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

Solar power (photovoltaics) is now a $1 billion industry, and it's poised to grow rapidly in the near future as more pressure is placed on limited fossil fuel resources and as advances in solar technology drive down the costs of residential solar systems. Twenty-six states now offer tax and utility credits to solar energy users, and the market for solar power products and services is expected to increase 25 to 40 percent each year over the next 20 years. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Solar Power for Your Home, Second Edition, helps readers understand the basics of solar power and other renewable energy sources, explore whether solar power makes sense for them, what their options are, and what's involved with installing various on and off-grid systems.

An essential how-to on powering your home with sun, wind, water, and more. For readers wanting to save money-and the planet-by using alternative energy, this book provides everything they need to know. The five basic sources are fully covered: sun, wind, water, earth, and bio. The benefits, what is needed, and whether it will work for a particular home are all carefully laid out in this comprehensive overview: ? Solar energy for home heating, water heating, and electricity ? Wind power, hydrogen, and micro hydro power ? Heat pumps-air, geothermal, and water source ? Heating with wood and going bio

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!

Imagine if you could cut your electricity bill in half by adding a solar setup to your house. Now what if I said you could design and install your DIY solar power system and escape the labor costs? Tendency toward off grid living and homesteading, along with high electricity costs, has raised the demand for solar power, utilizing solar energy with no greenhouse gas production. Since available information in this regard is incomplete or complicated, DIY SOURCE BOOKS has prepared a practical guide on how to set up DIY solar power off grid and grid tied systems. We have worked closely with experienced solar industry contractors and engineers to provide a reader-friendly guide and make your off grid life less expensive. Whether you know electricity or not, DIY Solar Power for Beginners will guide you in customizing your grid connected photovoltaic system as well as battery backed, hybrid, and off grid solar power systems. By using practical examples and step-by-step instructions, we will walk you through the whole process of powering, including calculating your electricity needs, selecting, and connecting your solar panels and other components. This solar blueprint uses a pragmatic approach and emphasizes the essentials, while covering the details about assembling an on and off grid power system. By reading this guide, you will be able to do it yourself; however, if you need to hire a contractor, you will know what to expect from them. In this solar power DIY guide you will discover: Direct hyperlinks to check local permits and purchase solar equipment. Pros and cons of different types of solar powered systems, and guides to choose the proper one. Beginner friendly guide on essential electricity rules and circuits. How to use the installation tools. How photovoltaic solar cells and panels function. Grid tied and off grid solar power simplified formula to calculate your electricity needs and power consumption. How to size your roof for grid tied and off the grid solar power system components. How to mount and connect solar rails and panels. How to size and select the proper charge controller for your grid connected and off grid power system. How lead acid, lithium ion battery and DIY lithium battery work and how to size a battery for your off grid survival. How inverters function and a straightforward formula to select the proper grid tied and off grid inverter. Easy-to-understand instructions on how to use correct wire size, connectors, and safety devices. How to avoid common solar mistakes and tips for your system maintenance. Whether you want to power your small workshop, invest in solar to skip the electricity bills, or live a self-sufficient life in your off grid homestead, this companion provides the essentials for your solar journey. Each journey begins with the first step. To start your DIY project, take your step today, scroll up and get your copy of the book NOW.