Smart Power: An Urban Guide To Renewable energy and efficiency

by William H. Kemp

Concern over energy supply, costs, and environmental problems are not limited to those prepared to venture into the countryside to an off-grid life. Urban people—now the vast majority in the Western world—share the same fear about what lies ahead. The average North American family will spend over one quarter million after-tax dollars on energy in a lifetime. $mart Power shows homeowners that using less energy or adopting renewable-energy technologies is not about making drastic lifestyle sacrifices, nor is it expensive. In fact, energy efficiency often improves lifestyle through lower operating costs, a more comfortable environment, and increased disposable income. Richly illustrated, chapters include energy efficiency, space heating and cooling, community power, energy efficient transportation, photovoltaics, wind and bio-fuels, batteries, voltage regulation and inverters, solar water heating, and backup power.

Genres: Sustainability, Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[Mark Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

great introduction to energy efficiency and urban renewable energy sources. After reading this book most people are going to be able to take some measures to save power (from better insulation to selecting more efficient electrical devices). Enough details are provided to understand the basics of power generation and the components that would be required.