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Power Shift: From Fossil Energy to Dynamic Solar Power
You are part of the grand transition that is underway in energy, but you are probably wondering what it all means for you. Human society has committed to getting off fossil fuels because they are warming our planet, and this shift will engage everyone. Why? Because everyone uses energy. Today you have choices in energy that you never had before, and your choices will affect many generations to come. This book will bring you up to speed on your many options in energy, all explained in terms that anyone can understand.
Power Shift: From Fossil Energy to Dynamic Solar Power retells human history through the lens of energy, explains the science behind the crisis–in clear, succinct language that anyone can understand—and provides a detailed blueprint for the future, from governmental, commercial, and individual perspectives.
Today, we’ve become mired in partisan bickering among politicians and oil, gas, and coal lobbying interests who insist that fossil fuels are necessary for jobs and the US economy. However, this narrow debate has failed to notice that the world has already embarked on a transformation in how we use energy that is so fundamental, it defines a new Solar Epoch, as monumental as the discovery of fire, the development of agriculture, and the exploitation of fossil fuels in previous centuries.
The truth is that solar power–getting radically cheaper by the year–is not only a viable solution but, as the author states, “forms a clean energy system that can completely replace fossil fuels. We can gradually phase them in so that in 50 years we’ll be 100% solar-powered. And because solar energy does not run out like fossil fuels, we will never need to go looking for another energy source again.”
Unlike other books on global warming and solar energy, Power Shift presents visionary plans for governments, corporations, and individuals concerned about climate change.
And the author has “put his money where his mouth is.” Having built a solar home in Santa Cruz County in 1997 and outfitted it with an off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) system, Stayton cites numerous personal examples to inspire others to take similar action.
Destined to become a classic in the field, and soon to be adopted as a basic text in college and university environmental studies programs, Power Shift is an indispensable reference for researchers and global leaders, a valuable staff training tool for solar companies, and a compelling, inspirational read for anyone eager to learn the truth about global warming and to participate “from the ground up” in the new Solar Epoch.
Reader-friendly with beautiful illustrations and firmly grounded in current science, Power Shift also forges a cautionary tale of what lies ahead if we don’t start acting now: “We seem to be waiting for a sign,” Stayton writes, “a sudden event so catastrophic that it compels us to overcome political differences and take action. However, this disaster does not rush upon us like a hurricane, but instead slowly erodes our foundation, like termites. If we wait until the house collapses, we will have waited too long.”
If you buy only one book on the topic of climate change or solar power–for yourself, family, friends, or colleagues–you can depend on Power Shift to serve as a comprehensive, eye-opening, educational resource for years to come.
Power Shift: From Fossil Energy to Dynamic Solar Power retells human history through the lens of energy, explains the science behind the crisis–in clear, succinct language that anyone can understand—and provides a detailed blueprint for the future, from governmental, commercial, and individual perspectives.
Today, we’ve become mired in partisan bickering among politicians and oil, gas, and coal lobbying interests who insist that fossil fuels are necessary for jobs and the US economy. However, this narrow debate has failed to notice that the world has already embarked on a transformation in how we use energy that is so fundamental, it defines a new Solar Epoch, as monumental as the discovery of fire, the development of agriculture, and the exploitation of fossil fuels in previous centuries.
The truth is that solar power–getting radically cheaper by the year–is not only a viable solution but, as the author states, “forms a clean energy system that can completely replace fossil fuels. We can gradually phase them in so that in 50 years we’ll be 100% solar-powered. And because solar energy does not run out like fossil fuels, we will never need to go looking for another energy source again.”
Unlike other books on global warming and solar energy, Power Shift presents visionary plans for governments, corporations, and individuals concerned about climate change.
And the author has “put his money where his mouth is.” Having built a solar home in Santa Cruz County in 1997 and outfitted it with an off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) system, Stayton cites numerous personal examples to inspire others to take similar action.
Destined to become a classic in the field, and soon to be adopted as a basic text in college and university environmental studies programs, Power Shift is an indispensable reference for researchers and global leaders, a valuable staff training tool for solar companies, and a compelling, inspirational read for anyone eager to learn the truth about global warming and to participate “from the ground up” in the new Solar Epoch.
Reader-friendly with beautiful illustrations and firmly grounded in current science, Power Shift also forges a cautionary tale of what lies ahead if we don’t start acting now: “We seem to be waiting for a sign,” Stayton writes, “a sudden event so catastrophic that it compels us to overcome political differences and take action. However, this disaster does not rush upon us like a hurricane, but instead slowly erodes our foundation, like termites. If we wait until the house collapses, we will have waited too long.”
If you buy only one book on the topic of climate change or solar power–for yourself, family, friends, or colleagues–you can depend on Power Shift to serve as a comprehensive, eye-opening, educational resource for years to come.
346 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2015
5 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Robert Arthur Stayton
2 books6 followersRobert Stayton is a writer who lives in Santa Cruz County, California. He has a masters degree in physics, and has taught college courses in physics, energy, and solar energy. He also has a Graduate Certificate in Science Communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
In 1997, Robert and his wife built a passive solar home in Santa Cruz County and outfitted it with an off-grid solar photovoltaic system. He has been living with solar energy since then, always looking for new ways to apply solar in his daily life. He drives a solar-charged Plug-in Prius, heats his water with a solar water heating system, and bakes his bread in his solar oven. He has served as host to hundreds of people who have toured his home to see his solar efforts.
Robert's book Power Shift combines his science background, teaching experience, and personal commitment to solar energy into a unique perspective on how humans use energy and where our civilization is going.
In 1997, Robert and his wife built a passive solar home in Santa Cruz County and outfitted it with an off-grid solar photovoltaic system. He has been living with solar energy since then, always looking for new ways to apply solar in his daily life. He drives a solar-charged Plug-in Prius, heats his water with a solar water heating system, and bakes his bread in his solar oven. He has served as host to hundreds of people who have toured his home to see his solar efforts.
