Product Description
"Our civilization's ever-increasing hunger for energy-and its fixation on fossil fuels to provide that energy-is in the process of imploding on itself as our population grows and its demographics change. Yet we live in a world of tough realities, where an elegant solution simply does not exist." 2GreenEnergy founder Craig Shields provides a broad survey of the subject, presenting 25 interviews with the widest possible variety of subject matter specialists-each chosen to provide the reader with an accessible and fair-minded treatment of a particular issue. The technology, the economics, and the politics of renewables form a fantastically complicated calculus that needs to be thoroughly understood if we are to have relevant, informed discussions on this subject-the most important challenge in the history of mankind-the migration to clean and sustainable energy sources. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Well-written; easy read!
The author does a great job capturing interviews from energy experts in a range of industries. It's an easy read and much of it is written in a Q&A type format with the author speaking, followed by the interviewee speaking.

This book is a timely piece, particularly since energy and sustainability are big buzz words of our time. This book will leave you ready to have informed discussions on renewable energy and the tough realities of the subject.

An Honest Review
Renewable Energy: Facts and Fantasies really gets to the heart of the burgeoning renewable energy industry.By going straight to the experts, this book provides an honest review of where the industry is, and more important, where it's heading.A great read for those looking for an intro to the world of renewable energy.

Blood, Sweat, and Tears
I recall a book about Southwest Airlines called "Nuts."It should have been called "Guts," because that is what it takes to launch a new technology in the United States today.Craig's book is a collection of powerful interviews with the people who took the chance to follow their dream. The testimony of how these champions overcome their engineering challenges is enough to inspire anyone to step onto the path of entrepreneurship.Craig is in a unique position to hear to stories behind the curtain.

I encourage you to hear the wizards' stories as they apply their skills and tell of how they had to learn new ones to make it happen.Great read, because Craig is a great interviewer.

A Must Read!!
If you are wondering what some of the brightest minds in the Renewable Energy field are thinking, you need this on your bookshelf. Craig Shields does a wonderful job.

Revealed: The Tough Realities of Renewable Energy
Thoughtful presentation.Through the expertise of his interview subjects, Shields has highlighted the "Tough Realities" represented by the conversion (and oppositions) of technological, economic and political forces that impact the move to clean energy.The difficulties of moving away from fossil fuels are not solely a technical challenge.And the obstacles established by way of vested interests are likewise only one piece of the puzzle, although their impact on the political process is problematic. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (32)

Easy to Read and Easy to Understand
This is a good starter book to get a general outline of what needs to be done.I only rated it three stars because I've already taken classes that offer a lot more detail.

Better than your average off-grid source book
Lots of good reading with in depth discussion of the authors own hot water and PV systems.I was impressed, the book is somewhat generic and tries to teach simple electrical formulas, boring the crap out of your average reader.The author was a bit too eco-conscious for my taste, but the info was good.Its going on my shelf for future reference.

Great informative book
I was very impressed with both the information and the easy to read and comprehend presentation.It is very easy to see the time and effort put into this book and the author has a very plain way for presenting the information.This book provides detailed advise on making your home a much more efficient and money saving place to live.It is not specifically geared towards Off-Grid Living and has a wealth of valuable information for any home owner wishing to have a more efficient house.It provides a good look at renewable energy options and is a great source of information.

limited information
This is yet another renewable energy book that is far to generalized and does not tell you how to really get off the grid.Lot's of information on how to do it to a tiny cabin, but not a regular house (at least in any specific terms).Pretty well written if you want to familiarize yourself with alternate energy or what's involved in going off the grid, but you sure won't know how to actually do it.Cheaper to read a few articles on-line than to buy this book.

WHAT A HANDBOOK!!!
This excellent work by the engineer William H. Kemp has made me to decide about installing my own small-wind turbine generator.

In this book you will find the basics about renewable energy, without entering in much technical details, so as a good introductory book it is excellent. Living in a farm with excellent resources all the year round, wind and water, not only I will install a wind generator, but because of this book I have started thinking about inmicro hydro electricity production, chapter 8; chapters 9 to 11, are dedicated with some extend to batteries, converters DC TO AC, and DC regulation or controllers.

