Got Sun Go Solar

by Rex A. Ewing, Doug Pratt

A straight-talking book tells grid-connected homeowners how to use free energy from the sun and wind to reduce or even eliminate their electric bills, and what to expect from this independent, thoughtful lifestyle. Whether you live in the sun-soaked Southwest, or windy North Dakota, alternative energy has come of age with affordable modern technology. Now with rebates and incentives from most states, installing a home system is an economically-attractive and environmentally-responsible option. Chapters - Why invest in alternative energy for your home? - Is it legal and safe? - How solar electricity really works - Batteries or not? - Sizing a system to fit your home and your needs - Got Wind? - What does it cost? - Does your state offer rebates or incentives? - Permits, Paperwork and Financing - The Nuts & what to look for, what to avoid - Who does the installation? - Extensive appendix with resources, manufacturers, sizing worksheets, glossary, and more

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2005

Reviews

[Horgansl · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has a lot of good info on solar energy as an alternative to fossil fuels for household electricity needs.

[Geoffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually a great book but it is a little dated because the technology and industry are changing so fast.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got Sun? Go Solar is an excellent book for what it is, but that wasn't really what I was looking for. It's written for the homeowner who wants to spend at least $5,000 (but probably more like $20,000) on a grid-tied solar setup. The book presents the basics so the homeowner can understand the system, but assumes that in that price range you'll be paying someone else to do all the work. On the up side, the explanations of electricity early in the book are cleverly and engagingly written, so it might be worth a skim at least if you're interested in solar in general.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know why electricity and power stuff stumps me so completely... but it does. I WANT to understand solar power, but all these, watts, amps, volts, inverters, converters... sigh. I'm catching on... a little bit. I guess I need to keep reading...

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Along with Power With Nature, this book look directly at a grid-tied system of solar power in the home. As usual, quirky, informative, interesting, helpful.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

If we actually decide to make the switch to solar energy source, I will check this book out again and use it to help find information.