Overview
From Vermont to California homeowners are plugging in to a hot new idea - reducing or eliminating their electric bills by using free energy from the sun and wind. In this straight-talking new book, authors Rex Ewing and Doug Pratt tell other grid-connected homeowners how to capture alternative energy and put it to use in their home.
Renewable energy is going mainstream, thanks to affordable new technologies with rebates and incentives from many states. Today more and more homeowners believe that installing a home RE system is the economically-attractive and environmentally-responsible thing to do. Whether they install a solar/wind system to benefit their checkbooks or to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, they also enjoy the added independence of a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
The authors know firsthand how these systems work: Rex Ewing, author of Power With Nature, has lived off-the-grid in the Colorado Rockies since 1999; and Doug Pratt, the former technical editor of the Solar Living Sourcebook, lives in a grid-tied home in northern California, and has been on the front lines of the renewable energy revolution since 1985.
The book covers battery back-up versus non-battery systems, as well as equipment needed and installation considerations. Other topics include legal and safety issues, incentives/rebates, and permits and paperwork. An extensive appendix of resources, state energy offices, system sizing worksheets, and much more turns this 160 page book filled with over 120 photos and illustrations into a must-have book for anyone interested in exploring their power options.
Contents:
* Why invest in renewable energy for your home?
* Is it legal and safe?
* How solar electricity works
* Batteries or not?
* Sizing your system
* Got Wind?
* What does it cost?
* Any financial help out there?
* Permits & Paperwork
* The Nuts & Bolts: what to look for, what to avoid
* Who does the installation?
* Appendix: manufacturers, web resources, state energy offices, sizing worksheets, glossary, and more
Editorials
Jeff Wolfe
"Got Sun gets it right. Clear and concise, all the information needed by anyone who wants solar or wind energy, which should be everyone!"—CEO - Global Resource Options, Vermont NABCEP Certified PV
Marc Cortez
"A must-read for anyone interested in learning about the benefits of renewables."—Director of Marketing - Sharp USA
Tom Bishop
"Great reading and a valuable resource for anyone considering a solar or wind system for their home or business. Not only will the reader get the good news, but a healthy dose of reality is served up by two guys who know what they're talking about."—President - Sunelco, Inc., Montana