Robert's book Power Shift combines his science background, teaching experience, and personal commitment to solar energy into a unique perspective on how humans use energy and where our civilization is going.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 4, 2015
Wow. This book is awesome. Seriously. It tells us how to build solar-powered future, but in understandable, reader-friendly manner. It will educate and inspire you. Robert Stayton has a masters degree in physics, and he has been living with solar energy since 1997. This book is about energy from prehistoric times to today, and with plans for the future. Fossil fuels are causing so much damage to the planet. Use the sky! Go Solar!
April 30, 2018
Rarely have I read a book that was written by an author so driven by belief in his message. If Solar Power advocacy ever needs a picture to define it then it is Robert Arther Stayton. Stayton goes to great lengths to explain what the current state of the world’s energy production is, how it causes difficulties, what can be done to fix it and in the end how Solar Power is the only way to make it right.
As strong a message as it is, it is lost a bit in the lengthy prose that details the current state of power generation. I felt when reading that the style reminded me of when Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth Bennett. He goes on and on about his general interest in the matter of marriage and then gets on his knee to offer his love.
You get such a detailed overview of every fossil energy form that it was at times hard to remember this was a book about Solar Power. I appreciate the arguments in favor and believe there is much to be said for the main premise. The success of this option will lay with being able to talk people into spending more now to save later. That is a very hard nut to crack in the 21st century.
I think the book might have ended better with a traditional conclusion. A touch wordy, very well researched and thorough. If you ever have any questions about mankind and the future of power generation I recommend you read this book first.
My Rating: 4 stars
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
As strong a message as it is, it is lost a bit in the lengthy prose that details the current state of power generation. I felt when reading that the style reminded me of when Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth Bennett. He goes on and on about his general interest in the matter of marriage and then gets on his knee to offer his love.
You get such a detailed overview of every fossil energy form that it was at times hard to remember this was a book about Solar Power. I appreciate the arguments in favor and believe there is much to be said for the main premise. The success of this option will lay with being able to talk people into spending more now to save later. That is a very hard nut to crack in the 21st century.
I think the book might have ended better with a traditional conclusion. A touch wordy, very well researched and thorough. If you ever have any questions about mankind and the future of power generation I recommend you read this book first.
My Rating: 4 stars
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
August 23, 2015
Reviewing this book is frustrating because it does a really important job - but doesn't do it in a particularly effective fashion.
Let's get into that important job first. The book is about the need to move to solar energy, driven by the impact of manmade climate change. The most impressive thing about Power Shift is that it persuaded me that we should produce significantly more of our energy from solar. I've got some problems with Robert Stayton's assertion that all our energy could come from solar for a couple of reasons. Most of his information is sweeping and global, but I think really it is US-based, assumed to apply globally. It would be much harder to get all of the UK's energy from solar than the US quite simply because we don't have frequent enough sunny days. It is also a little cherry-picking, taking pessimistic views of the alternatives and optimistic on solar. While I think we could produce a good percentage of UK energy from solar given sufficient storage, we would also need backup nuclear to fill in gaps and, most importantly to deal with situations Stayton doesn't cover, like Krakatoa-like incidents which would drastically reduce solar availability for a couple of years at a time.
However, Stayton is indubitably right in saying that solar is the obvious source and that we should be putting in far more effort both in collection and in storage technologies to iron out the daily and seasonal variation in solar capacity. Yes, we will probably need to work on carbon capture and storage to get us through to a mainly solar economy (plus the nuclear backup he doesn't like), but solar should be seen as far more significant than it currently is. And this book makes the case so strongly that if you read it, you may well be persuaded of this idea.
Now, though, the less encouraging side. I don't think anyone who isn't already convinced will read the book, because the only sensible way to persuade someone is to start with a balanced view and work towards the conclusion, where the book clearly starts from a specific viewpoint, obvious even in its subtitle. It also suffers from one of the oldest problems in publishing - the significant content is really only about three magazine articles, expanded to fill a book. You could quite easily get all the important message across in articles covering climate change, energy options and how to implement solar. The result is a lot of repetition and labouring of the point. As an example, Stayton lists out 20 'positives for solar PV [photovoltaic - i.e. solar panels generating electricity]', then proceeds to slowly explain each of these points separately. We really don't need much expansion on, for instance, 'Solar PV does not pollute our air,' but we get nearly a page.
This kind of heavy handedness is particular obvious in spending around 60 pages telling us very obvious background on how human energy use has gone from fire to modern consumption. It's neither very interesting nor highly relevant to the point of the book. Another problem is the way that the author pushes the bottom-up approach, building his argument on his own position where he generates 90% of his energy from solar panels on his house. The fact is, the vast majority of people in the UK could not do this, both in terms of the relatively tiny amount of energy generated over the darker half of the year and also because many UK homes simply aren't suitable to stick solar on the roof. We tend to have much smaller houses than in the US - and, for instance, though my roof is technically big enough, it's not south-facing, which immediately renders it pretty much useless for generation. By giving us a model that just doesn't work for most of us, Stayton hinders rather than helps the message.
While Stayton's countrymen in the US are still arguing in large numbers that manmade climate change doesn't exist, the fact is that the arguments of this book are likely to be ignored. Which is a shame, because as I noted, it has genuinely persuaded me that we ought to make solar our biggest source, provided we put enough effort into developing more efficient energy storage mechanisms. There's a lot to interest anyone serious about our energy impact on the planet here, provided you are tolerant of the book's lack of conciseness. So it's a qualified cheer for this vision of a solar future.