Evidently if you want to know a little bit more you have to study more, I would recommend too to the excellent manual by Hugh Piggott, HOW TO BUILD A WIND TURBINE. ... Read more

Product Description
Numerous job opportunities await in the fast-growing field of renewable energy. Grab this handy book and discover how green energy can be a part of your future. Job sectors include solar and wind energy, biofuels, hydrogen energy and fuel cells, geothermal energy, hydro energy, green building, climate study, energy management and efficiency, and much more. Various jobs within each sector (engineering and technical positions, project management, R&D and sales/marketing) are discussed, and the appendix is loaded with resource materials for further education and training, professional associations, reference Web sites and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Qualification in renewable energy
This book should be called "qualification in renewable energy". It talks how to qualify in seven fields of renewable energy:solar,wind,geothermal, hydroelectric power&marine energy, bio-energy, hydrogen energy & fuel cells and green building. It'll also refer you to college program and certificates and further-study websites/books.

However the book doesn't list the major companies in each industry/sector. But if it did, the book would be much thicker.

Formula Book Well Executed,Superb But "Lite"
I read in multiples.See my reviews of 75 Green Businesses You Can Start to Make Money and Make A Difference as well as Green Intelligence: Creating Environments That Protect Human Health for the snap-shot on this round, and at Phi Beta Iota, the Public Intelligence Blogs, use the Reviews menu to access my 49 reviews on Environment (Problems) and my 57 reviews on Environment (Solutions), all with links back to the Amazon page for each book.

This is a 4 in comparison with many other books, and was disappointingly generic and "lite" in the resource sections, BUT this is BEYOND 6 STARS if you do not have a college education and wither will not get one (see chapters on Solar, Wind, and Geothermal) or are just going into college (see chapters on Bioenergy, Hydro, Buildings, and Energy Management)....so I give it a solid 5 over-all.This book is NOT for "mid-career" folks with degrees looking to switch tracks.

The book consists of seven energy specific chapters, six on "earth-based" renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, hydro & marine, bio, hydrogen fuel cells), one on nuclear.The seven appendices are short and ample for a first book but not at all sufficient to make this a reference book of any kind.This is basically a "Dummies Guide to Green Jobs" in *very* general terms.

Having said that, I found myself impressed by the care taken to discuss best colleges and specific college course for those who are college-bound, and to discuss certificate programs for those with a high school education and practical experience.

Another reason I went with a five over-all was because the author uses "Knowledge is Power" as a recurring theme and this I consider hugely beneficial to any reader of this book both in concept and as manifested in this book in each chapter.

Some of my notes:

SOLAR:High school plus certificates (HS+C), move now.Provides 25% of US power now, power to 1 billion people worldwide, k2.3 million full-time jobs now (and growing).

WIND:HS+C. Cheaper than solar by a large factor, lists twelve states where wind farms will be big, top three are North Dakota, Texas, and Kansas.

GEOTHERMAL:HS+C and College/Graduate Engineering.Cheapest and most promising, available everywhere on the planet.Japan, Iceland, New Zealand, Italy, Indonesia, and Canada at the forefront [for those who have not heard, Iceland just declared independence from Denmark, those 600,000 folks are going to be *very* wealthy in the future, especially if they form some kind of Northern Alliance with Eastern Russia, Alaska, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories while keeping their Denmark bridge into Europe).

HYDRO:Provides 90% of the renewable energy in the US now, but the author glosses over the fact that most of our dams are backed up and ready to break.Tidal and wave energy mentioned, but this is an especially "lite" chapter.

HYDROGEN:Twice as efficient as petroleum in producing energy in cars, five types of cells, nine difference processes.This is one way of making renweable energy portable in fuel cells.

Of the four chapters on larger specializations, the ones on Green Building and on Energy Management were best for me, the two on Green Transportation and Teaching Energy very disappointing.

BUILDINGS.I learn buildings in the USA use 39% of our energy, 12% of our water, and that Green Buildings are a 12 billion dollar a year industry and growing.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT.For a mid-career person this is the one chapter that makes the book worthwhile, the author makes the point that this field is very computationally intense and most demanding in terms of advanced education.

The appendices are very lite after the first one (Where to Study: 50 Schools), but cover web sites, online job listings, workshops, associations, and state energy offices.Then a gloassary worth reading, and an index.

