Product Description

Get the truth about alternative energy and make it part of your life

Want to utilize cleaner, greener types of energy? This plain-English guide clearly explains the popular forms of alternative energy that you can use in your home, your car, and more. Separating myth from fact, this resource explores the current fossil fuel conundrum, the benefits of alternatives, and the energy of the future, such as hydrogen and fuel cell technology.

• The ABCs of alternative energy — what it is, how it works, and what the real costs are

• Where we are now — learn where our current energy comes from and how much longer it will last

• Take the first step — see how energy efficiency and conservation can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels

• Grasp the alternatives — from nuclear power to geothermal energy to wood burning, understand the benefits that alternative energy can have on the nation

• Apply alternative fuels to transportation — from biofuels to exotic propulsion to electricity, see how they are best used and how hybrid, all-electric, and fuel cell–powered vehicles work

• Get a peek into the future — see what the outlook holds for each form of alternative energy discussed

Open the book and find:

• The pros and cons of alternative energy

• A review of the current world energy economy

• The problems with fossil fuels, from smog to global warming

• Advantages of alternative energy

• Practical results of alternatives you can use in daily life

• Guidelines for investing in alternative energy vehicles

• Ten ways you can bring about change right now

• Insight into the future of energy production — and how you can invest in it

Customer Reviews (8)

Energy Basics - Surprisingly Comprehensive
I was expecting the usual hodge podge of alternative energy, but this book delves deeper into the meaning of energy, and the fundamental problems inherent in all energy processes.This is not a rah rah book, but a sober analysis of the problems facing alternative energy, along with realistic solutions.Realism will solve the green dilemma, not partisanship and wishful thinking.
Highly recommended if you want a comprehensive viewpoint of energy.

Basics on Alternative Energy
As a 'green' thinker, I was looking for some ideas as to how to reduce my dependencies on the utilities and energy providers. I had some preconceived notions as to what was available, but really did not know the advantages or disadvantages of the choices.

The author does a great job producing content that can be scanned for items of interest without requiring that you read the book cover to cover.Each of the alternative energy options are explored, with pros and cons, estimated pricing options, and a good comparitive summary.

Required an Editor
The book is very sloppy in both content and style.There were paragraphs that I had to read seven or eight times to try and figure out what part of the message the author left out.There are "facts" included in the text that don't even pass the giggle test.It appears there are many key words that are missing, little clues that might indicate a number represents "millions" of tons, and not tons.Of course the correct answer might be "billions", the text offers no clue.

The author begins the book by stating that he will be "neutral" on the issue of anthropogenic global warming, and then throughout the book takes every opportunity to link alternative energy to AGW -- focusing on carbon emissions, which he always refers to as "greehouse gases".

I love the DUMMIES series, and have well over a dozen in my library.This is the first one that really disappointed me.A decent editor with knowledge of the subject could have fixed it.

Alternate energy
This is a very informative book. I may not do much of it but any energy savings is good for me and the planet.

Easy Reading Low Level Descriptions of Alternative Energy
I am a professional engineer with degrees in mechanical and nuclear engineering. I specialize in energy systems for building heating, cooling, and lighting. I have forty years of work experience. This book with twenty-three chapters and 362 pages covers pretty much the full range of alternative energy options that are commercially available or nearly so for consumers. The technical level seems to me about what one would expect for articles in Parade, the Sunday newspaper supplement. Diagrams are few and very simple. (There is nothing wrong with writing for this level of reader.)

Certainly a qualitative discussion of how alternative systems work and what advantages they bring is helpful, but even an interested high school physics student would be looking for more technical content. The book's cover has as the first objective learning to "evaluate the various forms of alternative energy," but evaluation (a comparison of alternatives for example) requires thermodynamic and other technical facts and energy and system cost data far beyond those presented in this book.

After reading this book you will be able to describe in general terms (but certainly not engineering terms) the various alternatives; but you will have little basis for comparisons and selections.