Let's get into that important job first. The book is about the need to move to solar energy, driven by the impact of manmade climate change. The most impressive thing about Power Shift is that it persuaded me that we should produce significantly more of our energy from solar. I've got some problems with Robert Stayton's assertion that all our energy could come from solar for a couple of reasons. Most of his information is sweeping and global, but I think really it is US-based, assumed to apply globally. It would be much harder to get all of the UK's energy from solar than the US quite simply because we don't have frequent enough sunny days. It is also a little cherry-picking, taking pessimistic views of the alternatives and optimistic on solar. While I think we could produce a good percentage of UK energy from solar given sufficient storage, we would also need backup nuclear to fill in gaps and, most importantly to deal with situations Stayton doesn't cover, like Krakatoa-like incidents which would drastically reduce solar availability for a couple of years at a time.
However, Stayton is indubitably right in saying that solar is the obvious source and that we should be putting in far more effort both in collection and in storage technologies to iron out the daily and seasonal variation in solar capacity. Yes, we will probably need to work on carbon capture and storage to get us through to a mainly solar economy (plus the nuclear backup he doesn't like), but solar should be seen as far more significant than it currently is. And this book makes the case so strongly that if you read it, you may well be persuaded of this idea.
Now, though, the less encouraging side. I don't think anyone who isn't already convinced will read the book, because the only sensible way to persuade someone is to start with a balanced view and work towards the conclusion, where the book clearly starts from a specific viewpoint, obvious even in its subtitle. It also suffers from one of the oldest problems in publishing - the significant content is really only about three magazine articles, expanded to fill a book. You could quite easily get all the important message across in articles covering climate change, energy options and how to implement solar. The result is a lot of repetition and labouring of the point. As an example, Stayton lists out 20 'positives for solar PV [photovoltaic - i.e. solar panels generating electricity]', then proceeds to slowly explain each of these points separately. We really don't need much expansion on, for instance, 'Solar PV does not pollute our air,' but we get nearly a page.
This kind of heavy handedness is particular obvious in spending around 60 pages telling us very obvious background on how human energy use has gone from fire to modern consumption. It's neither very interesting nor highly relevant to the point of the book. Another problem is the way that the author pushes the bottom-up approach, building his argument on his own position where he generates 90% of his energy from solar panels on his house. The fact is, the vast majority of people in the UK could not do this, both in terms of the relatively tiny amount of energy generated over the darker half of the year and also because many UK homes simply aren't suitable to stick solar on the roof. We tend to have much smaller houses than in the US - and, for instance, though my roof is technically big enough, it's not south-facing, which immediately renders it pretty much useless for generation. By giving us a model that just doesn't work for most of us, Stayton hinders rather than helps the message.
While Stayton's countrymen in the US are still arguing in large numbers that manmade climate change doesn't exist, the fact is that the arguments of this book are likely to be ignored. Which is a shame, because as I noted, it has genuinely persuaded me that we ought to make solar our biggest source, provided we put enough effort into developing more efficient energy storage mechanisms. There's a lot to interest anyone serious about our energy impact on the planet here, provided you are tolerant of the book's lack of conciseness. So it's a qualified cheer for this vision of a solar future.
October 8, 2015
I would recommend this book to every consumer, because the information collected and vulgarized in this book are a great source of knowledge. You don’t even have to agree or disagree with the use and solutions from Solar Power. Simply read it for general culture and then reflect on our Earth’s future.
This book introduces us to a key word, energy, and how this same word makes us different from other animals. It’s such a great way to look at it because we usually talk in a scale of brain differences, a more biological aspect, instead of energy. Yes, we are after all the first species to actually control and produce energy. A detailed documentary with charts, tables and illustrations to really help the readers understand the great importance and the need of changing our ways of using energy, especially fossil energy is what Robert Arthur Stayton presents in Power Shift. Let’s face it people, climate change is a fact. It’s not hypothetical anymore and if you are still denying this fact, I suggest you read about it because the effects have already begun. Raising awareness about this matter is always primordial and important.
The author explores a new alternative way of using energy : solar power. The book is really well structured, separated in 5 big parts, introduces the problem and in the end proposes an action plan and solutions. I’ve learned a lot about solar, nuclear energy and also about the methanol economy which is a great way to store it for ground transportation fuel, for example. However, reading this book also raises some questions about solar energy. What about the countries that do not have access to as many sun exposition as others? I live in Canada, and I’m telling you that our winter is pretty long.. hahaha. That is the dilemma (addressed in the book too) because building the tools to capture the solar energy is pretty expensive and even more for the countries who do not receive a lot of sunlight, they have to build a more refined technology to capture it.
You can find the full review here : http://bookidote.wordpress.com
Trang- Book Blogger and Reviewer
Bookidote
This book introduces us to a key word, energy, and how this same word makes us different from other animals. It’s such a great way to look at it because we usually talk in a scale of brain differences, a more biological aspect, instead of energy. Yes, we are after all the first species to actually control and produce energy. A detailed documentary with charts, tables and illustrations to really help the readers understand the great importance and the need of changing our ways of using energy, especially fossil energy is what Robert Arthur Stayton presents in Power Shift. Let’s face it people, climate change is a fact. It’s not hypothetical anymore and if you are still denying this fact, I suggest you read about it because the effects have already begun. Raising awareness about this matter is always primordial and important.
The author explores a new alternative way of using energy : solar power. The book is really well structured, separated in 5 big parts, introduces the problem and in the end proposes an action plan and solutions. I’ve learned a lot about solar, nuclear energy and also about the methanol economy which is a great way to store it for ground transportation fuel, for example. However, reading this book also raises some questions about solar energy. What about the countries that do not have access to as many sun exposition as others? I live in Canada, and I’m telling you that our winter is pretty long.. hahaha. That is the dilemma (addressed in the book too) because building the tools to capture the solar energy is pretty expensive and even more for the countries who do not receive a lot of sunlight, they have to build a more refined technology to capture it.