Bottom line:a superb and very reasonably priced overview book for anyone who either wants to think about college as a path into the green jobs of the future, or for anyone who wants to forego college and think about business options that are just now starting to boom.In both cases I also recommend the two books above, and the following (in the case of the below, reading my summary reviews may suffice):

Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things
The Design of Business: Why Design Thinking is the Next Competitive Advantage
Ecological Economics: Principles And Applications
Green to Gold: How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value, and Build Competitive Advantage
Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution
The Resilient Earth: Science, Global Warming and the Fate of Humanity

A guide to help environmentally conscious readers find a new career
Oil will eventually run out on our planet. It's only a matter of time - but it doesn't have to be the end of the world, no, it can be the way of the future and help readers find an exciting new career in the fields of renewable energy. "Careers in Renewable Energy: Get a Green Energy Job" is a guide to help environmentally conscious readers find a new career that will help them and help advance the concepts of Solar Energy, Geothermal Energy, Hydroelectric energy, Green Building, among other countless jobs available in renewable energy, providing countless references and resources to help readers get started. Any searching for a career in renewable energy and any public or business lending library catering to students or career changers will find specific and important this guide to clean energy opportunities across the country. From extensive lists of training facilities, schools, workshops, and professional organizations and societies to web sites and energy programs, this is the place for job seekers and career changers to begin. Expertly compiled and researched, "Careers in Renewable Energy: Get a Green Energy Job" is highly recommended for environmental studies collections with a crossover to career shelves.

Inspiring, grounded, and action oriented -- not a boring list of lists
If you are looking for the typical career guide that is a dry list of job titles, job descriptions, and employers that is old news the day it goes to print, this is NOT it.Careers in Renewable Energy is what students and career-changing folks will WANT and NEED and can USE to find validation and inspiration as they embark on a career solving our growing sustainability problems!

I teach an undergraduate Earth Sustainability course that gets students fired up to work toward changes in the ways we produce and consume energy globally.While it's great that they have that motivation, few know where to direct it.I've shared my copy of Careers in Renewable Energy with them, and it seems to go from student to student, never making it back to my bookshelf between!

The author provides backgrounds on each category of renewables (e.g. hydrogen, solar, wind, geothermal, hydro) as well as applications (e.g. building, transportation).From there, he talks about skill sets and courses that provide the best foundation for various areas and job functions.These roadmaps can be used to customize a curriculum that best prepares one to work in a given renewable energy field.And as we know, energy problems don't align neatly with a given university department!

Mr. McNamee presents a carefully assembled set of tools, really, to help one on a journey toward a career in renewable energy.There's information on the green universities, certifications, associations, job sites, and publications.The author takes a very holistic approach to career selection and preparation.It's not about "how can I earn the most money" but more about "how can I find a way to contribute to solving our energy crisis?"

The book is an enjoyable read, succinct yet complete.It is a must-have for anyone considering a new or different career in renewable energy...or anyone advising them!And if you weren't already considering a new career?You might after you read THIS book!Enjoy :-) ... Read more

Product Description
Stimulated by recent technological developments and increasing concern over the sustainability and environmental impact of conventional fuel usage, the prospect of producing clean, sustainable power in substantial quantities from renewable energy sources arouses interest world-wide. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the principal types of renewable energy-including solar, thermal photovoltaics, bioenergy, hydro, tidal, wind, wave, and geothermal. In addition, the text explains the underlying physical and technological principles of renewable energy and examines the environmental impact and future prospects of different energy sources. It includes over 350 detailed illustrations, more than fifty tables of data, and a wide range of case studies. Renewable Energy, 2/e is ideal for undergraduate courses in energy, sustainable development, and environmental science. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Not received
I would have liked to have received this item by now. I ordered it over a MONTH ago. Amazon has an awfully poor delivery service. That is my review!!

Renewable Energy
An excellant resource for a closer look at Renewable Energy!The book is well written, and goes into great detail about each topic.It is a very readable book; one that a semi-educated individual could probably figure out and understand.It also has so many references you can follow for further, more detailed study of each topic.

A great book
It's a fantastic book! Covers all you need to know, albeit focusing a bit too much on the UK!

Nice, but not good for a technical course.
This book has very nice pictures and broad overview descriptions but it does not dive into technical details of renewable energy device operation.Many of the exmaples shown are in Europe, and therefore less tangible for U.S. students.It would be a more appropriate textbook for a renewable energy survey course.