The book has many technical mistakes. For example, the book states, "According to Carnot's law, these smaller power generating machines can never achieve the efficiencies of the massive power plants..." He is speaking here of the Carnot thermodynamic cycle; but that "law" says nothing at all about the size of the system. Carnot (French engineer, 1796 - 1832) found that the theoretical efficiency of an engine operating on the Carnot thermodynamic cycle depends only on the temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs.

Describing a nuclear reactor the books says, "so there is a need to constantly keep feeding in new uranium material in order to keep the consistent, steady flow of energy that is desired from a nuclear reactor." Nuclear reactors powering electrical generating stations or naval vessels control the power output by raising and lowering neutron-absorbing control rods. New nuclear material is added only during refueling, which take place every year or two while the reactor is shut down.

The book states that steam is produced in a nuclear power plant in "the boiler (this is similar to the boilers used for fossil fuels.) The steam in a nuclear plant is produced in a steam generator that is far different in design than a fossil fuel boiler.

The book states, "Some reactors don't allow the water to boil; they keep it under high pressure and use that pressure to spin the turbine." In every common reactor system, the water that cools the reactor in the end produces steam. For example high pressure water that goes through the reactor in a pressurized water reactor turns lower pressure water in a separate circuit into steam in the steam generator, which is just a big water to water heat exchanger. All turbines that drive generators in reactor plants are steam turbines.

All of us must start with simple descriptions of new things. But one can not stop there if one wants to make accurate decisions. It is not common sense or higher moral values that drive innovation, but rigorous and often difficult engineering together with a knowledge of the economics of energy markets and knowledge of systems installation costs and operating costs.






... Read more

Product Description
The solution to our current energy dilemma will contain features of both alternate energy sources and alternate use of existing energy sources. In order to help engineers find this solution, Alternative Energy Systems covers a wide range of concepts. They will examine areas involving reat turbomachine and solar energy, CHP applications, and additional alternate energy concepts. All chapters focus on first-order engineering calculations. Alternate energy topics are also equated to topics related to renewable energy resources. Engineers will learn how to apply these concepts to find new solutions. ... Read more

Product Description
Alternative Energy systematically approaches various alternative sources of energy, discussing in layperson's terms the current state of public policy, energy technology and the political, economic, and social feasibility of the alternative energy paradigm. The goal is to help the less technically-minded become active participants in choosing the energy future for their community. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This is a very enlightening intro to energy policy.
This book was very interesting.It outlines the environments in which laws and energy-governing bodies are made and how they are changed, created, etc.The book shows the different kinds of policies which exist, the history of energy policy in the U.S., difference between bottom-up and top-down policy, and more.It also has separate chapters on each of the different major kinds of renewable alternative energy:solar, wind, geothermal.The author(s) obviously know tons about all of these subjects and related subjects.The book is FULL of citations (which shows they did research and it's not all just conjecture) and refers to related books for further reading.In-line website address citations can be annoying in the text, but still could never detract from the wealth of information in this book.I will strongly suggest anyone to read this book.Now I don't have to say "there should be a law about this" or "why doesn't the government do something about this" because now I know why!In addition, the book was written within the last few years, so it is fairly up-to-date (this review written Jan 5th 2009).When I rented this book, I set out to learn about wind and solar, but ended up learning about wind, solar, energy policy, social concerns, risk assessment, and tons more. ... Read more

Product Description

The fast and easy way to get up-to-speed on alternative energy 

Because of current events, geopolitics, and natural disasters, the cost of fuel is front and center in our lives. This book provides a concise look at all forms of energy, including fossil fuels, electric, solar, biodiesel, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, and renewable fuel cells. You will get explanations, definitions, and analysis of each alternative energy source from a technological point of view.

Customer Reviews (4)

Purchased for Class
Well I bought this for a class, and I'm happy I bought the kindle version, however following page numbers during a lecture can be somewhat difficult. I've not read much word for word, but the overall information is mostly accurate according to my professors and what research I've used during class along with the book. A good basic reference for anyone wanting to learn a little about various alternative energy applications. It starts with wood, coal, pellet, etc. stoves, and gets into more technical things later.