You can find the full review here : http://bookidote.wordpress.com
Trang- Book Blogger and Reviewer
Bookidote
May 23, 2015
You need to read this book. It's smart and thoughtful, but more importantly it's useful in your everyday life today and essential for how we can sensibly change our wasteful, destructive lifestyles into making more sensible decisions that will steer us clear of a potentially disastrous future. Our continued reliance on today's energy sources is literally unsustainable.
Don't let the seemingly science-heavy tech talk scare you away from this all-too-important discussion. Stayton's science know-how educates instead of alienating less tech-savvy readers, which is paramount to the book's success since the subject matter pertains to every single living creature on earth.
Stayton poignantly explains how we got where we are today, what's stopped us from making the changes we need to make and how we can practically usher in this exciting new (though really it's not remotely new) technology. It's certainly not something that can happen overnight, but it is something that can start happening today with your help. Solar energy is increasingly cost-effective, years beyond necessary and the most abundant, reliable energy source we've had or will ever have. With a shift to solar, we won't have to worry about another sweeping energy change until we move to Mars.
It's chock full of quirky, insightful, entertaining nuggets of dinner party conversation fodder reminiscent of Malcolm Gladwell, par example:
* The first car built by Ferdinand Porsche was electric (1898).
* The average US city holds three days' worth of food on grocery shelves.
* Replacing every US farm tractor in use today with horses would require 250M horses.
This book will literally change your life, leaving you inspired, educated and armed to find easy, short term solutions plus longterm necessary solutions preserving the benefits we reap from modern technology without compromising future generations' quality of life.
Don't let the seemingly science-heavy tech talk scare you away from this all-too-important discussion. Stayton's science know-how educates instead of alienating less tech-savvy readers, which is paramount to the book's success since the subject matter pertains to every single living creature on earth.
Stayton poignantly explains how we got where we are today, what's stopped us from making the changes we need to make and how we can practically usher in this exciting new (though really it's not remotely new) technology. It's certainly not something that can happen overnight, but it is something that can start happening today with your help. Solar energy is increasingly cost-effective, years beyond necessary and the most abundant, reliable energy source we've had or will ever have. With a shift to solar, we won't have to worry about another sweeping energy change until we move to Mars.
It's chock full of quirky, insightful, entertaining nuggets of dinner party conversation fodder reminiscent of Malcolm Gladwell, par example:
* The first car built by Ferdinand Porsche was electric (1898).
* The average US city holds three days' worth of food on grocery shelves.
* Replacing every US farm tractor in use today with horses would require 250M horses.
This book will literally change your life, leaving you inspired, educated and armed to find easy, short term solutions plus longterm necessary solutions preserving the benefits we reap from modern technology without compromising future generations' quality of life.
June 11, 2015
Heavy duty book on the subject of energy. This is not a light read but very detailed and researched.
November 8, 2015
Wheels of progress of human civilization have been moving too fast I for the last two centuries or so. Scientific inventions are added up to the existing knowledge every day like downpour in a black clouded day. In science and technology- species Homo sapiens is making remarkable strides to expand the sphere of human knowledge to its zenith. Newer inventions are making lives easier for them.
But every convenience comes at a price. To achieve the peak of human convenience mother earth has to make too many sacrifices. To make human species cool- coolant gases are increasing the temperature of the earth-in every passing second. To account for increasing energy hunger of electric turbines billions of tones of black gold has to be used. For increasing traffic billions and billions barrels of fossil fuels have to be used. For knowledge thirst of human species-millions of trees are cut each day. As a result the biological balance of the blue planet is facing a crisis of existence. Due to enhancement of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere- global warming is threatening the existence of some of the countries like Bangladesh. Thousands of species of flora and fauna are getting sacrificed at the expense of the human prosperity. It is all because the ecosystems of sensitive vegetation regions are in danger. And like a chain reaction a small gap somewhere can pave out the way for bigger erosions. And it is all due to the increasing energy thirst of human civilization.
Is there any way out? Cleaner-safer energy may be a possible alternative. We keep on talking about renewable energy- but nobody takes it seriously as the popular myth is that renewable energy can never account for the geometrical progression wise population multiplication. Power Shift by Robert Arthur Stayton is a popular science book that depicts the use of solar energy as a viable alternative for the world of tomorrow! In a language that can easily be grasped by even a layman the writer describes how the world of tomorrow will be facing energy crisis in a planet where the reserve of fossil fuel is fast exhausting.
Robert starts with the very definition of energy and how the chariot of mankind is dependant on it. The energy monoester is threatening to pollute our air so badly, making the effect of global warming felt so badly that some environmental measures needs to be taken fast and taken seriously. The second problem is that the reserve of conventional sources of energy like wood, coal, fossil fuel, natural gas is limited and getting exhausted fast. Within a gap of 50-60 years there is every possibility that the global reserve of such energy sources will reach the bottom. Both developed and developing countries are signing treaty after treaty on the control of indiscriminate use of conventional energy- but nothing substantial is getting produced of it. Standing on that crossroad there is need of safer, cleaner and most importantly abundant sources of energy. To the writer solar energy is the answer. In his words-
‘ The good news is that despite the inability of world governments to agree on a path forward, the transition to clean solar energy is already proceeding at a rapid pace. The greatest progress is being made by individuals, business, and organizational deciding for themselves to switch to carbon free energy. You have that choice too. It is actually easier for you for big governments and energy corporations.’
The discussion started as early as the dawn of civilization when human species was yet to muster the art of weapon making or fire production. From that time beyond count- human is closely dependant on energy in his struggle for existence. As time passed-species Homo sapiens or more correctly the predecessors of the species Homo sapiens got acquainted with newer and newer forms of energy like fire from burning of fuels etc. which is nothing but merely a conversion. Tamed animals served the purpose of being the source of mechanical energy to our forefathers. Then wheel was invented and human civilization took a giant leap. With the advancement of chemistry newer forms of energy conversions started to add up to the prosperity of mankind.
