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Description
The bestselling alternative energy reference book in North America―now in an updated editionWant to take advantage of solar power in your home? Whether you’re looking to save on your energy costs by adding a few solar components or you want to build a solar-powered house from the ground up, Solar Power For Dummies, 2nd Edition takes the mystery out of this energy source and shows you how to put it to work for you!This new edition gives you hands-on tips and techniques for making your home more energy-efficient though solar power―and helping the planet at the same time. Plus, you’ll get all the latest information on changes to federal, state, and local regulations, laws, and tax incentives that seek to make solar-power adoption more feasible.Expanded coverage of the technology that underpins full-scale solar-power systems for the homeNew small- and mid-sized solar products, projects, and applicationsRik DeGunther is a design engineer who started his own energy consulting firmFeaturing ten of the easiest and cheapest DIY solar projects, Solar Power For Dummies, 2nd Edition is the fun and easy way to meet your energy needs with this clean power source! Read more
Publisher : For Dummies
Publication date : January 19, 2010
Edition : 2nd
Language : English
Print length : 416 pages
ISBN-10 : 0470596783
ISBN-13 : 84
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 7.3 x 1 x 9.1 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #162,030 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #12 in Solar Energy #249 in Sustainable Living #281 in Do-It-Yourself Home Improvement (Books)
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Top Amazon Reviews
Format: Paperback
"Solar Power Your Home For Dummies" is an informative and accessible guide written for homeowners who are interested in exploring the potential of solar energy but may not know where to start. As part of the renowned For Dummies series, the book aims to break down the technicalities of solar energy and make it understandable to anyone, regardless of their previous knowledge of energy systems. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect: Content Overview: Introduction to Solar Power: The book begins with an easy-to-understand introduction to solar energy, explaining the fundamentals of how solar power works and why it’s becoming an increasingly popular energy source. It covers the environmental and financial benefits of switching to solar, making it clear why solar power is an attractive option for homeowners. Types of Solar Power Systems: One of the strengths of this book is its detailed explanation of the different types of solar systems (such as grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid systems) and how they work. It also covers essential components like solar panels, inverters, and batteries, and helps readers understand what’s required to set up their own system. Evaluating Your Home for Solar: The book gives practical advice on assessing whether your home is suitable for solar installation. It covers factors like roof orientation, shading, and local climate. There’s also a handy guide on how to estimate energy consumption to determine the size of the solar system you’ll need. Solar Panel Installation: Although the book doesn’t go into highly technical installation details, it provides a solid overview of the steps involved in installing solar panels. The book also emphasizes the importance of hiring professionals for installation and guides you on what to look for in a solar installer. Financing Solar Power: One of the major challenges of switching to solar power is the cost, and the book addresses this issue in depth. It explores various financing options such as solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and government incentives, including tax credits and rebates. This section is invaluable for readers who are concerned about the initial investment required to go solar. Maintenance and Troubleshooting: The book discusses the long-term maintenance of solar power systems, such as cleaning solar panels and monitoring system performance. It also offers tips on how to troubleshoot minor issues, though it’s clear that professional help may be needed for more complex problems. Strengths: Clear, Accessible Language: The biggest strength of Solar Power Your Home For Dummies is its simplicity and clarity. It doesn’t assume any prior knowledge of solar energy, and it explains concepts in a way that anyone can understand. Practical Advice: The book doesn’t just discuss theory; it offers actionable advice, such as how to assess your home’s solar potential, understand the costs, and find the right solar installer. Comprehensive Coverage: It provides a well-rounded education on solar power, covering everything from system types to financing, making it a one-stop resource for those thinking about going solar. Environmental and Economic Benefits: The book emphasizes the environmental and financial benefits of solar power, which is motivating for readers who are on the fence about making the switch. Updated Information: The book includes information on current solar incentives and rebates, which is crucial for readers looking to take advantage of government programs. Weaknesses: Limited Technical Details: While the book is an excellent introduction, readers who are looking for more technical, in-depth details on solar panel design or advanced electrical considerations may find it lacking. General Focus: The book is geared toward homeowners looking to install solar panels, but those with more specific needs, like businesses or larger-scale installations, may find the information too general. Doesn’t Dive Deep Into DIY Installation: If you're looking for a detailed step-by-step guide on how to install solar panels yourself, this may not be the book for you. It does encourage professional installation, which may not be ideal for DIY enthusiasts. Conclusion: Solar Power Your Home For Dummies is an excellent resource for anyone interested in adopting solar energy at home. It provides practical, easy-to-understand information on how solar energy works, what’s involved in setting up a system, and the financial incentives that can make it more affordable. The book is particularly beneficial for beginners and homeowners who are considering solar for the first time but need a guide to navigate the process. While it may not satisfy those seeking highly technical content, it does a great job of providing a comprehensive overview for those just starting their solar journey. Pros: Clear and simple language Comprehensive coverage of solar power systems Practical tips for homeowners Valuable information on financing and incentives Cons: Not in-depth for technical or DIY enthusiasts General rather than tailored advice Final Verdict: This book is highly recommended for homeowners who are exploring solar energy for the first time and want a solid introduction without overwhelming technical jargon. It’s practical, informative, and an excellent starting point for anyone looking to make their home more energy-efficient with solar power.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2025 by Fred Bloggs
Very interesting and informative
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2025 by Steve