Simple, generalised overview, but erroneous in places
This book provides a simplified, generalised overview of options that are available for energy generation, from small scale (household size) to large scale options (only available in theory).
I found the structure of the book a little strange, mixing options for electricity generation in with options for heating a house, and mixing a discussion of energy transmission in with electricity generation later in the book. There were a couple of errors also, for example showing a diagram of an Australian single phase outlet labelled as a 3 phase outlet.
I think this book would be ok as an introduction to different options for generating energy but if you're looking for something to research a project then look elsewhere.

Not What You Might Expect
As a member of a family that has lived off-grid for the better part of three years -- heating with wood full-time, using a solar/wind/generator combination to provide for our electrical needs -- I'm always keenly interested in titles that promise insight into the world of alternative energy. With a title like Alternative Energy Demystified one might expect to encounter an ecologically oriented volume that praises the benefits of existing and groundbreaking alternative energy sources. Based upon that premise, a reader would be bound for disappointment.

Alternative Energy Demystified could perhaps better have been titled Energy Demystified as it covers all methods of heating, propulsion, and electricity generation. Designed as a self-study manual with end of chapter open book quizzes, and a closed book final exam, the concise, objective entries of an incredible range of technologies, and comprehensive index also lends itself to use as a reference work.

From the traditional and widely used oil and gas through to the rarefied and exotic magnetic levitation and ion rockets, there's a little bit of everything here. The standard alternative energy giants -- wind, solar, biofuels, geothermal etc. -- are also included, but are given no more emphasis than any of the other technologies discussed. Each technology or method of delivery is given a two or three page description along with any requisite mathematical formulas and conversions necessary to understanding the topic being discussed.

Being more practically oriented, and usually looking for practical hands-on details to implement on our own homestead, this title doesn't exactly fit the bill for us. There are no in-depth discussions, no installation details included, nor suggestions for specific set-ups. There are basic, generalized diagrams that provide some sense of how a real-life system might operate are included for every method discussed.

Author Stan Gibilisco is rather conservative in his writing, playing it safe as it were. For example, in the section concerning heating with wood stoves he recommends that anyone operating a wood stove wear fireproof clothing and protective gear at all times. Living in central Alberta where the mercury dips dangerously often has us filling the stove every two hours. To any experienced wood stove users, this suggestion sounds pretty silly.

Still, anyone looking to bone up on some of the basic details of various energy sources will be well served by Gibilisco's work. Perhaps you're just curious, or are in the initial stages of evaluating which energy sources will best fit your needs in a specific situation, in that case Alternative Energy Demystified might have the information you need to start down the road of deeper research. On the other hand, if you're a general interest reader, you'll certainly be able to impress your acquaintances with a broad, diverse understanding of the energy sources available today.

Good introduction
This book provides a good overview of present and future alternative energy sources. It discusses the fundamentals from wood stoves to nuclear fusion. Note, this is an overview book, NOT a HOW-TO book. You aren't going to get blueprints on building a wind turbine but you will get a brief discussion of the technology and an overview of some very basic design criteria. The material is well laid out and very practical. Because it is something of a technical book, there are a few very simple (junior high level) algebraic equations throughout the text. Most anyone with an interest in the subject will find the book useful and an inexpensive introduction to the subject. The end of chapter quizzes help cement core concepts. The book's title lives up to its claim. ... 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
Reference describing the non-traditional (non-fossil or nuclear) fuels and suggestions for optimal use. ... Read more

Product Description
Be your own power company and let Mother Nature provide the energy! By investing in affordable, new technologies, you can join the thousands of homeowners who get free electricity from the sun, wind and water. In this updated 2nd edition of Power With Nature, you'll learn how easy it is to use renewable energy to become self-sufficient and live well anywhere! - Off-Grid Solar PV, Wind & Micro-Hydro Systems
- Homeowner Profiles (Personal Power Companies)
- Utility Grid-Tie Options
- Sizing Your Renewable Energy System
- Charge Controllers, Inverters, Batteries
- Putting It All Together Safely
- Heating of House and Water
- Pumping Water
- Worksheets, Maps, Resources, Glossary, Index and much more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

2nd Ed. doesn't add much to the 1st Ed.
I love this book and give the original edition five stars but was disappointed that the 2nd edition didn't give a whole lot of additional info.Save your money and pick up a used 1st edition.