But nothing can be compared to the discovery of steam as a source of constant production of mechanical and kinetic energy. It was a revolution- both in the industrial and the transport sector. And then gradually came more and more inventions making life easier for men. But at the same time those inventions accounted for the pollutions of the surface of the earth, threatening the existence of certain sensitive biospheres. At the same time the limited reserve of conventional sources of energy portrays a gloomy picture for the world in the years to come.
Robert has made an in depth analysis of the various uses of solar energy and a sustainable plan that might be able to solve the energy crisis n the years to come. At the same time this may be the answer to the endangered biospheres, effects of global warming and ozone hole. Towards the conclusion he has made a socioeconomic analysis of the hindrances that still holds us back I using solar energy.
Robert does not believe in easier said than done principle. He is the rarest of the rare who believes that it is best to teach the world by doing the same what he preaches and let the world follow him. So he and his wife built up a passive solar home and outfitted it with an off-grid solar photo voltaic system.
But every convenience comes at a price. To achieve the peak of human convenience mother earth has to make too many sacrifices. To make human species cool- coolant gases are increasing the temperature of the earth-in every passing second. To account for increasing energy hunger of electric turbines billions of tones of black gold has to be used. For increasing traffic billions and billions barrels of fossil fuels have to be used. For knowledge thirst of human species-millions of trees are cut each day. As a result the biological balance of the blue planet is facing a crisis of existence. Due to enhancement of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere- global warming is threatening the existence of some of the countries like Bangladesh. Thousands of species of flora and fauna are getting sacrificed at the expense of the human prosperity. It is all because the ecosystems of sensitive vegetation regions are in danger. And like a chain reaction a small gap somewhere can pave out the way for bigger erosions. And it is all due to the increasing energy thirst of human civilization.
Is there any way out? Cleaner-safer energy may be a possible alternative. We keep on talking about renewable energy- but nobody takes it seriously as the popular myth is that renewable energy can never account for the geometrical progression wise population multiplication. Power Shift by Robert Arthur Stayton is a popular science book that depicts the use of solar energy as a viable alternative for the world of tomorrow! In a language that can easily be grasped by even a layman the writer describes how the world of tomorrow will be facing energy crisis in a planet where the reserve of fossil fuel is fast exhausting.
Robert starts with the very definition of energy and how the chariot of mankind is dependant on it. The energy monoester is threatening to pollute our air so badly, making the effect of global warming felt so badly that some environmental measures needs to be taken fast and taken seriously. The second problem is that the reserve of conventional sources of energy like wood, coal, fossil fuel, natural gas is limited and getting exhausted fast. Within a gap of 50-60 years there is every possibility that the global reserve of such energy sources will reach the bottom. Both developed and developing countries are signing treaty after treaty on the control of indiscriminate use of conventional energy- but nothing substantial is getting produced of it. Standing on that crossroad there is need of safer, cleaner and most importantly abundant sources of energy. To the writer solar energy is the answer. In his words-
‘ The good news is that despite the inability of world governments to agree on a path forward, the transition to clean solar energy is already proceeding at a rapid pace. The greatest progress is being made by individuals, business, and organizational deciding for themselves to switch to carbon free energy. You have that choice too. It is actually easier for you for big governments and energy corporations.’
The discussion started as early as the dawn of civilization when human species was yet to muster the art of weapon making or fire production. From that time beyond count- human is closely dependant on energy in his struggle for existence. As time passed-species Homo sapiens or more correctly the predecessors of the species Homo sapiens got acquainted with newer and newer forms of energy like fire from burning of fuels etc. which is nothing but merely a conversion. Tamed animals served the purpose of being the source of mechanical energy to our forefathers. Then wheel was invented and human civilization took a giant leap. With the advancement of chemistry newer forms of energy conversions started to add up to the prosperity of mankind.
But nothing can be compared to the discovery of steam as a source of constant production of mechanical and kinetic energy. It was a revolution- both in the industrial and the transport sector. And then gradually came more and more inventions making life easier for men. But at the same time those inventions accounted for the pollutions of the surface of the earth, threatening the existence of certain sensitive biospheres. At the same time the limited reserve of conventional sources of energy portrays a gloomy picture for the world in the years to come.
Robert has made an in depth analysis of the various uses of solar energy and a sustainable plan that might be able to solve the energy crisis n the years to come. At the same time this may be the answer to the endangered biospheres, effects of global warming and ozone hole. Towards the conclusion he has made a socioeconomic analysis of the hindrances that still holds us back I using solar energy.
Robert does not believe in easier said than done principle. He is the rarest of the rare who believes that it is best to teach the world by doing the same what he preaches and let the world follow him. So he and his wife built up a passive solar home and outfitted it with an off-grid solar photo voltaic system.
April 19, 2016
So readable and thorough that even a congressperson can understand the urgency
This is one of those books that is so valuable that if it were read by enough people soon enough it could save the lives of hundreds of millions of people or even billions.
Sound like an exaggeration? Consider what is at stake if we continue to rely on fossil fuels for energy. It’s not just the people who will lose their homes because of the rising ocean tide, nor is it the people who live on land that will become unbearably hot, nor is it even the people who will die from the rise of tropical disease spreading north and south from equatorial lands, nor is it the people who will lose their livelihood as the ocean fisheries fail, nor is it all the people who will die from the pollution itself—no, it is all the people who will suffer and die because they will not be able to cope with the side effects of the horrendous changes to come. Yes, change will come and unless it is gradual there could be a thunderous crash of nations: water wars, oil wars, food wars as the fossil faucet abruptly runs dry.
