Series: Back to Basics Conserving
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Atlantic Publishing Group Inc.; Original edition (February 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1601383614
ISBN-13: 978-1601383617
Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 6 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #610,707 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #67 in Books > Engineering & Transportation > Engineering > Energy Production & Extraction > Alternative & Renewable > Solar #110 in Books > Engineering & Transportation > Engineering > Energy Production & Extraction > Electric #774 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Home Improvement & Design > How-to & Home Improvements > Do-It-Yourself
How to Solar Power Your Home is a great book for anyone who is even slightly interested in domestic solar power. The book answers and explores the question: "why use solar energy?" It describes the different uses for solar energy and chronicles all the particulars involved in making the switch from traditional electricity to solar power, such as cost estimations, load analyses, and effective equipment for different climates. The book describes the various components for a solar electricity system, such as solar panels, batteries, and the optimum voltage for one's grid system. Rebates, subsidies, tax credits, and loans are also thoroughly discussed, giving the reader beneficial information on how to save the maximum amount of money during the solar powering process and subsequent maintenance of the system. This book, by Martha Maeda, would be great for any beginner looking for a more information on solar power.
This is a well written book, easy to follow and full of basic information. The book is one of many that I would recommend to help understand solar power. It is not the only guide to learn about solar power, but a good first read.
Disappointingly simplistic. This book is fine if you want a summary of all the theoretical information you may have read in magazines and on the Internet. The charts are useful but you would be better off just looking at the YouTube videos if you want practical guidance on real-life installations.
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.
The last few chapters were especially detailed and helpful. The book taught me the basics so I could ask intelligent questions at Solar Stores.
This is a very detailed and well written book. Contains a lot of information and gives references to many Web-sites for additional information.
Very well written book for people like me. Admittedly, my knowledge of solar power and its capabilities is limited. This book helped educate me more as to the ins and outs of solar power for a residential setting. Am I now an expert? No, but certainly not on account of this book. I know more now than I did before, but also realize there is even more I need to learn. Book was well written. Good flow. Great information. Probably more for a person, like me, who is exploring the possibility of solar in his/her abode. Those with a good amount of background info might find it lacking. I thought it was quite good and very informative. Are we going solar tomorrow? No, but I am hoping to in the not so distant future. Solar is the future, and books like this help more and more take the proverbial plunge.
Very good for beginners like me. It is informative and easy to understand. It will help you get started with solar.
How to Solar Power Your Home: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply (Back to Basics Conserving) The Complete Guide to Building Backyard Ponds, Fountains, and Waterfalls for Homeowners: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply (Back to Basics) How to Wipe Out Your Student Loans and Be Debt Free Fast: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply Everything You Need to Know About Snakes (Everything You Need Know) The Complete Guide to Drying Foods at Home: Everything You Need to Know about Preparing, Storing, and Consuming Dried Foods (Back to Basics) The Social Security and Medicare Handbook: What You Need to Know Explained Simply Solar Electricity Handbook: 2016 Edition: A simple, practical guide to solar energy - designing and installing solar PV systems Solar Electricity Handbook - 2014 Edition: A Simple Practical Guide to Solar Energy - Designing and Installing Photovoltaic Solar Electric Systems 101 Recipes for Preparing Food in Bulk: Everything You Need to Know About Preparing, Storing, and Consuming with Companion CD-ROM (Back-To-Basics Cooking) Everything You Need To Know About Geography Homework (Evertything You Need To Know..) Large-Scale Solar Power System Design (GreenSource Books): An Engineering Guide for Grid-Connected Solar Power Generation (McGraw-Hill's Greensource) The Chicken Whisperer's Guide to Keeping Chickens: Everything You Need to Know . . . and Didn't Know You Needed to Know About Backyard and Urban Chickens Everything You Need to Know about Std's (Need to Know Library) Everything You Need to Know about Down Syndrome (Need to Know Library) The Complete Guide to Building Classic Barns, Fences, Storage Sheds, Animal Pens, Outbuildings, Greenhouses, Farm Equipment, & Tools: A Step-by-Step ... (Back-To-Basics) (Back to Basics: Building) Bitcoin Explained Simply: An Easy Guide To The Basics That Anyone Can Understand Don't Know Much About History, Anniversary Edition: Everything You Need to Know About American History but Never Learned (Don't Know Much About Series) The Passive Solar House: Using Solar Design to Heat and Cool Your Home (Real Goods Independent Living Book) Pilgrim Tips & Packing List Camino de Santiago: What you need to know beforehand, what you need to take, and what you can leave at home. Solar Cooking for Home & Camp: How to Make and Use a Solar Cooker