I'm considering a solar system and he has some very good chapters that have the information I wanted and was expecting based on the title. However he does have a lot of chapters that discuss general energy conservation. That's a sensible topic to discuss in this context but I had to get deep into the book to get to the portion that was my primary area of interest. It has good information and is worth the money but could benefit from a little reorganizing.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2017 by PaulB
Format: Paperback
Very good book! Explains the whole process of solar power. Helps you decide if it's time to go solar and explains the costs vs things to help prevent our solar footprint!!
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2016 by dr d j t
Format: Paperback
I’m disappointed in myself. I didn’t realize this ‘2nd edition’ book was published over 15 years ago. The content is somewhat dated even if the overall information is valid. The technology has improved dramatically in 15+ years. More contemporary information would have made this book outstanding.
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2026 by RGA56
Format: Paperback
Have wanted to learn about renewable energy and all the components and the correct way to install. So much information out there and no real instructions to go with it. The manufacturers just assume you already know how to install these items and calculate what you need. This book tells it all and is a must for someone wanting to do an install. You can do it completely yourself using this book no matter if you are handy with tools or not.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2013 by Larry8241
Format: Paperback
This book tells you how to be more efficient in your energy consumption like putting in a solar water heater, a cover on your pool, etc. It tells you how to find a contractor and write a contract. It tells you all kinds of peripheral things that have nothing to do with how the solar system works, like landscaping. It tells you that solar panels and inverters exist but nothing on how to connect them and how they actually work. This is the worst "For Dummies" book I have ever bought. There isn't a single thing of real value in the book. Did you know that "the Earth is tilted on its axis, -23 degrees to be precise" (page 72) but on page 90 it states, "The Earth is tilted on its axis 23.5 degrees". Don't look for this book to tell you anything precise. It just bloviates on how great solar is and all the ways solar can be used. Worthless if you are wanting to know how an electric solar system is designed and built. Just lots of tips on being energy efficient. Wish I could give it a zero star rating.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2022 by KP
Format: Paperback
SORRY, I COULDN'T FIND THE "SPELL CHECK" FIRST THE PENCIL THEN THE TYPWRITER AND NOW THE COMPUTER WITHOUT SPELL CHECK KEEPS MAKING MISTAKES. THIS BOOK IS A GOOD STARTING PLACE TO LEARN THE TERMINOLOGY AND GLEAN IDEAS FOR SERIOUS, "BEFORE YOU BUY ANYTHING" STUDY. I RECOMMEND BUYING IN ADDITION OTHER BOOKS AS LONG AS THEY HAVE AN INITIAL PUBLICATION DATE OF 2010 OR 11 NEXT YEAR ETC. DO NOT BUY A NEW BOOK ON TECHNOLOGY THAT IS EXPANDING LIKE A NUCLEAR EXPLOSION UNLESS IT IS FIRST EDITION CURRENT YEAR. (TV SETS 5 YEARS AGO LO DEF PLASMA 2 YEARS AGO CHEAPER PLASMA AND LCD 1 YEAR AGO HIDEF LCD THIS 2010 HIDEF AND 3D AND NOW 4 COLOR TECHNOLOGY. ACCORDING TO THE ADVERTISING AS LAST MONTH.) WHEN YOU BUY ANYTHING THAT USES ELECTRICITY TAKE THE TIME TO DETERMING ESTIMATED KWH AVERAGE AT 70 DEGREES F. UNLESS OF COURSE MONEY DOES NOT MATTER. IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE WITH THE CURRENT THINKING OF THE GOVERNMENT AFTER NOVEMBER 2006 YOU ARE GOING TO BE PENALIZED FOR HAVING POWER HUNGRY APPLIANCES. (THEY ALREADY GOUGE YOU ON YOUR INEFFICIENT AUTOMOBILE CLASSES AS A GUZZLER). HOWEVER,,, THERE ARE TWO AREAS OF CONCERN WHEN IT COMES TO SOLAR POWER CHOICES. FOLKS WITH NO MONEY AND NO PHYSICAL ACCESS TO MATERIAL FOLKS WITH GOBS OF MONEY AND ARE