| | |  | Sustainable Housing | Home » » Solar Power Your Home For Dummies | | | | | | | Description: | | 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 takes the mystery out of this energy source and shows you how to put it to work for you! This friendly, hands-on guide is packed with tips for making your home more energy-efficient though solar power—and helping the planet at the same time. You’ll see how to survey your home to determine your current household energy efficiency and use, and evaluate where solar power would best benefit you. You’ll also calculate what the return on your investment will be before you make any decisions. Once you’ve decided on a project, you’ll see whether it’s best to hire a contractor or do it yourself. We leave no stone unturned—you’ll also discover how to: - Choose and install your best solar system
- Handle small to large solar projects
- Heat and cool your house with solar energy
- Install exterior solar lighting
- Handle swimming pool, water heater, or ventilation solar projects
- Create greenhouses or solar rooms
- Build, buy, or sell a solar home
- Finance your solar investments
- Take advantage of tax rebates and incentives associated with solar power
- Avoid the worst solar mistakes
Featuring ten of the easiest and cheapest do-it-yourself solar projects, Solar Power For Dummies is the fun and easy way to meet your energy needs with this clean power source! | | | Product Details: | | | Author:
| Rik DeGunther | | Paperback:
| 384 pages | | Publisher:
| For Dummies | | Publication Date:
| December 10, 2007 | | Language:
| English | | ISBN:
| 0470175699 | | Package Length:
| 9.1 inches | | Package Width:
| 7.3 inches | | Package Height:
| 0.8 inches | | Package Weight:
| 1.4 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 38 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 38 customer reviews )
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
73 of 74 found the following review helpful:
 Practical Solar for beginner to intermediateApr 19, 2008
By J. H. Petrescu
This is a good introduction to how the energy from the sun can be put to practical everyday use. If you don't like to read a lot of technical stuff, this book is for you. Quick, easy reading the non-technical average person. with references for more information. This book has practical projects for the person who already has some knowledge of solar energy as well. If you're looking for a really detailed technical book of how to design and install your own solar collector (electrical or water), better get a different book. My 5-star rating is for those who are beginners or those that have a little knowledge of solar energy.
103 of 110 found the following review helpful:
 The Whole PictureFeb 02, 2008
By E. California 'tron-pusher
As an electronic engineer, I originally looked at home solar energy as a chance to buy some cool gear to play with, while saving money in the bargain. As I delved into the book, my outlook changed. I was surprised to find how complex a home's energy use situation can be, and that some money can be saved before connecting a single wire. Even as I later relished the chapters covering solar electricity generation, I still noted the frequent reminders and references to non-electrical aspects of a "solar" home, as well as practical financial and regulatory realities to consider in choosing a system. In short, I came away from my first reading with a much more balanced perspective on solar energy, and I'll continue to re-read as a reference. Of course, I'm still hankerin' after that gear, yet, at least, now I have a better picture of what's really useful. Plus, I'm off to a good start in being knowledgable enough to deal effectively with those installation contractors. Well done!
76 of 82 found the following review helpful:
This book answered ALL my questions clearly!Feb 05, 2008
By Mrs. Sarah M. Nephew
"saving the earth"
My husband and I have become increasingly consciencious about saving our natural resources. It has been our goal to add solar panels to our house but most of the books out there were not written for the average person. This book answered all our questions in a language we could easily understand. We learned how to make solar power an investment throughout our entire house! How cool is that?
The awesome thing about this book is it goes way beyond explaining the money we can save but includes vital tips on what not to do. I love when a book keeps me from making mistakes. I could go on and on about this book because I'm thrilled I finally have a great reference tool. I am eagerly anticipating creating a home that will actually not take so many of our precious resources from the earth.
34 of 35 found the following review helpful:
 It's not a how to. It's a why you should chose solarSep 06, 2008
By T. Gardiner
most of what is there was interesting but it wasn't what I thought it would be. It's a facts about solar not a how to get started with your home. It had little solar projects but most of these are on the web anyway.
42 of 45 found the following review helpful:
 DisappointedSep 09, 2008
By Lawrence
I was not impressed with this book. It was not what I was looking for. It should be more appropriately titled "Home Energy Saving Tips"
It did not offer enough practical information on powering your home with Solar.
See all 38 customer reviews on Amazon.com
| | |
|