The important point is that unless people in positions of power understand the clear and unmistakable message of this book—which is simply that, if we are to survive, we need to move from fossil fuels to solar power—it will be too late to save an enormous number of people from suffering and death. Yes, if humans do survive (which I think we will at some level of comfort) we will be using solar power because nothing else, as Stayton makes abundantly clear, makes any sense.
So why aren’t we moving toward solar energy more quickly?
Greedy, entrenched, privileged power? Yes. Simple ignorance? Yes. But anybody reading this book, and that includes the likes of the Koch brothers and the people at ExxonMobil, will be able to discern the truth. The real reason things are moving too slowly in the transition from fossil fuels to solar energy is that the real price of fossil fuels is not reflected in their actual cost. This is because the real cost of the coal, oil and gas that comes out of the ground by rights should include the costs of cleaning up the pollution. As Stayton makes overwhelming clear if those costs and other environmental and health costs were reflected in the price of fossil fuels, solar energy would be cheaper and the inevitable transition to clean solar power would proceed at Mach speed.
Incidentally, here’s an example of one of the costs of fossil fuels pointed out by Stayton that most people aren’t aware of: “For oil, a major hidden cost comes from the military efforts by the US government to protect the world oil system.” (p. 209) Think trillions.
I want to close with an important quote from the book which illustrates Stayton’s persuasive logic and the clear way he expresses himself:
“…most of the benefits of solar that make a difference in the world are not currently assigned any economic value. Solar’s assets, which include arresting climate change, improving national energy security, clearing skies over cities, and keeping water unpolluted, do not show up on any corporate balance sheet, and therefore make no difference in corporate financial decision making.” (p. 264)
“Thus the profits to be made on fossil fuels will continue to exceed those of solar PV as long as fossil-fuel costs remain hidden and solar benefits remain undervalued. Fossil-fuel corporations have no motivation to change.” (p. 265)
We can give them some motivation. Through governmental action (by electing the right people) we can instead of giving the fossil fuel industry tax breaks, we can tax them enough that they will be paying for the entire cost to society for doing business, and therefore most of them will get out of the fossil fuel business. This has to be done gradually and responsibly but at a quickened pace as the waters around us do rise.
--Dennis Littrell, author of “The World Is Not as We Think It Is”
This is one of those books that is so valuable that if it were read by enough people soon enough it could save the lives of hundreds of millions of people or even billions.
Sound like an exaggeration? Consider what is at stake if we continue to rely on fossil fuels for energy. It’s not just the people who will lose their homes because of the rising ocean tide, nor is it the people who live on land that will become unbearably hot, nor is it even the people who will die from the rise of tropical disease spreading north and south from equatorial lands, nor is it the people who will lose their livelihood as the ocean fisheries fail, nor is it all the people who will die from the pollution itself—no, it is all the people who will suffer and die because they will not be able to cope with the side effects of the horrendous changes to come. Yes, change will come and unless it is gradual there could be a thunderous crash of nations: water wars, oil wars, food wars as the fossil faucet abruptly runs dry.
The important point is that unless people in positions of power understand the clear and unmistakable message of this book—which is simply that, if we are to survive, we need to move from fossil fuels to solar power—it will be too late to save an enormous number of people from suffering and death. Yes, if humans do survive (which I think we will at some level of comfort) we will be using solar power because nothing else, as Stayton makes abundantly clear, makes any sense.
So why aren’t we moving toward solar energy more quickly?
Greedy, entrenched, privileged power? Yes. Simple ignorance? Yes. But anybody reading this book, and that includes the likes of the Koch brothers and the people at ExxonMobil, will be able to discern the truth. The real reason things are moving too slowly in the transition from fossil fuels to solar energy is that the real price of fossil fuels is not reflected in their actual cost. This is because the real cost of the coal, oil and gas that comes out of the ground by rights should include the costs of cleaning up the pollution. As Stayton makes overwhelming clear if those costs and other environmental and health costs were reflected in the price of fossil fuels, solar energy would be cheaper and the inevitable transition to clean solar power would proceed at Mach speed.
Incidentally, here’s an example of one of the costs of fossil fuels pointed out by Stayton that most people aren’t aware of: “For oil, a major hidden cost comes from the military efforts by the US government to protect the world oil system.” (p. 209) Think trillions.
I want to close with an important quote from the book which illustrates Stayton’s persuasive logic and the clear way he expresses himself:
“…most of the benefits of solar that make a difference in the world are not currently assigned any economic value. Solar’s assets, which include arresting climate change, improving national energy security, clearing skies over cities, and keeping water unpolluted, do not show up on any corporate balance sheet, and therefore make no difference in corporate financial decision making.” (p. 264)
“Thus the profits to be made on fossil fuels will continue to exceed those of solar PV as long as fossil-fuel costs remain hidden and solar benefits remain undervalued. Fossil-fuel corporations have no motivation to change.” (p. 265)
We can give them some motivation. Through governmental action (by electing the right people) we can instead of giving the fossil fuel industry tax breaks, we can tax them enough that they will be paying for the entire cost to society for doing business, and therefore most of them will get out of the fossil fuel business. This has to be done gradually and responsibly but at a quickened pace as the waters around us do rise.