It wouldn't be hard to improve
I'm sure people have said this before, but for the second edition, the author should have dropped the 75 page story at the beginning. I'd rather have a book which takes up less room on my coffee table or have more quality content. This is a general overview of renewable technologies and doesn't offer much more than you can find in 10 minutes on the internet. With that being said, if you are looking for a place to start with renewables, this might be it. Just don't be disappointed if it leaves you wanting more.

Great book for breaking into alternate power
I borrowed the book from the library and read it cover to cover. I wanted it for future reference so I bought it.

Realistic, Informative, Practical Book
We recently purchased an off-grid log camp.We saw an article about this book in a log homes magazine, so purchased it.Excellent book - it gave practical information on why and how to set up to live off-grid.It gave real advice on how to calculate and choose solar, wind and hydro equipment.I'd recommend this book to all who might consider living off-grid and choosing alternative powers sources.

an excellent primer
If you are confused by the components, their arrangement and connections, this is the book for you. The story in the beginning is a bit silly, but it does serve it's purpose - to anchor concepts in your memory. It is worth enduring. You will get a decent background in components and terminology from this book, very readable, and an excellent introduction to RE. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

someone else should have wrote this
A great title like this should be written by someone with experience in the field. There are a lot of sources from this guy named.... or this person from... This seems like someone just wanted to get a paycheck for writing a book on a hot topic.

Not Too Technical
Homeowners interested in sustainable living will want to delve into this book, which will give them the basics to begin thinking about alternative energy.

a sound , basic overview.
This is a great book for those who are looking at this topic for the first time. I wld recommend it to those who have just developed an interest in this area. It gives a basic overview & should wet the tastebuds for more - further information & weblinks are given in the back.

Perfect for the Public
This book gives just the right level of detail to get homeowners going with renewable energy.It gives the right level of detail to make financial and behavioral decisions.I liked the large number of references, as well--they give the reader the ability to look into particular subjects with more detail.

This book covers all the bases without getting to lengthy and losing the reader's interest.It will get you informed and then get you on your way.

Excellent Easy to Read Guide
This book covers all of the basics that you need to know. I was particularly interested in the solar stuff. The author explains how you can save and avoids being too technical. Highly recommended. Truthfully, this is the kind of book that should be required reading for every home builder, home owner, and school kid. ... Read more

Product Description

A groundbreaking book on solving our growing energy problems

In this visionary book, leading energy industry executive Robert Hefner puts forth a convincing case about how the world can move beyond its current dependence on oil and toward a new era of clean, renewable energy.

Written with the knowledge and authority of a major player in this industry, Hefner relates how misguided government policies and vested industry interests have contributed to our current energy problems and proposes a variety of measures that could encourage the use of natural gas, solar, wind, and hydrogen.

• Convincingly makes the case that natural gas is the essential bridge fuel to a new era of clean, renewable energy sources
• Details how natural gas can help break our oil and coal dependency
• Offers a sweeping, historic picture of the world energy situation
• Presents a compelling and provocative case that natural gas is key to our short-term energy problems

A well-written and engaging book that mixes personal anecdotes and experiences with insightful analysis, The Grand Energy Transition is a powerful argument about how we can best solve our toughest energy problems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Interesting read
I found this book to be very informative regarding the future of our energy use in this country and insightful to the economic policies at hand.

Hard to Evaluate -
Hefner's "The Grand Energy Transition" rambles on for 200+ pages, making the case that America is blessed with abundant, affordable supplies of natural gas that can be scaled up in the near future to become the bridge fuel to an energy sustainable future, and that these supplies, supplemented by Alaskan natural gas and the world's liquefied natural gas are adequate to fuel at least half our vehicle fleet for decades and replace our oldest, inefficient coal-fired electric power generation. The problem is that he offers almost no documentation of his natural gas reserves claims, nor the affordability of drilling and using it. (Would require refitting autos and trucks, new distribution system as well.)

