of a European). Smaller houses, smaller more efficient appliances etc.

You should have it!!
I bought this book immediately after was published. It's a great reference book and very good introduction to solar heating systems. What I liked the most is how the book is set up. It gives you brief overview what the solar energy is, hot it works, and it explains difference between solar panels, what efficiency and solar fraction of solar panels is. And not only that... it tells you about system components, how to design residential systems, large scale systems and way more. As a technical manager for large thermal solar company I always recommend this book to my new team mates.

The bible
If you are a designer or installer of Solar Hot Water and Heating-
Buy this book.I know its expensive, but it is worth it!
Nothing I have seen from the US is even close.

One small draw back is that you will have to convert from metric. ... Read more

Product Description
To solve the climate crisis, the world must make a wholesale shift to renewable energy technologies. For the industrialized world, it is essential. But with surging growth in emerging markets, this transformation takes on even greater urgency. The challenges - and opportunities - are immense.

Selling Solar considers how such a shift might happen. Focusing on the case of solar photovoltaics, it shows how at the start of the 21st century this promising technology began to diffuse rapidly in select emerging markets, after years of struggling to take off. What were the initial barriers to diffusion? How were they overcome? Who did it? And how can this success be replicated?

Drawing on the literature on innovation diffusion and entrepreneurship the author shows how entrepreneurs affected profound technological change not just through the solar systems they sold, but through the example they set to both new market entrants and policy makers. These entrepreneurs were not waiting for an R&D breakthrough or a better solar panel to come along. They took the technology at their disposal, forged a new market, inspired new policies - and sold solar. In analysing how this happened, this book offers important lessons for the diffusion of a range of renewable energy technologies in emerging markets, and for the advancement of the sector as whole.

Selling Solar is essential reading for anyone who believes in a renewable energy future and wants it sooner rather than later. ... Read more

Product Description
This two-volume publication demonstrates how available sunshine can be used as part of site planning and architectural design to reduce fuel consumption for heating and to enhance the environment. Topics covered in Vol 1 include site layout, building form, internal planning, the design of windows and opaque elements, ventilation, heating systems and controls, and conservatories. Vol 2 gives detailed information on examples of buildings to which these principles have been applied. Together the two volumes provide valuable guidelines for architects, students of architecture, developers and others involved in the design, production or rehabilitation of housing. ... Read more