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The complete guide to clean, affordable, renewable energy resources

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Renewable Energy and Me
Organization of the Book

Chapter 1: Renewable Energy — Clean, Affordable, and Reliable
Making Wise Choices
Understanding Energy
What is Renewable Energy?
The Pros and Cons of Renewable Energy
Prospects for the Future

Chapter 2: Conservation Rules — The Cornerstone of Your Energy Future
Efficiency First!
Energy Conservation as a Renewable Source of Energy
Benefits of Energy Conservation
Home Energy Use
Retrofitting Your Home for Energy Efficiency
The Silver Lining

Chapter 3: Solar Hot Water Systems — Satisfying Domestic Hot Water Needs with Solar Energy
Conventional Hot Water Systems
Tankless Water Heaters
What is a Solar Hot Water System?
A Brief History of Solar Hot Water
Solar Hot Water Systems
Which System is Best for You?
Sizing Your System
Finding a Competent Installer
The Economics of Domestic Solar Hot Water Systems

Chapter 4: Free Heat — Passive Solar and Heat Pumps
What is Passive Solar Heating?
Is Passive Solar for You?
Types of Passive Solar Design
Getting the Help You Need
Some Final Thoughts on Passive Solar Retrofits
Heat Pumps
Conclusion

Chapter 5: Solar Hot Air and Hot Water Systems: Affordable Heat from the Sun
Solar Hot Air Heating Systems
Solar Hot Water Heating Systems
Solar Hot Water Space-Heating Systems
Conclusion

Chapter 6: Wood Heat
Retrofitting Fireplaces for Efficiency
Fuel-Efficient Wood Burning Stoves
Shopping for an Efficient, Clean-Burning Wood Stove
Pros and Cons of Wood Stoves
Wood Furnaces
Pellet Stoves
Masonry Heaters

Chapter 7: Passive Cooling — Staying Cool Naturally
What is Passive Cooling?
Tools in the Passive Cooling Toolbox
Reducing Internal Heat Gain
Reducing External Heat Gain
Building a Better Future

Chapter 8: Solar Electricity — Powering Your Home with Solar Energy
What is a Solar Electric System?
Buying a Solar Electric System
Locating a Reliable Contractor
Why Install Solar Electricity?

Chapter 9: Wind Power — Meeting Your Needs for Electricity
Is Wind Power in Your Future?
Wind Power: A Brief History
Understanding Wind Generators
Wind Systems: Three Basic Options
Is Wind Energy Appropriate Where You Live?
Selecting a Wind Generator and Tower
Financial Matters
Wind Power without Installing a Wind Generator

Chapter 10: Microhydro — Generating Electricity from Running Water
An Introduction to Hydroelectric Systems
The Anatomy of a Microhydro System
Assessing the Feasibility of Your Site
Assessing the Potential of a Microhydro Site
Buying and Installing a System
Finding an Installer or Installing a System Yourself
The Pros and Cons of Microhydro Systems

A Brief Afterword
Appendix
Resource Guide
Index
About the Author

About the Author

Dan Chiras is a respected educator and the author of 29 books on residential renewable energy and green building including Power from the Sun and Power from the Wind. He has studied and worked with renewable energy and energy efficiency for over 30 years. Dan is the director of and lead instructor at The Evergreen Institute's Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building (www.evergreeninstitute.org), where he teaches workshops on energy efficiency, solar electricity, solar hot water, small wind energy, green building, natural plasters, and natural building.