Clean, silent, renewable and climate-friendly … solar power is the holy grail of energy. And there’s no shortage of sunlight out there: enough falls on the surface of the planet each day to power human society many thousands of times over. Edited by a leading solar expert, The Solar Century provides a groundbreaking vision of a sun-powered world. The first definitive book on the subject, it covers everything from how ancient societies viewed the sun through to present-day panels thin enough to be delivered ‘by the roll’. Presented in stunning full-colour throughout, The Solar Century showcases solar applications from the household scale through to great public architecture; from solar as a force for good in developing countries through to giant solar power stations planned for the world’s deserts. The book also debunks many myths about solar – such as the idea that it and other renewable energies will always need fossil-fuel stations on standby. Essential reading for anyone interested in science, energy and the future of our planet.

 

TheSolar Electricity Handbookis a straightforward, practical guide to using electric solar panels. Assuming no previous knowledge of solar panels, the book explains how solar panels work, how they can be used and explains the steps you need to take to successfully design and install a solar electric system from scratch using photovoltaic solar panels. Accompanying this book is a solar resource website containing lots of useful information, lists of suppliers and on-line solar energy calculators that will simplify the cost analysis and design processes.

 

 

"Domestic Solar Energy" is brimming with advice and information that will be of value to all those who are interested in making the optimum use of solar energy in the home. The author considers the impact of global warming and the international energy crisis before explaining how the home owner can evaluate the energy performance of his, or her, house and make better use of natural lighting. All aspects are covered of the installation of photovoltaic cells to a residential property using solar power to produce domestic electricity and to heat water. The costs are calculated and the benefits of installing a solar energy system are assessed.

 

 

 

The Solar Electricity Handbook is a straightforward, practical guide to using electric solar panels.

Assuming no previous knowledge of solar panels, the book explains how solar panels work, how they can be used and explains the steps you need to take to successfully design and install a solar electric system from scratch using photovoltaic solar panels.

Accompanying this book is a solar resource website containing lots of useful information, lists of suppliers and on-line solar energy calculators that will simplify the cost analysis and design processes.Why buy the Solar Electricity Handbook?

* The Handbook is a simple, practical guide to using electric photovoltaic panels.
* The book is suitable for enthusiastic novices and professionals.
* Clear examples, diagrams and example projects are given to demonstrate the true capabilities of these systems.
* The Handbook is updated yearly, providing a up-to-date reference for anyone planning to use electric photovoltaic technology.
* It is the most comprehensive book on solar electric systems available today.
* It is backed up by the most powerful online calculator tools available, to make your design and calculations as straightforward as possible.
* With comprehensive detail in the book for both North America and Europe, the Handbook provides you with information that is relevant to you and your project.

 

'Inspirational.' New Scientist 'A masterwork by the master advocate for solar.' Jeremy Eggett, author of The Carbon War 'This book has the greatest importance for the future of mankind.' Gunther Grass, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature 1999 'The most powerfully written book on the energy situation. Highly Recommended!' Choice 'Scheer's is a heady, utopian vision. Here comes the sun.' New Scientist 'Forget Kyoto - all talk and no action; this book shows how technological challenges can be met using indigenous, renewable and universally available resources, and predicts the enormous benefits which will flow from doing so.' Energy World 'The Solar Economy presents a compelling case for weaning the world off its potentially disastrous reliance on oil.' Environment Times

 

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 Dummiestakes 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

This is a set of two volumes which demonstrate how available sunshine can be used as part of site planning and architectural design to reduce fuel consumption for heating and to enhance the environment. The topics covered in the first volume include: site layout; building form; internal planning; the design of windows and opaque elements; ventilation; heating systems and controls; and conservatories. The second gives detailed examples of buildings to which these principles have been applied. Together, the two volumes provide guidelines for architects, students of architecture, developers and others involved in the design, production or rehabilitation of housing.