| | |  | Solar Power | Home » » How to Solar Power Your Home Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply (Back-To-Basics Conserving) | | | | | | | Description: | | Now more than ever, the question of economic and environmentally friendly energy sources has become a hot topic in almost every American home. With that in mind, more and more people are turning to alternatives such as solar power as a means of saving money and reducing their imprint on the environment. This nearly carbon neutral method comes with hefty tax rebates from the federal government and in states like California and New Jersey massive rebates from the state. More states are considering similar rebates and with a 3 to 8 year energy savings possible according to a recent report by the New York Times, it is an ideal solution for anyone looking to save money in the long term and help the planet immediately. This book will guide anyone interested in the process of installing and utilizing solar power for their home in the process of searching for, buying, or building their own solar power system. Learn how solar power and other alternative energy sources can help to save the world regardless of the cost and how you can start surveying your own energy use and efficiency. Learn how you can start making basic adjustments to become more efficient and how solar power can help you before you start any major projects. Learn what solar power requires, from cost and equipment to maintenance and preparation in certain times of the year. Learn how solar power works and how to start evaluating the potential of it for your building needs. Take the cost of installing solar power and learn how long it will take to make money back on your investment, including information on federal and state rebates that might affect you. Multiple individuals who have successfully installed solar power in their homes have been interviewed and their experiences included in this guide to help you learn what others go through and how they came out. Learn how the installation process works and how it can be done in your landscape, in small projects, for heating and purifying water, swimming pool heating, and other smaller projects. Learn about how individuals construct solar power systems on their own to save money and what is involved in a full PV system. Finally, learn how the market for green homes has made it possible to extract a huge return on investment from building or remodeling a home with solar power. For anyone who has ever considered solar power as a viable means to save money and the environment, this guide will help you get started right away. | | | Product Details: | | | Author:
| Martha Maeda | | Paperback:
| 288 pages | | Publisher:
| Atlantic Publishing Group Inc. | | Publication Date:
| January 28, 2011 | | Language:
| English | | ISBN:
| 1601383614 | | Product Length:
| 8.9 inches | | Product Width:
| 5.9 inches | | Product Height:
| 0.9 inches | | Product Weight:
| 0.9 pounds | | Package Length:
| 9.0 inches | | Package Width:
| 5.9 inches | | Package Height:
| 1.0 inches | | Package Weight:
| 0.75 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 2 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
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6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
A must read for anyone interested in solar powerJul 20, 2011
By Vicki Landes
Whether you're a `green' supporter or concerned about the rising costs of energy, solar power has a certain allure. More and more families are turning to alternative power sources as a means of reducing their carbon footprint and saving money. However, if you think that it's as easy as sticking a couple solar panels on your roof (like I did!), you're in for a startling reality check. Author Martha Maeda takes the mystery - and myths - out of adapting a house to accommodate solar energy in her book, "How to Solar Power Your Home: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply".
"How to Solar Power Your Home" is an exceptionally well put together and eye-opening read into the pros, cons, and overall how-to's of capturing the sun's rays and converting them into a usable energy source. Once far too expensive for the typical homeowner, the necessary equipment has developed in strides and with various governmental rebates and tax incentives can soon provide a household with the same amount of power it previously expected from the local utility company. It's not a transition to take lightly and Maeda explains a myriad of considerations to take into account before making the plunge. She teaches not only the fundamentals of electricity so the reader can assess their own situation and needs, but gives many options on everything from different types of equipment to whether to hire a contractor or going the DIY route. I especially liked the chapter, `Making Your Home Energy Efficient' because it gives the reader some real-world actions to take even if they can't afford to solar power a home right away. So many of the recommendations in this section are easy, inexpensive, and can make a big difference in their energy consumption immediately.
I love a book that can keep me thinking long after the last page is finished and "How to Solar Power Your Home" does just that. While it has really given me a more realistic look into the subject of solar power, it also educates on the energy crisis in general. I was a little daunted by the sheer amount of required factors that go into equipping a home but at the same time, motivated to take the small steps towards a more efficient lifestyle. Further, Maeda's organized approach gives the book a polished, professional feel so I felt confident that the information I was reading had been carefully put together. Whether you are ready to go solar now or perhaps down the road, "How to Solar Power Your Home" is a must read!
Reviewed by Vicki Landes, author of "Europe for the Senses - A Photographic Journal"
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Informative, Effective and Honest--Highly RecommendedJan 08, 2012
By H. Roth
"Long Term Cook and Reader"
Energy prices continue to increase: no change to this situation appears on the horizon. In "How to Solar Power Your Home" those wondering if this is a good option for them have a powerful tool for investigation. I'm recommending this book due to three specific factors: education, honesty, and effectiveness.
Educating readers leads many authors down the path of droning, boring prose. Fortunately, Ms. Maeda doesn't fall into this trip. The information about the history or solar power, the pending developments and concerns for someone considering this option are concise, specific, and written to be engaging enough so you can stay on the ride for the duration.
A basic education regarding solar power is clearly needed to make a reasonable choice and complete a successful project. Therefore the educational aspects of the book pair well with the honesty displayed. This book does not set out to convince readers that solar power is the ultimate answer to the questions of affordable, clean power.
In many cases you'll learn what qualities mean an installation is not a good idea versus those situations that are a good match for adding or changing to solar technology. The level of honesty, or reality, presented is one of my favorite qualities of this book. If you have a low tolerance for hype and marketing nonsense, you'll find much to be appreciated in these pages.
Not every location, home or person is a good match for the process of installing and using solar technology. Fortunately, you'll have a better idea if you should move forward with a project thanks to reading the book. You can see how this dovetails with the effectiveness of the book. A variety of checklists, instructions and insights guide you to making your best decision and getting started on the process.
Ms. Maeda even covers specifics with the potential to limit your qualification for rebates and other benefits through the process. Many people who want to add solar to their home or property many have little or no experience with contractors and building projects. As clearly established, a solar installation is a big deal. You don't have to start the process blind if you take advantage of the information and suggestions included in the book.
Even if you decide now is not the time to pursue solar power for your personal needs, $24.95 (retail) price of the book is an inexpensive way to find this answer. It's also much cheaper than spending hundreds on assessments, consultations or thousands of dollars on a failed installation. Do-it-yourself books rarely come of my desk with 5-star rating. I'm pleased to say this one is the exception that proves the rule. "How to Solar Power Your Home" has earned a permanent home on my well-stocked shelves.
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