Table of Contents
This effort is dedicated to the Source of the sun and everything under it.
Introduction
Houston, we still have a problem!
Were running out of oil! The petroleum that fuels our daily lives is getting harder to find. Turning fossils into electricity is hazardous to our health. And the numerous costs of burning fuel are skyrocketing!
Fortunately, were not running out of options. We can cut back on the energy we use. And we can turn to the energy sources that have been there all along: the sun, wind, and water.
So why didnt we make this decision years ago? Economics! Fossils fueled the industrial age. We became dependent on cheap, available oil to keep things moving toward a brighter future. Well, the future is hereand the easy fuels are nearly depleted. Maybe soon, maybe very soon. Prices are up and down like a runaway roller coaster. Fortunately, technology is moving faster to offer some options.
So what can you, a homeowner or renter, do right now to reduce the worlds dependency on petroleum fuels? You can read this book!
No, Im not a tree hugger. I dont believe that the ecology equation excludes mankinds needs. I also dont believe ecology has been given a fair shake in our greed for more stuff. Moderation is the key to life. Give and take. Unfortunately, weve been blindly taking, and its time to at least cut back.
Thats what The Complete Idiots Guide to Solar Power for Your Home, Third Edition, is about: considering solar and other renewable energy resources to power our lives efficiently. Its also about becoming aware of the energy problem and finding some easy-to-implement solutions right now. Most important, it helps you discover whether the solar option is your best option and shows you how to implement it.
If youre like most folks, you dont know much about the sun except that youre not supposed to stare directly at it. Well, its Earths primary energy source and were using it to grow food and do other things, but were not giving it a fair chance to power our homes and lives. So this book is written to give you first an overview, then more and more specifics on how to put the sun to work for you.
You may have heard that solar power is expensive. Well, compared to here-today-gone-tomorrow fossil fuel, it isin the short term. However, advances in renewable energy technology have really brought prices down over the past few years. And governments have stepped up to offer impressive rebates and incentives that make solar power much more economical. In fact, todays systems can pay back costs in just a few yearsthen furnish nearly free power for many more. Think of the investment as prepaid utility bills. Theres even some great financing available for solar power systems.
These are the things youll learn about as you read this book. Its your first investment in the solution. Even if you choose not to install a complete solar electric generation system in your home, this book will still be an excellent investment in knowing how to reduce oil dependency by cutting your energy costs. It shows you how you can save many hundreds of dollars each year in energy bills.
This book isnt for solar experts. They already understand the problem and the solutions. Its for you! Youve read the news stories, heard the dire warnings, and want to know more about your options. You want to be part of the solution rather than the problem. Youre certainly not a complete idiot, but you do want to have solar and other renewable power options explained in clear and usable terms. This book answers the question: Does solar power make sense for you? It includes what you need to know about buying, installing, and maintaining solar and other renewable power systems for your home. This latest edition includes more detailed information about installing your new power system.
One more note: Prices offered in this book are estimates and guidelines to help you determine the relative value of solar power. Your power system suppliers and contractors can offer costs more specific to your needs and region. This book can help you become a smarter power consumer and save many dollars.
How to Use This Book
The Complete Idiots Guide to Solar Power for Your Home, Third Edition, contains 19 clear chapters and 4 practical appendixes. Heres how its laid out:
Part 1, Solar Basics, tells you about the technology, rebates, and financing available to those who go solar. Youll also get an overview of solar power installation in your existing home or a new one. Youll learn about design issues that can dramatically cut heating and cooling costs without a solar power system. Youll learn the basics.
Part 2, Solar Energy Solutions, takes curious minds into the proven world of solar and other power resources. Youll learn how solar power is generated with photovoltaic cells and modules. And youll find out how to store and distribute power. Youll also discover the most efficient application of solar energy: making hot water. Youll also learn about heating your home with passive solar energy. Youll see the solutions.
Part 3, Solar Power Systems, is for plug-and-play folks. It covers the various types of solar power systems available today. These systems include all the components you need to go solar within days. Youll find systems to power your entire house, smaller systems to handle part but not all of the load, emergency systems for backup power, and even portable systems for travelers. Youll learn about grid-tied and off-grid power systems, supplemental power, and other ingenious ways to produce home energy. Youll understand how the systems work.
Part 4, Solar Power Projects, guides you through buying, installing, and maintaining a solar power systemwhether youll build and install it yourself or hire a contractor to do some or all of it. Lots of specific information is included here, provided by designers and installers. Youll find clear step-by-step instructions for solar power installations.
Youll also find four comprehensive appendixes. The first guides you in estimating your homes energy needs and the second offers 50 ways to cut your home energy bill right now! Remember: every dollar you save in energy efficiency reduces the cost of your solar power system by $3 to $5! The expanded Solar Glossary clearly defines all those words and terms you may come across as you consider and shop for solar power. The updated Solar Resources appendix is your one stop for all the resources youll need, including federal, state, and local government resources; solar equipment dealers and suppliers; energy-efficiency contractors; catalogs and magazines; and more. You can find the latest Solar Resources online at SolarHomeGuides.com.
Yes, there is a structure to this book. However, dont let it get in the way of enjoying the discovery process. If youre curious about how PV cells work, turn to Chapter 7 right now. If youre interested in how you can use net metering to earn extra money from your system, flip over to Chapter 12. If you think wind and water technology may be a good option, check out Chapter 8 first. This book is written for both front-to-back readers and browsers. Enjoy!
Extras
Throughout this book, additional guides clarify new terms, offer additional information, or caution you about potential problems. They look like this:
