SOLAR ENERGY BOOKS

The New Solar Home   (by Dave Bonta, Stephen Snyder)

This book illustrates features homes that are groundbreaking not only in their use of renewable energy but also in their commitment to recycling and repurposing materials used in construction and to reducing the impact on the surrounding environment through sensitive building methods. With details on why these homeowners decided to go solar and how having a solar home can save money in the long run, these solar beauties are sure to inspire homeowners to create or remodel their own solar sanctuaries.

The Solar Century   (by Jeremy Leggett)

The Past, Present and World-changing Future of Solar Energy

Clean, silent, renewable and climate-friendly—solar power is the holy grail of energy. And there's no shortage of sunlight out there: enough falls on the surface of the planet each day to power human society many thousands of times over. Edited by a leading solar expert, "The Solar Century" provides a groundbreaking vision of a sun-powered world. It covers everything from how ancient societies viewed the sun through to present-day panels thin enough to be delivered 'by the roll' a showcase of solar applications from the household scale to public architecture.

Power to Change the World

Alternative Energy and the Rise of the Solar City   (by S.L. Klein)

The looming US energy crisis is inextricably intertwined with the country's geopolitical strategy. The coming storm could result in a global economic, political, social, and ecological disaster. This book explores the premise that the complex threat we face can be mitigated by addressing the energy crisis. It describes how we got to this critical point in our history, what has kept us from effective action, and how we can stop funding our enemies, stop polluting our planet, regain our energy independence, and put Western Civilization on a more secure foundation.

Solar Revolution   (by Travis Bradford)

The Economic Transformation of the Global Energy Industry

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.

Children of the Sun   (by Alfred W. Crosby)

A History of Humanity's Unappeasable Appetite for Energy

Alfred W. Crosby explores how humanity's successes have hinged on effective uses of solar energy—from cooking to exploitation of fossil fuels. But dwindling natural resources, global warming, and environmental pollution all testify to the limits of our fossil-fuel civilization. Although we haven't yet adopted a feasible alternative—just look at the embarrassment of "cold fusion" or the 2003 blackout that humbled North America—our ingenuity and adaptability as a species give us hope.

Power With Nature: Solar and Wind Energy Demystified

At some point this century, nearly ALL energy will be coming from renewable sources. Solar and wind energy are likely to be the leaders among the various flavors of ala little something about ternative energy. The author serves up a primer on wind and solar so we'll know how the lights will be kept on a few decades or so from now. (by Rex A. Ewing)

Solar Energy  (Our Environment series)   (by Kris Hirschmann)

For Ages 9-12.  Humankind's dependence on fossil fuels is depleting the Earth's resources. Solar energy is one possible solution to this problem. This book examines all aspects of the solar energy question—how solar energy works, its problems and potential, where it is being used today, and more.

Solar Power (True Books)  (by Christine Petersen)

For Ages 9-12  Petersen provides readers with a lucid picture of the sun and wind as natural forces, including the associated technologies (windmills, turbines, solar panels). Informs kids about the advantages and disadvantages of such renewable resources and speculates on their use in years to come.

Done in the Sun

Solar Projects for Children   (Anne Hillerman (Author), Mina Yamashita (Illus.))

For Ages 6 & up  In easy-to-read and easy-to-do style, Anne Hillerman gives us a wonderful how-to book for children ages 6 and up. The book teaches the basic principles of solar energy while providing fun experiments that can be done at home or in school to show how the sun's light and heat can be used to help us in our everyday lives. Fully illustrated, black and white line drawings, bibliography.

Energy from the Sun (Rookie Read-About Science)  (by Allan Fowler)

For Ages 4-8  Defines energy and examines how energy from the sun provides us with heat, light, plants, food and other things necessary for life on Earth.