--Dennis Littrell, author of “The World Is Not as We Think It Is”
July 5, 2015
I absolutely think this is the best book I have read so far on anything to do with solar energy. I received this book through the goodreads giveaway. Am happy to have the information in this book. I plan o pass to several people. I feel we all need to do better at how we use energy. We are not powerless to do something about energy uses and wasteful energy habits. A percent of the world population will do noting or cannot do anything in this area. Those who control political and economic power must stop denying we have a problem world wide. We must and can do something about our future energy consumption. We need to get past fossil fuels. The list of people from let's just say from 1712 Thomas Newcomen to yourself , Robert Arthur Stayton,in present day who have discovered and researched energy is astonishing. We do have many energy choices that are better to transition us into the future. We peoples of the world need to get to a place in society where we will not tolerate wasting energy, electricity. We as individuals can re examine our energy usage where we are right now. Each decision about our energy usage will make a difference, I do believe. This book was so easy to read I could understand what the author's view on the subject. When I first pick up the book I was not so sure. But after a few pages I could not put it down. I hope many people read this book and take to heart what this book is about and do something about their energy usage. I am very thankful to have received this book.
January 22, 2016
At the beginning of the book, Stayton starts off with explaining about the beginnings and history of energy. He explains how we got where we are now, and includes beautifully drawn pictures. He also explains how we became such big users of energy. I was surprised to find out that everything we do involves energy from some source. As an example in the book, it takes energy to cut grass, and then transport it to wherever it needs to go. Afterwards, Stayton talks about the problem that we are having now, and how we might be able to fix it. He includes graphs, and a lot of informative stuff! He moves on to talk about how to remove the energy that we have now, and how to create new forms of solar energy, which could save our planet, and save our pockets, plus, there's enough solar energy for everyone to use! He talks about where to store energy, and how cheap it could be to transition from fossil fuels to solar energy. There are some places, in the book, when he talks about the negatives of solar power. I like it, because he sees different perspectives, which makes this book a great scientific book. He talks about formulating a plan to make this change, and how to sustain the change once it's made.
I would definitely recommend this book to people who like science, or even people that might be a little bit interested in this topic, because it's a great read, and at the end, you'll be an expert on Fossil Energy and Solar Power! I would like to thank the author for sending me this book in exchange for a review of my own, honest opinion.
I would definitely recommend this book to people who like science, or even people that might be a little bit interested in this topic, because it's a great read, and at the end, you'll be an expert on Fossil Energy and Solar Power! I would like to thank the author for sending me this book in exchange for a review of my own, honest opinion.
August 27, 2015
The book, Power Shift - From Fossil Energy to Dynamic Solar Power, gives an overview of how humans first began to direct energy. Stayton explains the earliest forms of harnessing energy i.e. using wood for heating and cooking and using animal energy for power.
'Our current dilemma', he explains, 'is the 100 million tons of carbon dioxide released into our atmosphere each day.' Subsequently, Stayton outlines why only 20-40% of global fossil fuel carbon emissions is suitable for capture, why carbon capture and storage systems (CCs) is risky for future generations, and why the use of radioactive materials as a basis for nuclear energy is especially dangerous. Stayton also relates the reasons that undeveloped Thorium-fueled reactors make nuclear energy unfeasible. He does a fine job scientifically explaining light energy. Further, he not only lays out a vision for future solar homes but solar businesses and solar industries.
In his book, Power Shift - From Fossil Energy to Dynamic Solar Power , Stayton explains what is needed to switch to a 100% solar-based economy. Lastly, he provides 20 benefits of solar PV such as 1) being a secure energy 2) being a solid investment for business, and 3) not requiring any dedicated land.
I recommend this book for anyone with a vision for energy-efficiency.
My favorite quote: "Light energy is pure energy, free of matter. That's why solar energy does not pollute.
For more reviews visit www.McNeilsReviews.com
'Our current dilemma', he explains, 'is the 100 million tons of carbon dioxide released into our atmosphere each day.' Subsequently, Stayton outlines why only 20-40% of global fossil fuel carbon emissions is suitable for capture, why carbon capture and storage systems (CCs) is risky for future generations, and why the use of radioactive materials as a basis for nuclear energy is especially dangerous. Stayton also relates the reasons that undeveloped Thorium-fueled reactors make nuclear energy unfeasible. He does a fine job scientifically explaining light energy. Further, he not only lays out a vision for future solar homes but solar businesses and solar industries.
In his book, Power Shift - From Fossil Energy to Dynamic Solar Power , Stayton explains what is needed to switch to a 100% solar-based economy. Lastly, he provides 20 benefits of solar PV such as 1) being a secure energy 2) being a solid investment for business, and 3) not requiring any dedicated land.
I recommend this book for anyone with a vision for energy-efficiency.
My favorite quote: "Light energy is pure energy, free of matter. That's why solar energy does not pollute.
For more reviews visit www.McNeilsReviews.com
September 15, 2015
I first want to thank goodreads first reads and the author for giving me the opportunity to receive a free copy of Power Shift by Robert Authur Stayton.
I found this book to be very informative and how history has given the need in the modern times the solar energy instead of the fossil fuels we have been accustom to and how using pv solar panels can give us the same effects for the most part and what happens to our lives if we dont change.How carbon dioxide is affecting us in the long term and what we can do about it.
I am so very happy to have read this book and i recommend this book to those educators who want to teach the children of today what their ancestries have done to cause issues to the enviroment.I also think that this book should be read by anyone who is willing to do something to help this cause.
thanks again for giving me this chance to read this wonderful book.YOu wont be dissappointed at all...
I found this book to be very informative and how history has given the need in the modern times the solar energy instead of the fossil fuels we have been accustom to and how using pv solar panels can give us the same effects for the most part and what happens to our lives if we dont change.How carbon dioxide is affecting us in the long term and what we can do about it.
I am so very happy to have read this book and i recommend this book to those educators who want to teach the children of today what their ancestries have done to cause issues to the enviroment.I also think that this book should be read by anyone who is willing to do something to help this cause.
thanks again for giving me this chance to read this wonderful book.YOu wont be dissappointed at all...
July 16, 2015
"Power Shift" really should be required reading for all. This book clearly and concisely explains the evolution of mankind's use of energy and the role of energy in our rise as dominant species of planet Earth.
