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

by Dan Chiras

Overview

From the author of Power from the Sun, the complete guide to switching to clean, affordable, renewable energy resources.

Energy bills have skyrocketed in the United States, and traditional energy sources can be as damaging to the environment as they are to your pocketbook. The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy will show you how to slash your home energy costs while dramatically reducing your carbon footprint.

Completely revised and updated, this new edition describes the most practical and affordable methods for significantly improving in-home energy efficiency and tapping into clean, affordable, renewable energy resources. If implemented, these measures will save the average homeowner tens of thousands of dollars over the coming decades.

Focusing on the latest technological advances in residential renewable energy, this guide examines each alternative energy option available including:

·       Solar hot water and solar hot air systems
·       Passive and active solar retrofits for heating and cooling
·       Electricity from solar, wind, and microhydro
·       Hydrogen, fuel cells, methane digesters, and biodiesel

This well-illustrated and accessible guide is an essential resource for those wanting to enter the renewable energy field. Packed with practical tips and guidelines, it gives readers sufficient knowledge to hire and communicate effectively with contractors and is a must-read for anyone interested in saving money and achieving energy independence.

“If you’re thinking about investing in a renewable energy system for your home . . . The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Resources helps clarify the decision-making process . . . . Dan guides you through everything you need to choose which renewable options to integrate into your lifestyle. A great addition to my bookshelf!” —Mick Sagrillo, Sagrillo Power & Light

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781550924794
Publisher:	New Society Publishers
Publication date:	12/15/2020
Series:	Mother Earth News Books for Wiser Living
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	353
Sales rank:	463,790
File size:	7 MB

About the Author

Dan Chiras is a respected educator and author who has published more than 25 books on residential renewable energy and green building. He is the is founder and director of The Evergreen Institute, where he teaches workshops on small wind energy systems, solar electricity, passive solar design, energy efficiency, and green and natural building.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Renewable Energy and Me
Organization of the Book

Chapter 1: Renewable Energy — Clean, Affordable, and Reliable
Making Wise Choices
Understanding Energy
What is Renewable Energy?
The Pros and Cons of Renewable Energy
Prospects for the Future

Chapter 2: Conservation Rules — The Cornerstone of Your Energy Future
Efficiency First!
Energy Conservation as a Renewable Source of Energy
Benefits of Energy Conservation
Home Energy Use
Retrofitting Your Home for Energy Efficiency
The Silver Lining

Chapter 3: Solar Hot Water Systems — Satisfying Domestic Hot Water Needs with Solar Energy
Conventional Hot Water Systems
Tankless Water Heaters
What is a Solar Hot Water System?
A Brief History of Solar Hot Water
Solar Hot Water Systems
Which System is Best for You?
Sizing Your System
Finding a Competent Installer
The Economics of Domestic Solar Hot Water Systems

Chapter 4: Free Heat — Passive Solar and Heat Pumps
What is Passive Solar Heating?
Is Passive Solar for You?
Types of Passive Solar Design
Getting the Help You Need
Some Final Thoughts on Passive Solar Retrofits
Heat Pumps
Conclusion

Chapter 5: Solar Hot Air and Hot Water Systems: Affordable Heat from the Sun
Solar Hot Air Heating Systems
Solar Hot Water Heating Systems
Solar Hot Water Space-Heating Systems
Conclusion

Chapter 6: Wood Heat
Retrofitting Fireplaces for Efficiency
Fuel-Efficient Wood Burning Stoves
Shopping for an Efficient, Clean-Burning Wood Stove
Pros and Cons of Wood Stoves
Wood Furnaces
Pellet Stoves
Masonry Heaters

Chapter 7: Passive Cooling — Staying Cool Naturally
What is Passive Cooling?
Tools in the Passive Cooling Toolbox
Reducing Internal Heat Gain
Reducing External Heat Gain
Building a Better Future

Chapter 8: Solar Electricity — Powering Your Home with Solar Energy
What is a Solar Electric System?
Buying a Solar Electric System
Locating a Reliable Contractor
Why Install Solar Electricity?

Chapter 9: Wind Power — Meeting Your Needs for Electricity
Is Wind Power in Your Future?
Wind Power: A Brief History
Understanding Wind Generators
Wind Systems: Three Basic Options
Is Wind Energy Appropriate Where You Live?
Selecting a Wind Generator and Tower
Financial Matters
Wind Power without Installing a Wind Generator

Chapter 10: Microhydro — Generating Electricity from Running Water
An Introduction to Hydroelectric Systems
The Anatomy of a Microhydro System
Assessing the Feasibility of Your Site
Assessing the Potential of a Microhydro Site
Buying and Installing a System
Finding an Installer or Installing a System Yourself
The Pros and Cons of Microhydro Systems

A Brief Afterword
Appendix
Resource Guide
Index
About the Author