Solar Power Your Home For Dummies   (by Rik DeGunther)

Want to take advantage of the free energy of the sun? Solar Power Your Home For Dummies takes the mystery out of this primo energy source and shows you how to do everything from adding small components to your home to building a solar-powered house from the ground up. You'll see how to heat and cool your home, create solar rooms, install solar lighting, and much more. Specifics include how to choose the best solar system for your needs and how to avoid the worst solar mistakes.

Solar Living Sourcebook--30th Anniversary Edition

Complete Guide to Renewable Energy Technologies and Sustainable Living

Do you want to harvest sunlight, wind, or falling water to power your home? Or sell that renewable energy back to your utility company? Are you looking to build your dream eco-home? Or to convert to biodiesel and minimize your fossil fuel use? This fully updated classic of sustainable living technology tells how and gives you access to the world's most extensive selection of hardware to make it all happen. (John Schaeffer)

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Solar Power for your Home

2nd Edition   (by Dan Ramsey, David Hughes)

Solar-based electricity (photovoltaics) is now a one-billion-dollar industry, and it's poised to grow rapidly in the near future as more pressure is placed on limited fossil fuel resources and as advances in solar technology drive down the costs of residential solar systems. This book helps readers understand the basics of solar power and other renewable energy sources, explore whether solar power makes sense for them, what their options are, and what's involved with installing various on and off-grid systems.

Solar Energy Projects for the Evil Genius   (by Gavin Harper)

30 Build-It-Yourself Projects

Using easy-to-follow plans, with clear diagrams and schematics, high-tech guru Gavin Harper outlines 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. Projects include solar furnace, sun-powered refrigerator, water purifier, garden lights, solar cooking, even a solar "death ray"!

Solar Electricity Handbook   (by Michael Boxwell)

A Simple, Practical Guide to Solar Energy - Designing and Installing Photovoltaic Solar Electric Systems (2010 Edition)

This is a practical and straightforward guide to using solar-electric panels. Assuming readers have 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. Included are lists of suppliers and on-line solar energy calculators that will simplify the cost analysis and design processes.

Easy Guide To Solar Electric (Part I)   (by Adi Pieper)

This book is a simple and entertaining introduction to solar electric and a statement for clean energy and an environmentally healthy lifestyle. The reader will be introduced to the basic electrical terms, the components of a solar-electric system, tying into the grid, as well as tips on living in a solar energy home. (Related book: Part II - Solar Electric Installation Manual)

Got Sun? Go Solar   (by Rex A. Ewing, Doug Pratt)

Get Free Renewable Energy to Power Your Grid-Tied Home

This book tells grid-connected homeowners how to use free energy from the sun and wind to reduce or even eliminate their electric bills. Explains why alternative energy has come of age, with affordable modern technology, and rebates and incentives from most states. Chapters include: Why invest in alternative energy for your home? How solar electricity really works. Batteries or not? Sizing a system to fit your home and your needs. Permits, paperwork and financing. What to look for, what to avoid

Photovoltaic Systems   (by James P. Dunlop)

Demand for renewable-energy technologies is growing rapidly, requiring a greater number of skilled system technicians. Photovoltaic Systems is a comprehensive guide to the design and installation of several types of residential and commercial PV systems. The book covers the principles of PV electricity and how to effectively incorporate it into electrical systems. Numerous illustrations explain the concepts behind how PV arrays and other components operate, and photographs of actual installations show how components are integrated together to form complete systems. Content also covers the topics needed for solar installer certification by NABCEP.

Physics of Solar Cells   (by Peter Würfel)

From Basic Principles to Advanced Concepts (Physics Textbook)

This technical book explores the mechanisms of solar energy conversion, solar cell function, the physics of the stepwise processes, and issues to be considered when improving solar cells and their efficiency. Requiring no more than standard physics knowledge, the book enables both students and researchers to understand the factors driving conversion efficiency and to apply this knowledge to their own solar cell development.