On the other hand, T. Boone Pickens (established credibility) is on the same track, and 'official' reserve estimates were recently increased to the range Hefner claims. Still, I'm left wondering about its efficacy as a motor fuel - I used to drive a natural gas-powered bus, and found it so slow starting out at an intersection that it was hard getting across before the traffic light changed. Then there was my experience driving a propane-powered propane delivery truck. It was faster than the bus, but LEAKED!

Fascinating book about the transition of energy use
A persuasive read that explains not only the abundance of America's natural gas supplies but how increased use of the country's domestic natural gas can provide the crucial bridge to move us closer to the sustainability of clean renewables. Thought provoking! Even if you're not in the energy industry -- and perhaps especially if you're not in the energy industry -- this book is an important read to understand why and how we need to adjust the types of energy fuels we use.

The Grand Energy Transition
For a quick, easy, NOW answer to begin solving our energy crisis, this book has the answers.Everyone should read this, and let Washington know what they need to do!Pass the word to everyone!

We need to de-couple oil and natural gas
This is one of the most compelling and important energy books I've ever read.Essentially, Hefner argues we have much more natural gas than generally appreciated and that ramping up natgas production and usage is the most practical solution to reducing our dependence on foreign oil and our CO2 emissions.

Unfortunately, I'm afraid too many people believe oil and natgas are variations on the same energy source and, thus, are likely to dismiss Hefner's message. We need to understand that natural gas is found independently of oil and the U.S. possesses enormous reserves of gas.Moreover, natgas is a cleaner fuel than coal and gasoline.Solar, wind power and other renewable energy sources will not come online anytime soon in sufficient quantities to make a dent in our oil usage.Natgas is the best short-term solution and can prove to be a transitional fuel until new energy technologies become viable on a large scale. In short, the answer to our energy problems is staring us in the face.
... Read more

Product Description

Are renewable and alternative energy solutions needed to combat many of the negative effects of fossil fuel (including global warming)? Can such solutions be "clean," and still economically viable? For readers wanting clear, objective answers to questions like these, this fascinating, highly informative volume is the ideal source.

Renewable and Alternative Energy Resources: A Reference Handbook provides an authoritative, unbiased overview of existing and potential renewable and alternative energy technologies, covering the benefits and drawbacks associated with each. It then looks at a number of specific questions and controversies on this issue, examining the social, political, and economic aspects of renewable and alternative energy use in the United States and other countries—detailing different approaches and activities of international organizations, national governments, and private sector initiatives.

Product Description
A balanced introduction to tomorrow's energy sources


Over the course of the next fifty years, there will be a shift in the quest for sustainble energy, including a major change in transportation from internal combustion engines burning petroleum-derived fuels to newer technology engines using new transportation fuels. Alternative Energy Reources examines our options for energy sources with a focus on hydrogen as a large-scale, secondary energy vector parallel to electricity.

As the price of petroleum products increases, the world is scrambling to find a suitable replacement energy source. In this comprehensive primer, Professor Paul Kruger examines energy use throughout history and the exponential expansion of our energy use beginning with the Industrial Revolution through the present day. The book then analyzes the various alternative energy sources available, including renewable energy (hydroelectric, solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal), nuclear, and hydrogen. He addresses each energy source's pros and cons based on our needs, availability, and environmental impact aspects. Finally, Dr. Kruger proposes the use of hydrogen as a fuel to sustain our energy supply produced by appropriate technology mixtures of renewable and nuclear energy. ... Read more

Product Description
The science of energy is at the root of many of the biggest challenges facing the future of our planet.This book uses everyday examples and the latest figures to show how we use energy alternatives.Find out how hybrid cars work and what each of us can do to save energy.Learn the drawbacks of alternative sources of energy. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Introducing Young Scientists to Projects for Alternative Energy
Mike Rigsby's//Doable Renewables: 16 Alternative Energy Projects for Young Scientists// is full of illustrative photographs, straightforward explanations and probing questions. The questions serve to push the young scientist to understand each project and focus on shifts that might occur: what else changes? Such prompts serve the book well, helping a student to fully comprehend the end results and any alterations along the way.

