Study renewable energy sources at library

By Edward A. Hirst

Rowan Public Library

With the high energy costs associated with our past winter, it seems like a good time to investigate renewable energy sources. I found the following books available at Rowan Public Library.

"Wind Energy Basics: A Guide to Home and Community Scale Wind Energy Systems," by Paul Gipe, offers a how-to for home-based wind applications, with advice on which wind turbines to choose and which to avoid.

He guides wind-energy installers through considerations such as renewable investment strategies and gives cautionary tales of wind applications gone wrong.

"The Solar House: Passive Heating and Cooling," written by Daniel D. Chiras, is a well thought-out guide for embracing an eco-friendly home. "The Solar House" is recommended as a do-it-yourself home reference for the general reader with an interest in making their home as comfortable and environmentally friendly as possible.

"Got Sun? Go Solar: Harness Nature's Free Energy to Heat and Power Your Grid-Tied Home," by Rex A. Ewing and Doug Pratt, is a well-written book that cuts through the hype and explains how grid-connected homeowners can think their energy future.

Solar and wind-generated electricity, solar water heating, passive solar techniques and geothermal heating/cooling will allow homeowners to save money and protect themselves from rising utility rates.

"Solar Power Your Home for Dummies" provides the homeowner a good introduction to how solar energy can be put to practical, everyday use. This is a great book for someone who doesn't like to read a lot of technical jargon. The book has a list of references for more information as well as practical projects for the person with experience in the solar energy field.

"The Passive Solar House Book: Using Solar Design to Heat and Cool Your Home," by James Kachadorian, is an excellent resource for anybody planning to build a solar house in the future.

Provided examples walk the homeowner through all the necessary calculations which are necessary for effective solar structures. Many different types of backup heating systems are discussed, including how they work together with the solar heating system. This book focuses on a single "solar slab" design concept and only mentions other designs in passing.

"The Renewable Energy Handbook: Updated Comprehensive Guide to Renewable Energy and Independent Living," by William H. Kemp, explains everything you've ever wanted to know about creating your own energy. You will find information on solar, wind, hydro, bio-fuels and practical applications for each. There are also real-life examples from people who are living every day through renewable energy. They share their stories and what has and has not worked for them.

Save some of your own green by checking out these books and see what else the Rowan Public Library has to offer.