Solar Electricity Basics: A Green Energy Guide

by Daniel D. Chiras

The future will be powered by renewables. As we transition away from finite and polluting fossil fuels, clean, reliable, and affordable renewable technologies such as solar electricity will become the mainstay of our energy supply.  Solar Electricity Basics provides a clear understanding of electricity and energy. It discusses the types of solar electric system you can choose from, their components, solar site assessment, the installation of photovoltaic systems, and much more. Whether your goal is to lower your energy bill or to achieve complete energy independence, Solar Electricity Basics is the introduction you need. Dan Chiras is a respected educator and an internationally acclaimed author who has published more than twenty-five books on residential renewable energy and green building, including Power From the Sun .

Genres: Science

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

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

[Yukang Xu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book in general. It fits better if you already knew some basics on solar

[Liane · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource book if you're interested in getting off the grid or selling back to the grid. He explains pros and cons of different types of photovoltaics and mounting systems. He seems to favor the grid sharing without battery back-up, which I found surprising. If we ever do this, I want battery back-up.

[Laurla2]

good explanations and diagrams. my eyes crossed a little bit in places (too much info for me to handle) but most of it was really great. i understand a lot more than i did before. this book is from 2010, so fairly current. at the back is a great list of questions to ask potential installers.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information about installing solar power on a home. Not too technical, but enough to get an overview of what is required.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I basically skimmed it but it gave me an idea of what I should consider when/if I go that route. Pretty easy to follow and short and informative.