//Doable Renewables// is not for a youngster unaccustomed to listening or following safety instructions. These experiments often require safety equipment. However, for those who have access to the materials, tools and safety gear, this is a fascinating book. In his introduction, Rigsby explains the excitement of exploration, which can often begin with the humblest of instruments. Rather than expecting students to build full-scale solar panels to power their own schools, Rigsby points out that the assignments are to be thought of as seeds to germinate other ideas. Among the 16 undertakings, //Doable Renewables// contains instructions on constructing a simple heat engine, a solar cell with concentrated sunlight, a windmill, and a heat-powered fan. While these are geared toward the young scientist and novices, all should tread carefully.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Humphrey ... Read more

Product Description
We need energy to power our computers and run our cars. But who would have thought that we could use poop for power or that microbes could ooze oil? Plug your nose, and get ready to dig into some amazing new sources of energy. ... Read more

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

Addressing the sustainable energy crisis in an objective manner, this enlightening book analyzes the relevant numbers and organizes a plan for change on both a personal level and an international scale—for Europe, the United States, and the world. In case study format, this informative reference answers questions surrounding nuclear energy, the potential of sustainable fossil fuels, and the possibilities of sharing renewable power with foreign countries. While underlining the difficulty of minimizing consumption, the tone remains positive as it debunks misinformation and clearly explains the calculations of expenditure per person to encourage people to make individual changes that will benefit the world at large.

Customer Reviews (35)

Missed my stop twice because of it.
...because I was so engrossed.

First, I want to congratulate MacKay for being all about the numbers.He has his opinions, sure.But, in the end, what really matters with CO2 is boring old arithmetic:How much does it cost?How long will it last?How much energy can be delivered?How much energy can be saved?How much space will it take?More than anything else, he provides us with an intellectual toolkit on how to measure different approaches.Taking the basic raw numbers, such as incoming sunlight and available surface area, multiply them by an efficiency factor.Simple, elegant, powerful.

His approach also tells us where OUR own greatest energy use, as individuals, is likely coming from.Which tells us where WE can improve and where we should not bother.

Now, I don't agree with everything he says, but the observations below by no mean justify any less than 5 stars:

-Nuclear power may not be renewable, but say a 100 year supply of uranium would nicely tidy us over till we found other energy sources.So it shouldn't be dismissed that quickly.

-His numerical analysis is relentlessly English in outlook.England's geography imposes a fairly specific set of constraints that would apply differently to other countries.Which he admits - noting for example that the US could make solar energy work in its southwest deserts, as England could not.That's not so much a flaw with the book as, well, a feature.We need another edition for Canada and the US.

-I am not always fully convinced by his calculations.For example, he relates fuel consumption in cars to the cube of the speed, IIRC and backs it up with some empirical data.And also links it to the number of stop/starts in city driving.But, one of the most common recommendations we hear to save gas is to accelerate slowly which really does not appear in his calculations.Are we getting the full picture?I think a broader admission of the need for "engineering fudge factors", not just simple predictive equations, would have been welcome.

-Costs are not covered much.Seeing as there is only so much money around, the best solution may be the one which is affordable, not just the best that is theoretically possible.

Honestly, I am only mentioning these points to highlight how little there is to criticize about this book.Praising it with faint criticism if you wish.If only more of the climate change advocates were as rigorous in their analysis we would have much better much better sets of policy options to choose from.It is one thing to convince people that climate change is happening, another to convince them to take action, potentially at personal cost.If you then mess that up by prescribing insufficiently thought out, dogmatic, solutions that is really a shame.This book is a huge step towards teaching us how to analyze possible solutions critically.