Excellent introduction - even for after graduated engineers
This book clarifies much concepts concerning Renewable Energy. It is filled with lots of statistical and economical charts, concepts explanation, schemas and drawings about the technology.

It does not show formulas on how to dimension, but a lot of results from studies are revealed with detailed account on what was found in numbers.

Even for an engineering bachelor degree, its worth, because it covers a lot of concept from all the different kinds of Energy. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (16)

Are you rich?
Great intel but the cost of the ideas in here are way to high for the gains.

A MUST HAVE homeowner's guide for renewable & energy efficiency
This is a must have book for anyone wanting to read up on how to improve your environmental footprint. Good Source of information for both renewable energy and energy efficiency. The book is a easy read and I highly recommend this book as well as others that Dan Chiras has written.I love this author, he really knows what he is talking about.Not only does he talk about it, he also practices what he preaches.

Very user friendly, informative.
This is very good review of renewable options.You don't have to be an engineer yet it is more than you've read in the newspapers and such.I saw some things I hadn't heard of.It is realistic, not everything works everywhere.It takes into account cost and return.It is not a tech manual, you won't know how to install the whole system (whichever it would be) but you'll likely know which way to go if need more.If I have a beef it is that the photos could be more and better.

Ok book.
Could have used more content on solar theory and techniques, and less on what is available commercially...

More DIY info would be better.

MJL

The bible ofrenewable energy for the home.
This is an outstanding, readable, comprehensive presentation of the subject of renewable energy for the homeowner. For each topic the author presents the principles, salient facts and a range of projects from the simplest do-it-yourself to that which would require a professional installation. Illustrations are excellent. In solar hot water for example he presents projects which range froma mini batch system consisting of a coiled black hose to a professionally installed all weather solar collector, storage with on-demand gas supplement. Based on this reading I plan to build a freestanding outdoor thermosiphon solar shower using cast off materials and to replace an inefficient hot water tank with a propane on-demand all season hot water heater. Chiras educates the homeowner to think broadly and to plan very manageable projects suited to his/her needs. Superb! ... Read more

Product Description
Renewable energy is the key to the future of humankind.Wind power, solar (photovoltaic) energy, geothermal power, and other forms of renewables can help solve our most pressing environmental problems, including global climate change.But how do we move these promising technologies out of the laboratory and into widespread use?Renewable Energy Policy shows what public policy can—and cannot—do to help tap renewables' promise.

Renewable Energy Policy takes a pragmatic, nuts-and-bolts look at the myriad government efforts to promote renewables, and reports back on what works, what doesn't, and why.In clear, jargon-free language, Renewable Energy Policy shows how and why some policies have achieved impressive results, and others have failed. Skillfully interweaving technology, economics, and politics, Paul Komor reveals how the best of policy ideas often end up with unintended results.

If you want to know how much wind power really costs (Chapter 2), why Germany's renewables laws are "crude but effective" (Chapter 8), or the three reasons why the UK's green energy market is a flop (Chapter 4), then you need to read Renewable Energy Policy.

"Mr. Komor's writing style is both clear and engaging. This book works well as a primer for any energy analyst not already deeply involved in renewable energy policy matters or as a textbook for college courses on energy policy or renewable energy economics."
Blair G. Swezey, Principal Policy Advisor, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO.

Customer Reviews (3)

Very instructive and helpful
This book reviews the different ways the US, Germany and other countries have use to promote the use of renewables. From PVs to wind, and from Renewable Portfolio Standards to Green pricing... Also, this book has a very objective standpoint which makes it even more valuable.

Clear, balanced writing
A clear, unbiased look at the world of Renewable Energy Policy.Required reading for anyone who wants to know how things actually work, instead of simple advocacy for renewables.

Not the usual shrill advocacy
Much of the literature on renewable energy is based on exaggerated claims, simplistic analyses, and naked advocacy.Not this book, however - the author provides a refreshingly balanced and objective look at renewable technologies and policies.If you want information you can trust and believe, rather than the usual polemics, then buy this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Biomass for Renewable Energy, Fuels, and Chemicals serves as a comprehensive introduction to the subject for the student and educator, and is useful for researchers who are interested in the technical details of biomass energy production. The coverage and discussion are multidisciplinary, reflecting the many scientific and engineering disciplines involved. The book will appeal to a broad range of energy professionals and specialists, farmers and foresters who are searching for methods of selecting, growing, and converting energy crops, entrepreneurs who are commercializing biomass energy projects, and those involved in designing solid and liquid waste disposal-energy recovery systems.