WILLING TO SPEND IT WISELY. FOLKS LIKE A CERTAIN NOBEL PRIZE WINNER WHO HAS THE LARGEST SINGLE FAMILY ELECTRIC BILL IN THE NATION AND THE MILLIONS TO PAY IT WOULD NOT NEED THIS BOOK. THIS BOOK IS IN-BETWEEN BUT MORE TOWARD THE TOP OF THE RANGE OF NEED. PROBABLY A 7 OF 10 IF YOU NEED A REFERENCE POINT. SOLAR ELECTRIC IS GOING FORWARD SO FAST IT IS AMAZING BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE COST IS ALSO GOING AHEAD AT THE SAME SPEED LIKE THE CARROT IN FRONT OF THE MULE. ACTUALLY THE SOLAR ELECTRIC COST IS GOING UP FASTER THAN THE SAVINGS. BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING CHECK THE BOTTOM LINE WHEN COMPARING THE COST OF THE PAID FOR SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM AT THE END OF IT'S GUARANTEED LIFE TO THE COST OF THE ELECTRICITY YOU DID NOT USE. KEEP IN MIND THAT YOU WILL BE BILLED FOR THE PAPERWORK EACH MONTH REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH YOU USE. ASK THE ELECTRIC COMPANY HOW MUCH YOU ARE PAYING PER KWH BASED ON 500 PER MONTH OR WHATEVER YOU HAVE BEEN USING. THEN DIVIDE YOUR CONSUMPTION INTO YOUR ACTUAL BILL IN PENNIES (MATH BECOMES COMPLICATED OTHERWISE) AFTER BEING PREPARED FOR A SHOCK. I PAY $36 FOR THE FIRST THOUSAND GALLONS OF WATER I USE. THE ACTUAL WATER IS MORE LIKE $1.25 BUT THE ADD-ONS HAVE ME FOR LUNCH. AVERAGE WAGE IN JAPAN IS AROUND $60,000 USD WHICH IS WAY AHEAD OF AVERAGE U.S. WAGES, AND STILL THE JAPANESE PEOPLE SPEND ALL THEY MAKE JUST TO LIVE. THIS IS THE SAME FOR ANYBODY NOT LIVING ON A TECHNOLOGY EXPLOSION CURVE. THOSE FOLKS WHO HAVE TIME TO READ AND STUDY THIS BOOK ARE NOT LIVING ON THE EXPLOSIVE CURVE AND DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO INVEST IN A SYSTEM THAT WILL TAKE 30 YEARS TO PAY FOR IT'S SELF. THERE ARE THOSE WHO DO ACTUALLY INSTALL SOLAR ELECTRIC BECAUSE THEY MUST. PEOPLE LIVING A 3000 FEET DOWN A 30 DEGREE HILL FROM THE GRID NEED SIXTEEN POLES AT $8000 A POLE JUST TO GET ELECTRICITY. THIS IS $128,000 JUST FOR THE POLES. SOLAR ELECTRIC AND WATER LOOKS VERY GOOD THEM. YOU CAN BUILD A SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM FOR A THIRD OF THE ELECTRIC COMPANYS POLES COST IN THE CASE ABOVE AND BE IN ELECTRIC SERVICE IN A WEEK AFTER THE JOB STARTS. FIGURE HOW MUCH YOU NEED AND THEN DOUBLE IT FOR PRACTICALITY. I KNOW ABOUT THE ABOVE BECAUSE ONE OF MY FRIENDS IS IN THIS SITUATION, AND FOR 10 YEARS HAS LISTENED TO PROMISES FROM THE ELECTRIC COMPANY GO UNFULFILLED. AFTER 10 YEARS OF GENERATOR POWER HE BORROWED THE MONEY AND CONTRACTED THE SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM. HE DID NOT READ A BOOK BUT INSTEAD WENT TO A SYMPOSIUM HELD BY THE SALES ORGANIZATION. THE BOOK IS OF NO VALUE TO THE NON TECHNICIAN EXCEPT FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF LEARNING WHAT THE WORDS AND NUMBERS MEAN. THIS SAME PERSON IN THE PARAGRAPH ABOVE BOUGHT A SOLAR WATER HEATER SYSTEM WHICH HAS NO MOVING PARTS WITH THE TANK MOUNTED AS PART OF THE PANEL. (NO ELECTRIC FOR A PUMP) AGAIN HE DID NOT READ A BOOK AND HAD THE SOLAR SALES GUY CONTRACT THE INSTALLATION. IT WAS NOT THE BEST CHOICE OF PLUMBING ARANGMENT (I SERVICE FIVE DIFFERENT BRANDS OF HOT WATER SYSTEMS) AND IT HAD PROBLEMS THAT I WAS ABLE TO EASILY FIX BY DOING THE CORRECT ROUTING AND PLUMBING TO MAKE IT RELIABLY DO WHAT WAS EXPECTED OF IT. THIS SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM PAID FOR IT'S SELF IN VERY SHORT ORDER. HIS PREVIOUS HEAT CAME FROM PROPANE TANKS HE HAULED TO THE PROPANE STORE TO BE FILLED. IN HAWAII ENERGY IS SOLD BY THE BTU WHETHER IT IS GASOLINE DIESEL, PROPANE, OR ELECTRICITY. YOU PAY FOR THE ENERGY YOU USE AND NO SYSTEM PROPERLY USED IS CHEAPER THAN ANY OTHER. THINK OF THIS. ALL WATER HEATERS AND STORAGE TANKS LOOSE ENERGY THROUGH THE SHELL. SOME ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS,, A