Finally, one of his most important points is that we can't _always_ say NO to everything.Most renewables DO take up space and they DO change the environment.My area has had years of impact studies to birds and scenery of offshore wind turbines.Ditto run-of-river hydro objections.What it hasn't had is much new generation capacity.

exallent service!!!!!!
the book i ordered arrived in wonderful condition very quickly after i ordered it! thank you very much! wonderful doing business with you.

Cuts through all the misleading hype
Richard Feynman once asked me if energy is a conserved quantity how come we have so many different names for the same thing?All the different units, giga this, mega that, makes it hard for even an educated citizen to get his or her hands around the actual amounts of production and consumption.MacKay does a great job of solving that problem by using one understandable measure - kilowatts hours per person per day.In doing, so he highlights how significant the task of providing adequate energy is likely to become in future years and how little we have done about it to date.

Maybe the best non-fiction book I have ever read
It's such a good book. Almost every other book about renewable energy provides you with speculations. This book is about facts and numbers, but it's not boring or tiring. Reading it was not only informative, but also a great pleasure because it's extremely well written.

Approachable and Systematic Primer on Sustainable Energy
This book was amazingly well written, and frankly, it scared the hell out of me. In clear concise language the author describes many alternative energy sources without the flimsy "if everyone unplugged their cell phone chargers we could power X houses" foolishness. He used physics and graphs. To show the land costs of some of the energy projects he used *gasp* maps.

Our civilization needs to make hard decisions about our energy future. This book is an essential resource for citizens. It truly gives you the facts about energy sources without the Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt that many activists and lobbyists rely on. I know that I'm going to send a copy to all my representatives and tell them to get moving on helping the US become energy independent (a cause I didn't care that much about until reading this book).

And, finally, this is a free book. If you own a Kindle DX, go download the PDF in high definition from the author's website. The print is a little small, but it was worth saving the $30.
... Read more

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
More than 20 countries generate electricity from geothermal resources and about 60 countries make direct use of geothermal energy. A ten-fold increase in geothermal energy use is foreseeable at the current technology level.

Geothermal Energy: An Alternative Resource for the 21st Century provides a readable and coherent account of all facets of geothermal energy development and summarizes the present day knowledge on geothermal resources, their exploration and exploitation. Accounts of geothermal resource models, various exploration techniques, drilling and production technology are discussed within 9 chapters, as well as important concepts and current technological developments.

* Interdisciplinary approach, combining traditional disciplines such as geology, geophysics, and engineering
* Provides a readable and coherent account of all facets of geothermal energy development
* Describes the importance of bringing potable water to high-demand areas such as the tropical regions
... Read more

Product Description
A Wiley Survival Guide on our Energy Future

Concerned about our energy future? Turn to this guide for easy-to-grasp and up-to-date coverage of the many aspects of the energy value chain:

• Oil and natural gas

• Coal

• Fossil fuels and the greenhouse effect

• Energy from water

• Biomass

• Solar energy

• Geothermal energy

• Wind energy

• Nuclear energy

• Electricity

• Energy storage

• Transportation

• Housing

• Smart energy consumption

• Hydrogen

Armed with the knowledge in this book, students, teachers, decision-makers, politicians, and consumers can form educated and informed opinions on the future of energy and its impact on the economy, health, and the environment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

For beginners, maybe??
This book may be ok for some who have no experience with energy, but if you've read a little, I wouldn't recommend it. It's got some nice sections, but not particularly easy to read overall.It's not the "one book" that you would buy on energy. ... Read more

Product Description
We are hearing a LOT about renewable energy these days! But unlike most available resources on alternative energy that focus on politics and economic impacts, da Rosa's practical guide, Fundamentals of Renewable Energy Processes, is dedicated to explaining the scientific and technological principles and processes that enable energy production from safe, renewable, clean sources.

Advances in the renewable energy sphere are proceeding with an unprecedented speed, and in order for the world's alarming energy challenges to be solved, solid, up-to-date resources addressing the technical aspects of renewables are essential.

