Books
If you want to get your hands on as much reading material as possible to learn about alternative energy options and solutions, we recommend the following resources to get you up-to-speed as easy as 1-2-3:Alternative Energy Demystified (Stan Gibilisco) provides a concise look at all forms of energy, including fossil fuels, electric, solar, biodiesel, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, and renewable fuel cells. You will get explanations, definitions, and analysis of each alternative energy source from a technological point of view. The self-paced guide provides a thorough overview of the various sources of energy; to-the-point explanations and detailed illustrations; and a quiz at the end of each chapter to reinforce learning.Sustainable Energy Without the Hot Air (David JC MacKay) analyzes the relevant numbers and organizes a plan for change on both a personal level and an internationalscalefor Europe, the United States, and the world. In case study format, this informative reference answers questions surrounding nuclear energy, the potential of sustainable fossil fuels, and the possibilities of sharing renewable power with foreign countries. While underlining the difficulty of minimizing consumption, the tone remains positive as it debunks misinformation and clearly explains the calculations of expenditure per person to encourage people to make individual changes that will benefit the world at large.The Renewable Energy Handbook: A Guide to Rural Energy Independence, Off-Grid and Sustainable Living (William H. Kemp) focuses on the unique requirements of off-grid living and contains chapters on energy conservation; heating and cooling; backup power; domestic water heating; wireless communications; photovoltaic, wind, and microhydro energy generation; battery selection; and inverters. The book is augmented with hundreds of illustrations, line drawings, photographs, and appendices.Power with Nature: Alternative Energy Solutions for Homeowners (Rex A. Ewing) discusses how easy it is to use renewable energy to become self-sufficient and live well anywhere by focusing on topics such as: Homeowner Profiles (Personal Power Companies); Utility Grid-Tie Options; Sizing Your Renewable Energy System; Charge Controllers, Inverters, Batteries; Putting It All Together Safely; Heating of House and Water; and Pumping Water. It includes worksheets, maps, resources, a glossary and an index.