I need a recommendation on a good alternative energy book

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Well my new house is in the planning stages. Part of that planning is alternative power. I'm fairly sure I will be using a combination of wind and solar with a possible motorized backup(thanks hoot). My problem is I am totally illiterate when it comes to this(my eyes sort of glaze over...lol). I need a book that will explain in real plain language what I am dealing with. Preferably with a size worksheet. Hopefully that will demistify omh, amp, volt and all that other technical stuff. I am very much a get a hammer and do it type person....if that don't work get a bigger hammer and have at it again! Actually I really don't care if I understand why it works as long as it can tell me how to get it to work. Sort of a tab A goes into slot B type of thing. Thanks!

-- Amanda in Mo (aseley@townsqr.com), February 22, 2001

Answers

Just for the very basics of electricity, which is what you'll need to understand any book about wind and photovoltaics, go to the library and pick up a beginning electronics book. It should start with DC (direct current). Resistance (ohms) should be right up at the front. If these things are not explained in the first or second chapter, find another book.

A good book will demystify all that technical stuff, and it's really pretty easy when you start at the very beginning. I'm sure anyone even remotely as resourceful as you are could understand it easily. I'd bet a very few hours of reading will make you comfortable with the terms you mentioned. After you have the basics, the rest will likely come clear, or you'll know where to look for explanations, and you will be able to understand them. Plus, you will have added to your store of useful knowledge!

-- Laura Jensen (lrjensen@seedlaw.com), February 22, 2001.


Start here: http://www.windsun.com/info_index.htm

look for 'Solar Electric Systems'

These are good folks to buy from.

BTW Real Goods is 10-20% higher, but they have great books.

-- (perry@ofuzzy1.com), February 22, 2001.


Try "How to Design an Independent Power System" by Terrance D. Paul. Copyrighted 1981 by Best Energy Systems for Tomorrow, Inc. P.O. Box 280 Necedah, WI. 54646. This book shows it all in about 120 pages for $6.95. I've had the book for some years, so I can't guarantee the address of the publisher.

-- David in NH (grayfoxfarm@mcttelecom.com), February 22, 2001.

First, check out Home Power magazine on the web, at homepower.com . They are the best source of current information. I like Backwoods Solar's website for information on what is available and what works, as they have over 20 years experience with wind and solar electricity. Check into some of the books they sell and recommend.

Jim

-- Jim (jiminwis@yahoo.com), February 23, 2001.


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