This new, updated 2e of da Rosa's successful book continues to give readers all the background they need to gain a thorough understanding of the most popular types of renewable energy-hydrogen, solar power, biomass, wind power, and hydropower-from the ground up. The latest advances in all these technologies are given particular attention, and are carefully contextualized to help professionals and students grasp the "whys and hows" behind these breakthroughs.

.Discusses how and why the most popular renewable energy sources work, including wind, solar, bio and hydrogen
.Provides a thorough technical grounding for all professionals and students investigating renewable energy
.The new second edition of a highly-regarded guide written by an internationally renowned pioneer ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

great product
The product was as it was described and got the book within couple of days...
no problems at all

Fantastic Source...
This book is a fantastic primer on renewable energy. I learned a great deal from reading it, and would highly recommend it.

Not sure who this book is really for
First off, this book is a huge collection of scientific information on a lot of subjects which don't get detailed explanations in the news.If you want extremely detailed explanations, here they are.

One problem with the book is that it is not for everyone to read.The product description makes it sound like something for almost anyone, but the content is all technical with very little generalized overview.The chapter(s) on Hydrogen are so lengthy, and Rosa goes so far in each chapter to assign us calculation homework.The sheer mass of detailed technical data may distract a layperson from the general fact that Hydrogen is only useful as a means of energy storage, unlike wind or solar power which actually let us capture unused energy as a replacement for petroleum.

Within one of those chapters, Rosa makes a rather gratuitous comment about the future price of fuel cells, based entirely on a very generalized argument about production.But Rosa doesn't have any special knowledge of fuel cell or iron engine production (or at least he does not reveal any such fact here), so this is out of place in what otherwise appears to be a highly academic book.

In addition to the inconsistent point of view (mass science vs. expert vs. opinion), it is unclear why anyone would want such formula-level information about so many subjects, but would not care that it lacks any skilled educational technique to help non-experts understand things.

I could hardly recommend it to anyone.Even as a reference book, you are better off looking things up online for this sort of information than using printed text which ages.

Dense,
At over 800 pages, with ample equations, formulae, and technical descriptions, this is not a book to be read over a leisurely weekend. Be clear - this is an academic text, meant to be studied as part of a formal academic course. The author writes as much in the foreword to the second edition, "This book is based on class notes created in the teaching of Fundamentals of Energy Processes at Stanford since 1976."

The book is divided into four sections:
Part 1: "Heat Engines"
Part 2: "The World of Hydrogen"
Part 3: "Energy from the Sun"
Part 4: "Wind and Water"

Each chapter begins with an introduction to the topic, followed by an in-depth covering of the material, replete with diagrams, schematics (circuit diagrams for example), and formulae and equations.
For example, Chapter 9, "Fuel Cells", the first chapter in the "The World of Hydrogen" section, we are introduced to the types of batteries:
................... | Expendable
Voltaic cells ..... | Nonexpendable ...|.. Rechargeable
....................|..................|.. Refueable

This is followed by an explanation of voltaic cells, with a schematic of a simple fuel cell, containing a cathode and an anode on two sides, and an ion conducting membrane in-between.
The next section describes types of fuel cells, like Alkaline Fuel cells (AFC), Molten carbonate FC, Solid polymer FCs, etc...
Fuel cell reactions are described next, with the equations describing the reactions.

Each chapter has a list of references, and a list of questions and problems.
The index comes in at an anemic 16 pages.

For the non-technical or the lay reader, this book is of limited value, since only a small portion of each chapter is sufficiently simple enough, while the bulk of each chapter gets technical, rapidly.

Not lacking anything theoretical
Everything One Needs to Know onFundamentals of Renewable Energy Processes and More! I work in the energy industry and I was interested in understanding the theory behind some specific renewable energy processes from an engineering perspective and this book delivered that in great depth.Each chapter focuses on a particular source of renewable energy and can be read independent of the previous chapters.This is a very good reference book and a lot more than the typical books on renewable energy which are usually primers. But to be completely fair I must say, that I lack the engineering expertise to really comment on the quality and accuracy of the material. ... Read more