Solar Water Heating   (by Bob Ramlow)

A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water And Space Heating Systems

Solar Water Heating reviews the history of solar water and space heating systems from prehistory to the present, then presents the basics of modern solar water heating, including an introduction to systems and solar-energy economics. The book covers types of solar collectors, system components, system sizing and siting, cost, installation, operation, and maintenance.

Build Your Own Solar Heating System   (by Kenneth Clive)

This book provides step-by-step instructions for the average do-it-yourself home owner or hobbyist for building a fully functional solar heating system capable of pre-heating water for a water heater and heating a house in winter. The project described in the book was built with easily available tools and resources so that it can be duplicated by anyone who is handy with basic tools and construction techniques.

Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes
(by John A. Duffie, William A. Beckman)

Solar technologies already provide energy for heat, light, hot water, electricity, and cooling for homes, businesses, and industry. Because solar energy accounts for only 0.1% of primary energy demand, relatively small increases in market penetration can lead to very rapid growth rates in the industry. This textbook explores practices for engineering solar technologies---with a focus on solar thermal---and using them in various applications and markets.

The Passive Solar House   (by James Kachadorian)

The Complete Guide to Heating and Cooling Your Home

The Passive Solar House offers proven techniques for building and retrofitting homes that heat and cool themselves, using readily available materials and methods familiar to all building contractors and many do-it-yourself homeowners. It's applicable to diverse regions, climates, budgets, and styles of architecture. The book includes passive solar design software.

The Solar House: Passive Heating and Cooling

Passive solar heating and passive cooling can provide comfort throughout and reduce or eliminate the need for fossil fuel. Readers will learn the principles of passive solar design and how to implement them; how to select a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly backup heating system; how to preserve indoor air quality in an airtight, energy-efficient home; and how to employ green building materials in a naturally conditioned home. (by Daniel D. Chiras, Ph.D)

Cooking with Sunshine   (by Lorraine Anderson, Rick Palkovic)

The Complete Guide to Solar Cuisine with 150 Easy Sun-Cooked Recipe

Solar cooking—a safe, simple cooking method using the sun's rays as the sole heat source—has been known for centuries and can be done, at least during the summer, in just about any place where there's sun. Cooking with Sunshine provides everything you need to know to cook great sun-fueled meals, including how solar cooking works, its benefits over traditional methods, how to build your own inexpensive solar cooker, and more than 100 tasty solar-cooking recipes that emphasize healthy ingredients.

The Solar Food Dryer   How to Make and Use Your Own High-Performance, Sun-Powered Food Dehydrator   (by Eben Fodor)

The Solar Food Dryer describes how to dry your food using solar energy instead of costly electricity. With your own solar-powered food dryer, you can quickly and efficiently dry all your extra garden veggies, fruits, and herbs to preserve their goodness all year long. Includes basic concepts of solar energy design; complete step-by step plans for building a high-performance, low-cost solar food dryer from readily-available materials; food drying tips and recipes; resources, references, solar charts, and more.

Basics of Energy Efficient Living   (by Lonnie Wibberding)

A Beginner's Guide to Alternative Energy and Home Energy Savings

This book explains the principles behind energy-efficient living, answering questions such as: What is R-value? How much energy could I get from my creek? Can I use alternative energy in the city? How much heat will it take to keep my house warm? How much heat will I lose if I put in a bigger window? Learn what it takes to save energy, then take the next step and collect your own by finding out how much energy you can get from water, sun, wind, and wood. Then apply energy principles to make an energy budget and design your energy projects or house step-by-step.

The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy   Achieving Energy Independence through Solar, Wind, Biomass and Hydropower

As the price of energy continues to rise, homeowners will scramble to cut their energy bills and insulate themselves against interruptions in modern society's centralized energy production and distribution system. That means (a) making dramatic improvements in home energy efficiency, and (b) using clean, affordable, renewable energy resources to heat and cool homes, to provide hot water and electricity, and even to cook. The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy tells you how. (by Dan Chiras )

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