Key Features
* Presents a graduated treatment from basic principles to the details of specific technologies
* Includes a critical analysis of many biomass energy research and commercialization activities
* Proposes several new technical approaches to improve efficiencies, net energy production, and economics
* Reviews failed projects, as well as successes, and methods for overcoming barriers to commercialization
* Written by a leader in the field with 40 years of educational, research, and commercialization experience ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A TON of resources, but dry to read
There are many tables and charts that are VERY useful for biomass.Even though this book is old, a lot of the information is still good.I heard that the author passed away before finishing an updated revision.

This book is horrible if you read it cover-to-cover, (except for chapter 4, which was pretty interesting). ... Read more

Product Description

This book presents the physical and technical principles of promising ways of utilising renewable energies. In this context, firstly the main characteristics of the available renewable energy streams are outlined. Subsequently, the book presents the technologies of heat provision from passive and active solar systems, ambient air, shallow geothermal energy as well as energy from deep geothermal sources. In the preceding chapters the book addresses the processes of electricity generation from solar radiation (photovoltaic and solar thermal power plant technologies), wind energy, and hydropower. In addition, a brief discussions of harnessing ocean energies is included.

The authors provide the important data and parameter sets for the major possibilities of renewable energies utilization which allow an economic and environmental assessment. Such an assessment enables us to judge the chances and limits of the multiple options utilising renewable energy sources.

Product Description
Investing in Renewable Energy puts the depletion of finite resources such as oil, natural gas, and coal in perspective, and discusses how renewable energy solutions–from solar and wind to geothermal and biofuels–will usher in a new generation of wealth for investors and a new way of life for everyone. With this book, you'll discover various renewable energy technologies that are at the forefront of transitioning our energy economy, and learn how to profit from next-generation renewable energy projects and companies that are poised to take over where fossil fuels will leave off. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A complete study of all energy sources
A marvelous insight to the life cycle of every energy source. The fact that we are runing out of conservative fuels and time is running out before the coming catastrophy hits is well displayed wih corroborable references. There is no other way to address the energy needs for the present generation and the following. I am very glad for purchasing a copy of this book for my loved ones.

Investing in Renewable Energy 101
This book provides the excellent background knowledge for investing in renewable energy and also provides the reference and even involved companies. But the major draw back is missing financial analysis of involved companies. So overall it is rather a 101 book. You must do further research by yourself to make money in renewable energy area though it's hot.

Excellent book
This book offers more than just opinions about renewable energy.It contains a lot of research on what has happened already, and some insight as to what may lie ahead.Not only does the book explain the major sources of renewable energy, it also details who the players are (both the companies and the countries) that are involved in pushing these ideas forward.The books aim of course is to show an individual how and where to invest to capitalize in the next age of energy, and I believe it delivers. ... Read more

Product Description

Retaining the successful format of the first edition and building on its solid grounding in the principles of renewable energy resources, this second edition has been revised in line with the latest advances in the field to include new technologies and an assessment of their impact. Considering each technology in depth from both scientific and environmental perspectives, it covers solar energy, photovoltaic, wind, wave, tidal and hydro power, biofuels, geothermals and more, as well as featuring a new chapter on institutional factors, including economics. In addition, extra worked problems and case studies are also provided to help readers put theory into practice.

Reading and web-based material for further study is indicated after each chapter, making this text ideal, not only for practitioners, but also for students on multi-disciplinary masters degrees in science and engineering as well specialist modules in science and engineering first degrees.

Customer Reviews (2)

Poorly edited, unclear
This book, though knowledgeable, is convoluted.It reads relatively well for a textbook, but the exercises are horrendous.Problems worked out in the text are often split up into different sections of a single or multiple chapters.As for the end-of-chapter problems, the answers are not given in the back; instead, "hints" are offered (a significant portion are incorrect).

Perhaps this book would be helpful if you ignore the mathematics.
I have poured over this text for hours and left frustrated.

Good... not outstanding
I am using this for an online course in renewable energy resources.So far, the book seems to give a good engineering perspective on renewables.One complaint is the questions given at the end of the chapters are often vague and tough to manage. ... Read more

Product Description

Get the truth about alternative energy and make it part of your life

Want to utilize cleaner, greener types of energy? This plain-English guide clearly explains the popular forms of alternative energy that you can use in your home, your car, and more. Separating myth from fact, this resource explores the current fossil fuel conundrum, the benefits of alternatives, and the energy of the future, such as hydrogen and fuel cell technology.