LOT BETTER. GAS HEATERS ALSO LOOSE ENERGY THAT GOES OUT THE CHIMNEY (DON'T BURN YOUR FINGERS TESTING THIS). (YOU WOULD BE AMAZED AT HOW MANY HOUSES AND CONDOS HAVE STRANGE PLUMBING RESULTS DUE TO SIMPLE ERRORS) IMAGINE THE NEXT DOOR CONDO USING YOUR HOT WATER. CONDOS ARE USUALLY FLIPFLOPPED BR TO BR KIT TO KIT. STUFF HAPPENS. I DISCOVERED THIS 40 YEARS AGO WHEN AN OWNER SUDDENLY HAD NO HOT WATER IN THE BATH BUT DID HAVE IT EVERYWHERE ELSE. I FOUND THE ELECTRIC BEING OFF NEXT DOOR WAS THE KEY TO SOLVING THE PROBLEM. THE BATH HOT WATER WAS SWITCHED. (IN CONDOS THE COLD WATER IS PROVIDED UNMETERED IN VERTICAL STACKS FOR TWO ADJACENT APARTMENTS) SWITCHING COLD PIPES IS INCONSEQUENTIAL UNTIL YOU TRY TO SHUT THE WATER OFF AND THE MISPLUMB IS INVOLVED (ALL WATER FOR ONE CONDO UNIT IS TERMINATED AT ONE PLACE NEAR THE KITCHEN IN MOST CASES). ANOTHER TIME I FOUND THE ELECTRIC FOR TWO (WALL COMMON) HEATERS WERE SWITCHED. THE OWNERS WERE PAYING EACH OTHERS BILL. ONE GUY KEPT TRYING TO CONSERVE AND THE OTHER GUYS BILL KEPT GOING DOWN SO HE DID NOT CARE ABOUT USAGE. SOME FOLKS THINK THAT A PLUMBING INSPECTORS JOB IS TO MAKE CERTAIN THE SYSTEM IS SAFE AND WILL WORK PROPERLY. THE "SAFE" PART PROBABLY,,, BUT WORK PROPERLY IS NOT NECESSESSARILY GOING TO HAPPEN. THE FIRST CHALLENGE TO THE PLUMBING AND ELECTRIC INSPECTOR IS TO COUNT THE FIXTURES TO SEE IF THE QUANTITY MATCHES THE APPROVED PERMIT. TOO MANY OR TOO FEW WILL BE CAUGHT BY THE INSPECTOR. PERMITS PRICING IS BASED ON ESTIMATED COST AND NUMBER OF TERMINATIONS. SOME REALISTIC REASONING IS ALSO APPLIED BUT VERY LOOSELY. CODES MUST BE MET WHERE SAFETY IS INVOLVED SUCH AS TERMINATING THE T&P VALVE OUTSIDE OF A LIVING SPACE AND PROPER GROUNDING PRACTICES. THE T&P OF A SOLAR HEATER PANEL IS RARELY BROUGHT DOWN TO A PROPER DRAIN OR SAFE AT GROUND LEVEL VENT. (STEAM FROM A PANEL THROUGH A 3/4 INCH PIPE CAN AND WILL BE OVER 300 DEGREES AND WILL DESTROY ROOFING AND PLASTIC GUTTERS IN SECONDS. (LIKE A CHEAP PLASIC CAN IN YOUR DISHWASHER) (THAT STRANGE OFF-COLOR YOU SEE NEAR ONE END OF A SOLAR WATER PANEL IS NOT FROM STUFF IN THE TAP WATER, IT IS FROM SUPER HEATED WATER THAT IS INSTANTLY BROUGHT TO BOIL WHEN THE PRESSURE IS RELEASED AND BLEW OFF TO CORRECT THE OVERHEAT WHEN THE PUMP ELECTRIC OR THE PUMP IT'S SELF FAILED. ANYBODY IN THE PATH OF IT IS GOING TO BE SEVERELY BURNED, (YET IT MEETS CODE). KEEP IN MIND THAT IF YOU DEPEND ON REDDY KILOWATT TO POWER THE SOLAR SYSTEMS WATER PUMP AND FOR ANY REASON THE POWER GOES OFF THE SUN DOESN'T. YOU HAVE TWO CHOICES AT THAT TIME. 1. COVER THE PANELS WITH A SILVER TARP. 2. ACCEPT THE DAMAGE THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN THE PANEL TRIPS THE TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE VALVE AFTER YOU TURN OFF YOUR WATER AND RELEASE THE CITY PRESSURE LEAVING THE HOT TAP OPEN SO THE STEAM WILL GO INTO YOUR NON PLASTIC SINK OR TUB. (THAT PLASTIC DRAIN PLUMBING WILL NOT DO WELL IN 180 DEGREE, OR HOTTER, WATER) YOU CAN TEST THIS BY RUNNING A P TRAP THOUGH A DISHWASHER CYCLE IN THE BOTTOM RACK. (SOME DISPOSERS WILL BE DAMAGED BY SUPER HOT WATER). THIS HAPPENS MORE OFTEN THAN YOU WOULD IMAGINE (I SERVICED ISE BRAND FOR 40 YEARS AND SOME HAD PLASTIC PANES IN THEM THAT WOULD DEFORM WITH 180 DEGREE TAP WATER AFTER TEN OR MORE MINUTES). IN HAWAII GROUNDING IS A JOKE BUT THE CODE IS MET ANYWAY. GROUNDING CODES ARE BASED ON ORGANIC SOIL WHICH IS THE RESULT OF A MILLION YEARS OF MOTHER NATURE DOING HER THING. SOME CODES REQUIRE SOIL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING AND SOIL ADDITIVES ARE NECESSARY (THIS WORKS WIHT ORGANIC SOIL) HAWAII DOES NOT HAVE ORGANIC SOIL. YOU CAN PICK MY FARM SOIL UP WITH A MAGNET. NOT EVERYTHING IS WHAT IT SEEMS AND YOU HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2010 by Jesse E. Shaw