The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy: Achieving Energy Independence from Wind, Solar, Biomass and Hydropower

Mother Earth News Wiser Living #3

by Daniel D. Chiras

Presents information on how to improve a home's energy efficiency and switch to renewable energy resourses to provide electricity, hot water, heat, and cooling for a home.

Genres: Architecture, Design, Reference, Green

352 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2006

About the author

Dan has spent much of the past 30 years studying sustainability and applying what he has learned in solar energy, natural building, and green building to his residences, and most of the last ten plus years sharing the practical knowledge he has gained through writing, lectures, slide shows, and workshops.
Dan Chiras paid his last electric bill in June of 1996. It is not that he has disavowed the use of electricity and modern conveniences, but rather that he has turned to the sun and wind to meet his family's needs.

Reviews

[Mark Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book goes deeper into renewable energy systems available to address the power needs of residential buildings and related topics. I appreciate his discussion on conservation, the breakdown of the energy/power consumption of a 'typical' residence, etc. This book goes deeper into energy than "The Solar House" goes into passive design, providing almost enough information to evaluate and size some systems. The amount of information presented varies by system, as solar photovoltaic and wind power get a more detailed treatment than biomass.

[Felicity Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow but thorough reading! If you're looking for an overview of solar, wind, and microhydro options for your home, this is a great book to start! I learned a lot in each chapter and even kept notes - something I haven't done since college! I also have a half dozen further reading titles, all recommended in this book.

[James The Outdoor Asian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this knowing it was a bit outdated (2006 vs 2021), but was able to get a pretty good survey of renewable energy possibilities and projects for the home. It's a no frills, but comprehensive coverage of what one should know, prior to considering any renewable energy project or investment.

And yes, we actually installed solar the following year.

Good primer.

[Michael Boerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

First few chapters are the most essential, because that's where most gains are made - in waste reduction. Just like lean thinking: eliminate the waste, then automate the rest. So get that caulk gun out and kick out those window AC units!

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A textbook for transforming. some dated material but overall a great resource guide.

[Carl Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pg 5: You can't trust his graph. After 2013 everything keeps going down.
Pg 122: Rural areas may continue to burn wood. Suggests fast growing wood lots. What is the fastest growing fruit tree?
Pg 129: New wood stoves produce less smoke. What about having the stove in another building?
Pg 126: Catalytic converters in wood stoves increase efficiency.
Pg 134: Wood furnace in basement, garage or outdoors.
Pg 142: The masonary stove can have an oven and pizza oven in it. How could wood stove fit with the multigeneration family unit: Clear division of labor between male and female. Guys; wood lots, cutting and burning. Gals; cleaning and baking.
Pg 169: If building a new house .2 miles from a power pole it may be cheaper to put in solar power.
Pg 245 Here is a use of a 5 gallon bucket. To measure the flow in a stream for a power dam.
Pg 310: He has books on wood heat."The good woodcutters Guide: Chain Sawws, portable saw mills and wood lots. Dave Johnson 1998.

[Leonardo Etcheto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good overview. Now I want to buy a property with a river of some kind to get the small hydro power going. Makes a good case for going renawable if you have a new home construction with expensive grid connection fee's.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This gives overviews of different energy sources, but doesn't give a punch list or step by step instructions, boo!

[Mark Woodland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information & good ideas.... wish there were more material about how people with limited funds can pay for these things; perhaps web links to contantly updated information?

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for class and I really liked the writing style. The book was easy to understand and interesting!

[Martha Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this book, I want to build an off-the-grid home. Great book. Who wants to pay increasing utility costs?

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great ideas to enhance your home with renewable energy!