• The ABCs of alternative energy — what it is, how it works, and what the real costs are

• Where we are now — learn where our current energy comes from and how much longer it will last

• Take the first step — see how energy efficiency and conservation can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels

• Grasp the alternatives — from nuclear power to geothermal energy to wood burning, understand the benefits that alternative energy can have on the nation

• Apply alternative fuels to transportation — from biofuels to exotic propulsion to electricity, see how they are best used and how hybrid, all-electric, and fuel cell–powered vehicles work

• Get a peek into the future — see what the outlook holds for each form of alternative energy discussed

Open the book and find:

• The pros and cons of alternative energy

• A review of the current world energy economy

• The problems with fossil fuels, from smog to global warming

• Advantages of alternative energy

• Practical results of alternatives you can use in daily life

• Guidelines for investing in alternative energy vehicles

• Ten ways you can bring about change right now

• Insight into the future of energy production — and how you can invest in it

Customer Reviews (8)

Energy Basics - Surprisingly Comprehensive
I was expecting the usual hodge podge of alternative energy, but this book delves deeper into the meaning of energy, and the fundamental problems inherent in all energy processes.This is not a rah rah book, but a sober analysis of the problems facing alternative energy, along with realistic solutions.Realism will solve the green dilemma, not partisanship and wishful thinking.
Highly recommended if you want a comprehensive viewpoint of energy.

Basics on Alternative Energy
As a 'green' thinker, I was looking for some ideas as to how to reduce my dependencies on the utilities and energy providers. I had some preconceived notions as to what was available, but really did not know the advantages or disadvantages of the choices.

The author does a great job producing content that can be scanned for items of interest without requiring that you read the book cover to cover.Each of the alternative energy options are explored, with pros and cons, estimated pricing options, and a good comparitive summary.

Required an Editor
The book is very sloppy in both content and style.There were paragraphs that I had to read seven or eight times to try and figure out what part of the message the author left out.There are "facts" included in the text that don't even pass the giggle test.It appears there are many key words that are missing, little clues that might indicate a number represents "millions" of tons, and not tons.Of course the correct answer might be "billions", the text offers no clue.

The author begins the book by stating that he will be "neutral" on the issue of anthropogenic global warming, and then throughout the book takes every opportunity to link alternative energy to AGW -- focusing on carbon emissions, which he always refers to as "greehouse gases".

I love the DUMMIES series, and have well over a dozen in my library.This is the first one that really disappointed me.A decent editor with knowledge of the subject could have fixed it.

Alternate energy
This is a very informative book. I may not do much of it but any energy savings is good for me and the planet.

Easy Reading Low Level Descriptions of Alternative Energy
I am a professional engineer with degrees in mechanical and nuclear engineering. I specialize in energy systems for building heating, cooling, and lighting. I have forty years of work experience. This book with twenty-three chapters and 362 pages covers pretty much the full range of alternative energy options that are commercially available or nearly so for consumers. The technical level seems to me about what one would expect for articles in Parade, the Sunday newspaper supplement. Diagrams are few and very simple. (There is nothing wrong with writing for this level of reader.)

Certainly a qualitative discussion of how alternative systems work and what advantages they bring is helpful, but even an interested high school physics student would be looking for more technical content. The book's cover has as the first objective learning to "evaluate the various forms of alternative energy," but evaluation (a comparison of alternatives for example) requires thermodynamic and other technical facts and energy and system cost data far beyond those presented in this book.

After reading this book you will be able to describe in general terms (but certainly not engineering terms) the various alternatives; but you will have little basis for comparisons and selections.

The book has many technical mistakes. For example, the book states, "According to Carnot's law, these smaller power generating machines can never achieve the efficiencies of the massive power plants..." He is speaking here of the Carnot thermodynamic cycle; but that "law" says nothing at all about the size of the system. Carnot (French engineer, 1796 - 1832) found that the theoretical efficiency of an engine operating on the Carnot thermodynamic cycle depends only on the temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs.

