| Description |
1 online resource (vi, 191 pages) : illustrations, maps |
| Contents |
Introduction : The first modern solar cell -- Section I. Generating electricity from the sun and wind : Why would you want a solar/wind electric system? : Warm, fuzzy reasons for renewable energy ; Hard-edge financial reasons -- Is this stuff legal -- or safe? : Net metering ; Why your utility company doesn't want your power ; Technology leads, and regulations follow -- Riding herd on electrons: electricity and solar cell basics : Electrons have all the fun ; Learning to love volts, amps and watts ; Falling water and electron flow: a (nearly) perfect analogy ; AC/DC: it's more than rock 'n roll ; Solar cells: teaching old electrons new tricks ; It's practically efficient -- You want batteries with that? : Direct grid-tie systems (without batteries) ; Battery-based grid-tie systems ; Which is right for me? -- Sizing your solar/wind electric system : Watt(s) you use versus watt(s) you need ; Sizing the components ; How many batteries? ; System voltage -- Where does everything go? : Where should I put my solar array? ; Making space for the batteries, inverters and other stuff ; How far away can it be? ; Grid-tie for the cash- or space-challenged -- Got wind? : How much wind is enough? ; Turbines: a quick look at the windy beasts ; Tower styles and options ; Which system is right for me? -- Let's talk money and system performance : Honest cost estimates and real world output for solar/wind electric systems ; System monitoring -- Any financial help out there? : Federal/state/local sources ; Return on your investment; RE credits or green tags -- Permits and paperwork : What to expect, and who does it ; Tell your friendly local utility company ; Sell high, by low (time-of-use billing) -- The nuts and bolts: what to look for, what to avoid : Solar modules, connections, mounting systems ; Direct and battery based grid-tie inverters ; Safety equipment ; Wind turbines and towers ; Charge controllers ; Batteries -- Who does the solar/wind electric installation : Finding and qualifying a contractor ; Do it yourself? ; Guest commentary / Christopher Freitas -- Section II. Heating your home with nature's free energy : Using the sun's warmth to heat your home : Passive solar design tips ; Windows ; Solar air panels -- Get in hot water and love it : How solar hot water (solar thermal) systems work ; Solar collectors ; Sizing and choosing the best type of system ; Circulating and storing hot water ; Other considerations -- Geothermal: capturing the heat beneath your feet : How geothermal works ; Types of systems ; Size, cost and applicability -- Appendix. Tips on appliances and energy conservation -- Energy consumption of appliances -- Wind map (U.S.) -- System sizing worksheet -- Solar irradiance U.S. maps (June and December) -- Solar array sizing worksheet -- State energy offices |
| Summary |
Examines renewable energy options for grid-tied homeowners, including solar- and wind-generated electricity, solar water heating, passive solar, and geothermal heating / cooling. System configurations and equipment, average costs, financial incentives, and installation considerations are also covered--Provided by publisher |
| Notes |
Includes indexes |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 178-180) and index |
| Notes |
Print version record |
| Subject |
Photovoltaic power systems.
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Solar energy.
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Wind power.
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Wind turbines.
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Dwellings -- Electric equipment.
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Solar Energy
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solar power.
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wind power.
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wind turbines.
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TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING -- Construction -- Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning.
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Dwellings -- Electric equipment
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Photovoltaic power systems
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Solar energy
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Wind power
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Wind turbines
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| Form |
Electronic book
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| ISBN |
9781936555093 |
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1936555093 |
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