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most of what is there was interesting but it wasen't what I thought it would be. It had little solar projects but most of these are on the web anyway. It's a facts about solar not a how to get started with your home.
Good explaination of all the different types of systems. Home energy analysis is helpful in detemining what system may be best for you. Advantages and disadvantages are listed.
If you don't like to read a lot of technical stuff, this book is for you. 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. This book has practical projects for the person who already has some knowledge of solar energy as well. This is a good introduction to how the energy from the sun can be put to practical everyday use. Quick, easy reading the non-technical average person. My 5-star rating is for those who are beginners or those that have a little knowledge of solar energy. with references for more information.
This book answered all our questions in a language we could easily understand. 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. I could go on and on about this book because I'm thrilled I finally have a great reference tool. I love when a book keeps me from making mistakes. My husband and I have become increasingly consciencious about saving our natural resources. We learned how to make solar power an investment throughout our entire house. I am eagerly anticipating creating a home that will actually not take so many of our precious resources from the earth. 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 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. As I delved into the book, my outlook changed. Plus, I'm off to a good start in being knowledgable enough to deal effectively with those installation contractors. Of course, I'm still hankerin' after that gear, yet, at least, now I have a better picture of what's really useful. 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. 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. Well done. 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.
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