Anyone involved in the climate debate or the impact of fossil fuel use on the climate should read this book. Our educators should read this book. In fact, I would recommend everybody read this book.
Don't think that because Stayton provides a clear and concise explanation of the science and evolution of energy use by humans that this book will not inform the scientific community. I have a Ph.D. in Mathematics, a rich history of study in the physical sciences, and a lifelong career as a computer scientist yet every page of this book managed to inform me in ways I had not previously connected.
Read it.
Anyone involved in the climate debate or the impact of fossil fuel use on the climate should read this book. Our educators should read this book. In fact, I would recommend everybody read this book.
Don't think that because Stayton provides a clear and concise explanation of the science and evolution of energy use by humans that this book will not inform the scientific community. I have a Ph.D. in Mathematics, a rich history of study in the physical sciences, and a lifelong career as a computer scientist yet every page of this book managed to inform me in ways I had not previously connected.
Read it.
December 8, 2015
Energy basic principles and engineering fundamentals explained in the most understandable, accurate and engaging way I have ever read. Great intro student textbook or primer for kids.
Shines when advocating for Solar, while covering a tremendous range of issues and arguments. The battery and PV technology sections are already dated, and more experimental tech should have been reviewed. The speed of innovation and experimentation is the strongest secure indicator of inevitable success.
"It is important to realize that in physics today, we have no knowledge of what energy is." -Richard Feynman (p76)
We need just 254 sq mi of PV to supply all global electrical needs, and storage solutions are advancing tremendously.
Shines when advocating for Solar, while covering a tremendous range of issues and arguments. The battery and PV technology sections are already dated, and more experimental tech should have been reviewed. The speed of innovation and experimentation is the strongest secure indicator of inevitable success.
"It is important to realize that in physics today, we have no knowledge of what energy is." -Richard Feynman (p76)
We need just 254 sq mi of PV to supply all global electrical needs, and storage solutions are advancing tremendously.
December 11, 2015
I received this as an goodreads giveaway. What I wanted was to find out out where solar power is. From the 70's to today, getting energy for electricity has changed. We had solar panels but had to take them off when they stopped working. About this book, he explains first the history of energy and about where we were. He details his personal experience as a home owner and how it actually which is what those interested in solar power. He then explains further details about solar power in the rest of the book. The illustrations by Todd Sallow are amazing pencil drawings and the artistry added to the text. Most people have photographs, but the pencil drawings were excellent.
August 5, 2015
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This book was amazing! I really enjoyed it. It got very technical though, but Robert really did a fantastic job of breaking it down into truly understandable terms. The things that were said in this book really had me thinking and agreeing with a lot of stuff. I consider myself a soft "green" person but this book really lit a fire under me to work harder. I love the ending where he gives you varying levels of participation. Know what is going on around you so that we all can serve each other better. GREAT GREAT read! Definitely would recommend it to everyone!!!!
This book was amazing! I really enjoyed it. It got very technical though, but Robert really did a fantastic job of breaking it down into truly understandable terms. The things that were said in this book really had me thinking and agreeing with a lot of stuff. I consider myself a soft "green" person but this book really lit a fire under me to work harder. I love the ending where he gives you varying levels of participation. Know what is going on around you so that we all can serve each other better. GREAT GREAT read! Definitely would recommend it to everyone!!!!
October 5, 2015
If you have any questions or doubts about solar power, read this book! It is the most logical explanation about and argument for the switch to solar power. After reading this book it is undeniable that this is the path humans all over the world should take. Stayton describes his own personal experience with solar power, which really normalizes it and shows how easy it can it be. In his acknowledgments, Stayton mentions how he always wished to "write a book that made a complex subject easy for anyone to understand". I can say quite confidently that he reached this goal.
September 22, 2020
I'll rate this book 4/5 not in spite of but due to the author's clear-cut way of exposing the former utility and current disadvantages of using fossil fuels, in contrast with the multiple benefits that arise from shifting to solar power. The outline and development of the thesis statement are easy to follow and I am pretty sure the book will manage to rise awareness within each and every regular layperson it is aimed at.
As for those readers in search of something more technical and complex, the book still provides a nice recap.
As for those readers in search of something more technical and complex, the book still provides a nice recap.
May 27, 2015
Have doubts about whether climate change is really happening? This is the book to read. Written in very readable, non-scientific terms, it makes a compelling case for getting away from fossil fuels and switching to solar power. A must read for anyone interested in the subject -- as well as everyone else who should be interested in the subject.
June 14, 2015
This is a Fabulous Book. Very Informative as well as Educational. Robert Stayton has written for us to understand the Hazards of Continuing the Usage of Fossil Fuels for energy. And he fully explains the Benefits of Solar Energy. An Excellent Learning Experience. THANK YOU GOODREADS FIRSTREADS FOR THIS FREE BOOK!!!!!
November 26, 2015
In “Power Shift” Stayton offers a much needed look at humanity's relationship with energy: where we have been, where we are, and where we would could go (in a good way). He offers the science in a language that anyone can follow and offers insights and ways forward with solar that will be engaging to all from novice to expert.
My copy was a gift though Goodreads First Reads.
My copy was a gift though Goodreads First Reads.
May 8, 2017
I was already sold on the idea of solar power: I recently had a solar system installed at my house and drive and electric car. But there was much that I didn't know. Power Shift helped me understand how important the move to solar power is and the limitations of all the alternatives you hear about. The book is clear, concise, and informative. Read it and buy copies for all your friends.
January 21, 2016
A fantastic book! I love this book because it give a new knowledge about energy sources of the future (future technology - alternative energy). Thank you Mr. Robert Arthur Stayton for the great book.
August 2, 2015
I received this book through Goodreads Firstreads. Very interesting and intelligent book on solar energy. Seems long at times, but I would recommend to all!
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