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Full Description
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 making significant improvements 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. Dan Chiras is the author of twenty-nine books on residential renewable energy and green building and the director of The Evergreen Institute's Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building, where he teaches workshops on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green building.
Contents
AcknowledgmentsIntroductionRenewable Energy and MeOrganization of the BookChapter 1: Renewable Energy - Clean, Affordable, and ReliableMaking Wise ChoicesUnderstanding EnergyWhat is Renewable Energy?The Pros and Cons of Renewable EnergyProspects for the FutureChapter 2: Conservation Rules - The Cornerstone of Your Energy FutureEfficiency First!Energy Conservation as a Renewable Source of EnergyBenefits of Energy ConservationHome Energy Use Retrofitting Your Home for Energy EfficiencyThe Silver LiningChapter 3: Solar Hot Water Systems - Satisfying Domestic Hot Water Needs with Solar EnergyConventional Hot Water SystemsTankless Water HeatersWhat is a Solar Hot Water System?A Brief History of Solar Hot WaterSolar Hot Water SystemsWhich System is Best for You?Sizing Your SystemFinding a Competent InstallerThe Economics of Domestic Solar Hot Water SystemsChapter 4: Free Heat - Passive Solar and Heat PumpsWhat is Passive Solar Heating?Is Passive Solar for You?Types of Passive Solar DesignGetting the Help You NeedSome Final Thoughts on Passive Solar RetrofitsHeat PumpsConclusionChapter 5: Solar Hot Air and Hot Water Systems: Affordable Heat from the SunSolar Hot Air Heating SystemsSolar Hot Water Heating SystemsSolar Hot Water Space-Heating SystemsConclusionChapter 6: Wood HeatRetrofitting Fireplaces for EfficiencyFuel-Efficient Wood Burning StovesShopping for an Efficient, Clean-Burning Wood StovePros and Cons of Wood StovesWood FurnacesPellet StovesMasonry HeatersChapter 7: Passive Cooling - Staying Cool NaturallyWhat is Passive Cooling?Tools in the Passive Cooling ToolboxReducing Internal Heat GainReducing External Heat GainBuilding a Better FutureChapter 8: Solar Electricity - Powering Your Home with Solar EnergyWhat is a Solar Electric System?Buying a Solar Electric SystemLocating a Reliable ContractorWhy Install Solar Electricity?Chapter 9: Wind Power - Meeting Your Needs for ElectricityIs Wind Power in Your Future?Wind Power: A Brief HistoryUnderstanding Wind GeneratorsWind Systems: Three Basic OptionsIs Wind Energy Appropriate Where You Live?Selecting a Wind Generator and TowerFinancial MattersWind Power without Installing a Wind GeneratorChapter 10: Microhydro - Generating Electricity from Running WaterAn Introduction to Hydroelectric SystemsThe Anatomy of a Microhydro SystemAssessing the Feasibility of Your SiteAssessing the Potential of a Microhydro SiteBuying and Installing a SystemFinding an Installer or Installing a System YourselfThe Pros and Cons of Microhydro SystemsA Brief AfterwordAppendixResource GuideIndexAbout the Author