Describing a nuclear reactor the books says, "so there is a need to constantly keep feeding in new uranium material in order to keep the consistent, steady flow of energy that is desired from a nuclear reactor." Nuclear reactors powering electrical generating stations or naval vessels control the power output by raising and lowering neutron-absorbing control rods. New nuclear material is added only during refueling, which take place every year or two while the reactor is shut down.

The book states that steam is produced in a nuclear power plant in "the boiler (this is similar to the boilers used for fossil fuels.) The steam in a nuclear plant is produced in a steam generator that is far different in design than a fossil fuel boiler.

The book states, "Some reactors don't allow the water to boil; they keep it under high pressure and use that pressure to spin the turbine." In every common reactor system, the water that cools the reactor in the end produces steam. For example high pressure water that goes through the reactor in a pressurized water reactor turns lower pressure water in a separate circuit into steam in the steam generator, which is just a big water to water heat exchanger. All turbines that drive generators in reactor plants are steam turbines.

All of us must start with simple descriptions of new things. But one can not stop there if one wants to make accurate decisions. It is not common sense or higher moral values that drive innovation, but rigorous and often difficult engineering together with a knowledge of the economics of energy markets and knowledge of systems installation costs and operating costs.






... Read more

Product Description
About 2.3 million people worldwide are directly or indirectly employed in renewable energy-fields-and the greatest employment gains have occured in countries in which the government supports renewable energy,according to a recent Worldwatch institute study. * President Obama has emphasized that

sustainability and clean energy are vital elements in sucessfully rebuilding the U.S. economy and securing more jobs. And because renewable energy sources are commonly more labor-intensive than fossil fuel sources, a transition to renewables promises job gains. Peterson's Green Careers in Energy pinpoints the best opportunities in the fast-growing and most promising renewable energy fields-solar, wind geothermal, hydroelectric and marine, biofuel, and hydrogen-with data on colleges,organizations, and institutions that offer courses,degrees,certification, and training/retraining.

  ... Read more

Product Description
We are hearing a LOT about renewable energy these days! But unlike most available resources on alternative energy that focus on politics and economic impacts, da Rosa's practical guide, Fundamentals of Renewable Energy Processes, is dedicated to explaining the scientific and technological principles and processes that enable energy production from safe, renewable, clean sources.

Advances in the renewable energy sphere are proceeding with an unprecedented speed, and in order for the world's alarming energy challenges to be solved, solid, up-to-date resources addressing the technical aspects of renewables are essential.

This new, updated 2e of da Rosa's successful book continues to give readers all the background they need to gain a thorough understanding of the most popular types of renewable energy-hydrogen, solar power, biomass, wind power, and hydropower-from the ground up. The latest advances in all these technologies are given particular attention, and are carefully contextualized to help professionals and students grasp the "whys and hows" behind these breakthroughs.

.Discusses how and why the most popular renewable energy sources work, including wind, solar, bio and hydrogen
.Provides a thorough technical grounding for all professionals and students investigating renewable energy
.The new second edition of a highly-regarded guide written by an internationally renowned pioneer ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

great product
The product was as it was described and got the book within couple of days...
no problems at all

Fantastic Source...
This book is a fantastic primer on renewable energy. I learned a great deal from reading it, and would highly recommend it.

Not sure who this book is really for
First off, this book is a huge collection of scientific information on a lot of subjects which don't get detailed explanations in the news.If you want extremely detailed explanations, here they are.

One problem with the book is that it is not for everyone to read.The product description makes it sound like something for almost anyone, but the content is all technical with very little generalized overview.The chapter(s) on Hydrogen are so lengthy, and Rosa goes so far in each chapter to assign us calculation homework.The sheer mass of detailed technical data may distract a layperson from the general fact that Hydrogen is only useful as a means of energy storage, unlike wind or solar power which actually let us capture unused energy as a replacement for petroleum.

Within one of those chapters, Rosa makes a rather gratuitous comment about the future price of fuel cells, based entirely on a very generalized argument about production.But Rosa doesn't have any special knowledge of fuel cell or iron engine production (or at least he does not reveal any such fact here), so this is out of place in what otherwise appears to be a highly academic book.

In addition to the inconsistent point of view (mass science vs. expert vs. opinion), it is unclear why anyone would want such formula-level information about so many subjects, but would not care that it lacks any skilled educational technique to help non-experts understand things.

I could hardly recommend it to anyone.Even as a reference book, you are better off looking things up online for this sort of information than using printed text which ages.

