Solar Power For Dummies
Description
Save money (and the planet!) with this hands-on and timely guide to solar power for residential and commercial use
Looking for an easy-to-follow introduction to solar energy? Solar Power For Dummies walks you through the differences between residential, commercial, and utility-scale systems, as well as the latest advancements in solar panel technology and energy storage solutions that create new opportunities and applications for consumers and businesses.
You'll learn all about how to navigate the latest permitting processes for installing solar panels in your home. You'll also discover how solar power can help you guard against grid instability and generate financial savings while reducing your carbon footprint.
Inside:
- Evaluate your solar potential and design your system
- Navigate federal regulations and tax incentives
- Look to the future with totally new technologies like space-based solar energy
Perfect for homeowners interested in the financial and environmental benefits created by incorporating solar energy into their homes-as well as for those who just want to learn more about the awesome potential of our sun-Solar Power For Dummies is an approachable reference to the benefits, processes, financial implications, and installation options you need to understand before you take advantage of this exciting energy technology.
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Persons
Ally Stone (DeGunther) has more than a decade of experience in the renewable energy sector. Currently, she is Chief Strategy Officer at Reflect Orbital, a venture-backed startup pioneering the use of satellite reflected sunlight to generate clean energy on Earth. Ally previously held leadership roles at green energy companies Avantus and BrightNight.
Rik DeGunther was a design engineer and worked designing various weather-related and environmental control systems, including all things solar. He also worked as an energy efficiency consultant.
Content
Introduction 1
Part 1: Here Comes the Sun 5
Chapter 1: Solar Power in Today's Energy Transition 7
Chapter 2: Understanding Your Energy Use 19
Chapter 3: Pondering How the Sun Powers Our World 35
Part 2: Investing in Residential Solar: Powering Your Home 49
Chapter 4: Deciding Whether Solar Power Is Right for Your Home 51
Chapter 5: Making Your Home More Energy Efficient 67
Chapter 6: Getting the Gist of How Installation Works 81
Chapter 7: Paying for Solar at Home 95
Chapter 8: Living with Solar 107
Chapter 9: Going off the Grid 117
Part 3: Examining Commercial and Industrial Solar Projects 133
Chapter 10: Seeing Why Businesses Go Solar 135
Chapter 11: Enhancing the Power System You Have 145
Chapter 12: Choosing Financing and Ownership Options. 157
Part 4: Utility-Scale Solar: Powering the Grid 171
Chapter 13: Describing Solar Power at Utility-Scale 173
Chapter 14: Following the Journey of a Project 183
Chapter 15: Finding Out Who Buys the Power 199
Part 5: Seeing What's Next for Solar: The Future Is Bright. 209
Chapter 16: Establishing Space-Based Solar Power 211
Chapter 17: Charging Batteries and Beyond: Storing the Sun 221
Chapter 18: The Future of Solar Cells 235
Chapter 19: Making Solar Smart with Software 247
Part 6: The Part of Tens 253
Chapter 20: Ten Smart Moves before Adopting Solar 255
Chapter 21: Ten of the Best Benefits of Going Solar 263
Chapter 22: Ten Misconceptions about Solar Power 271
Glossary 279
Index 285
