Offers advice and suggestions for building a solar-powered home, including estimating energy needs, selecting the right equipment, and maintaining the system once it is installed.

All the power you need is already there This third edition helps readers understand the basics of solar (photovoltaic) power and explore whether it makes sense for them, what their options are, and what's involved with installing various on– and off–grid systems. • Solar power is a $3 billion industry, and it's poised to grow to $39 billion by 2014 • By 2011, the United States will surpass Germany as the largest market for solar power products

The bestselling alternative energy reference book in North America—now in an updated edition Want to take advantage of solar power in your home? Whether you’re looking to save on your energy costs by adding a few solar components or you want to build a solar-powered house from the ground up, Solar Power For Dummies, 2nd Edition takes the mystery out of this energy source and shows you how to put it to work for you! This new edition gives you hands-on tips and techniques for making your home more energy-efficient though solar power—and helping the planet at the same time. Plus, you’ll get all the latest information on changes to federal, state, and local regulations, laws, and tax incentives that seek to make solar-power adoption more feasible. Expanded coverage of the technology that underpins full-scale solar-power systems for the home New small- and mid-sized solar products, projects, and applications Rik DeGunther is a design engineer who started his own energy consulting firm Featuring ten of the easiest and cheapest DIY solar projects, Solar Power For Dummies, 2nd Edition is the fun and easy way to meet your energy needs with this clean power source!

Now more than ever, the question of economic and environmentally friendly energy sources has become a hot topic in almost every American home. With that in mind, more and more people are turning to alternatives such as solar power as a means of saving money and reducing their imprint on the environment. This nearly carbon neutral method comes with hefty tax rebates from the federal government and in states like California and New Jersey massive rebates from the state. More states are considering similar rebates and with a 3 to 8 year energy savings possible according to a recent report by the New York Times, it is an ideal solution for anyone looking to save money in the long term and help the planet immediately. This book will guide anyone interested in the process of installing and utilizing solar power for their home in the process of searching for, buying, or building their own solar power system. Learn how solar power and other alternative energy sources can help to save the world regardless of the cost and how you can start surveying your own energy use and efficiency. Learn how you can start making basic adjustments to become more efficient and how solar power can help you before you start any major projects. Learn what solar power requires, from cost and equipment to maintenance and preparation in certain times of the year. Learn how solar power works and how to start evaluating the potential of it for your building needs. Take the cost of installing solar power and learn how long it will take to make money back on your investment, including information on federal and state rebates that might affect you. Multiple individuals who have successfully installed solar power in their homes have been interviewed and their experiences included in this guide to help you learn what others go through and how they came out. Learn how the installation process works and how it can be done in your landscape, in small projects, for heating and purifying water, swimming pool heating, and other smaller projects. Learn about how individuals construct solar power systems on their own to save money and what is involved in a full PV system. Finally, learn how the market for green homes has made it possible to extract a huge return on investment from building or remodeling a home with solar power. For anyone who has ever considered solar power as a viable means to save money and the environment, this guide will help you get started right away.br> Atlantic Publishing is a small, independent publishing company based in Ocala, Florida. Founded over twenty years ago in the company presidentâe(tm)s garage, Atlantic Publishing has grown to become a renowned resource for non-fiction books. Today, over 450 titles are in print covering subjects such as small business, healthy living, management, finance, careers, and real estate. Atlantic Publishing prides itself on producing award winning, high-quality manuals that give readers up-to-date, pertinent information, real-world examples, and case studies with expert advice. Every book has resources, contact information, and web sites of the products or companies discussed.

Green Your Home All-in-One For Dummies empowers readers to make ecologically-friendly improvements to each and every area of their home. At $29.99 and 696 pages, this package is a real value and a true source book for readers looking for a substantial breadth of information and solutions yet unwilling to invest in four, five, or six books on the wide range of content that they seek.

Choose Tiny. Choose Yourself. No mortgage. Low bills. Less cleaning. A space crafted just for you. A warm and cozy atmosphere. Tiny homes have become more and more popular in recent years, and for good reason. People all over the world are choosing to downsize and live in a space under 400 feet. The simplicity and minimalism, as well as the savings, have made tiny homes a desirable choice. Tiny houses have helped young people become homeowners sooner, while for older people, the switch can eliminate worry and financial strain. From yurts to shipping containers and stilted shelters, tiny homes are more than just a building. They add so much value to your life with everything they have to offer. Many types can be built by an average person, or constructed for a small fee. You can even take your tiny home on the road if you decide to live in an RV! Tiny House Living is a thorough guide to the best housing choice you’ll ever make. Having lived in less than 200 square feet for over a decade, Timothy Stevens shares his expertise on every aspect of the tiny lifestyle. In Tiny House Living, you’ll read about: ● Why tiny homes are better than traditional sizes in terms of finance, lifestyle, and environmental impact ● The long history of the tiny home, going back to the early days of civilization ● The inside truth on what tiny house living is like so that you can decide if it’s right for you ● Whether you should buy or build your new home ● Tips to have kids and pets in tiny homes without even feeling crowded ● How to downsize to the essentials, getting rid of junk for a smoother transition to tiny living ● Zoning laws and building codes to be aware of, and how to best comply with them ● Types of tiny homes, including cabins, A-frame homes, and backyard shelters ● Floor plans for every room in your tiny house, and how to make sure you have more than enough storage ● Sustainable electricity for your home, such as solar panels and wind power ● Ways to use your interior space efficiently, making areas multitask with disappearing desks, retractable stairs, or lift-up coffee tables ● How to make your tiny home as enjoyable, welcoming, and functional as possible … and much more! Whether you’re young and starting out, mid-career, or nearing retirement, a tiny house could make your life simpler, easier, and more pleasant. People of all ages and situations have found freedom and flexibility by switching to a smaller home. Whatever your situation, Tiny House Living will give you all the information and advice that you need.