The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy shows you how to tap into clean, affordable, renewable energy resources to heat and cool homes, to provide hot water and electricity, and even to cook. It starts by outlining the likely impacts of fossil fuel shortages and some basic facts about energy. It then discusses energy conservation to slash energy bills and prepare for renewable energy options. Focusing carefully on specific strategies needed to replace specific fuels, the book then examines each practical energy option available to homeowners:
- Solar hot water, cooking, and water purification
- Space heat: passive and active solar retrofits
- Wood heat
- Passive cooling
- Solar electricity
- Wind-generated electricity
- Electricity from microhydropower sources
- Emerging technologies-hydrogen, fuel cells, methane digesters, and biodiesel
The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy gives readers sufficient knowledge to hire and communicate effectively with contractors and, for those wanting do installations themselves, it recommends more detailed manuals. With a complete resource listing, this well-illustrated and accessible guide is a perfect companion for illuminating the coming dark age.
