Solar Power Your Home For Dummies (eBook)

Rik DeGunther is the founder of Efficient Homes, an energy auditing and consulting firm. He holds a BS in Engineering Physics and dual Masters degrees in Applied Physics and Engineering Economic Systems. Rik is also the author of Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies and Alternative Energy For Dummies.

Introduction.

Part I: Playing the Energy Game.

Chapter 1: Helping the World through Solar Power.

Chapter 2: Surveying Your Household Energy Efficiency and
Use.

Chapter 3: Making Your Home Energy Efficient.

Part II: Understanding Solar -- Just the Facts,
Ma'am.

Chapter 4: Working with Solar Basics.

Chapter 5: Evaluating Your Solar Potential.

Chapter 6: Calculating Payback on Your Solar Investment.

Chapter 7: Installing Your Solar System.

Part III: Applications Aplenty: Projects from Small to
Large.

Chapter 8: Digging In to Landscape Projects.

Chapter 9: Jumping In to Small Projects with Big Results.

Chapter 10: Heating and Purifying Water.

Chapter 11: Diving In to Swimming Pool Projects.

Chapter 12: Supplementing Your Domestic Water Heater.

Chapter 13: Breezeway: Directing Wind within Your House.

Chapter 14: Solar Pumps, Wind Power, Hydro Power, and Batteries
in Applications.

Chapter 15: Glass Houses (and Plastic, Too): Greenhouses and
Sunrooms.

Part IV: Exploring Full-Scale Photovoltaic Systems.

Chapter 16: Taking a Close Look at Photovoltaic Systems.

Chapter 17: Is a Full-Scale PV System Worth the Investment?

Chapter 18: Divorcing the Grid: Going Solo with Solar Power
Systems.

Chapter 19: Do It Yourself or Contract Out?

Chapter 20: Finding the Cash to Get the Job Done.

Part V: Buying, Selling, and Building a Solar Home.

Chapter 21: Building a Solar Home from the Ground Up.

Chapter 22: Buying and Selling a Solar Home.

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 23: Ten Best Solar Investments.

Chapter 24: Ten or So Best Do-It-Yourself Projects.

Chapter 25: Ten Cheap Solar Projects and Devices.

Chapter 26: Ten or So Worst Solar Mistakes.

Index.