Dense,
At over 800 pages, with ample equations, formulae, and technical descriptions, this is not a book to be read over a leisurely weekend. Be clear - this is an academic text, meant to be studied as part of a formal academic course. The author writes as much in the foreword to the second edition, "This book is based on class notes created in the teaching of Fundamentals of Energy Processes at Stanford since 1976."

The book is divided into four sections:
Part 1: "Heat Engines"
Part 2: "The World of Hydrogen"
Part 3: "Energy from the Sun"
Part 4: "Wind and Water"

Each chapter begins with an introduction to the topic, followed by an in-depth covering of the material, replete with diagrams, schematics (circuit diagrams for example), and formulae and equations.
For example, Chapter 9, "Fuel Cells", the first chapter in the "The World of Hydrogen" section, we are introduced to the types of batteries:
................... | Expendable
Voltaic cells ..... | Nonexpendable ...|.. Rechargeable
....................|..................|.. Refueable

This is followed by an explanation of voltaic cells, with a schematic of a simple fuel cell, containing a cathode and an anode on two sides, and an ion conducting membrane in-between.
The next section describes types of fuel cells, like Alkaline Fuel cells (AFC), Molten carbonate FC, Solid polymer FCs, etc...
Fuel cell reactions are described next, with the equations describing the reactions.

Each chapter has a list of references, and a list of questions and problems.
The index comes in at an anemic 16 pages.

For the non-technical or the lay reader, this book is of limited value, since only a small portion of each chapter is sufficiently simple enough, while the bulk of each chapter gets technical, rapidly.

Not lacking anything theoretical
Everything One Needs to Know onFundamentals of Renewable Energy Processes and More! I work in the energy industry and I was interested in understanding the theory behind some specific renewable energy processes from an engineering perspective and this book delivered that in great depth.Each chapter focuses on a particular source of renewable energy and can be read independent of the previous chapters.This is a very good reference book and a lot more than the typical books on renewable energy which are usually primers. But to be completely fair I must say, that I lack the engineering expertise to really comment on the quality and accuracy of the material. ... Read more

Product Description
Reflecting its reliance on fossil fuels, the electric power industry produces the majority of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. The need for a revolution in the industry becomes further apparent given that "decarbonization" means an increasing electrification of other sectors of the economy—in particular, through a switch from gasoline to electric vehicles. Of the options for producing electric power without significant greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy is most attractive to policymakers, as it promises increased national self-reliance on energy supplies and the creation of new industries and jobs, without the safety and political concerns of nuclear power or the unproven technology of carbon capture and storage.

Drawing on both economic theory and the experiences of the United States and EU member states, Harnessing Renewable Energy addresses the key questions surrounding renewable energy policies. How appropriate is the focus on renewable power as a primary tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions? If renewable energy is given specific support, what form should that support take? What are the implications for power markets if renewable generation is widely adopted? Thorough and well-evidenced, this book will be of interest to a broad range of policymakers, the electric power industry, and economists who study energy and environmental issues.

... Read more

Product Description
Studies have shown that the average North American family will spend more than a quarter of a million dollars on energy in a lifetime. What many other countries, including Germany, Spain, France, Denmark, China, Brazil, and even Iceland, have realized is that there is a better way to power our homes, businesses, and cars by using renewable energy sources. Recently, the United States has begun to understand the importance of reducing its reliance on coal, natural gas, nuclear power, and hydropower plants, which comprise the majority of the nation's electricity, due to increasing oil prices. Some sections of the country, including California, are turning to renewable energy sources. In fact, 12 percent of California s electricity is produced by renewable resources. The potential for the use of renewables is very large and understanding their use and their impact is key. Renewable Energy Made Easy will provide you with everything you need to know about these alternative energy sources. You will learn about solar power, wind power, water power, biofuels, geothermal energy, ethanol, wave farms, photovoltaic power plants, and hydrogen fuels. You will also become well-versed on the availability, aesthetics, environmental and social considerations, and longevity issues of these so-called soft energy technologies. In addition, you will learn about the current costs and the projected costs in the future, Energy StarTM regulations, the newest research and innovations, and the high development potential of renewable energy. This book will serve as a guide to creating more efficient buildings and an invaluable resource for how to change our preconceived notions about power. This book has taken the complexity and scientific terms out of this topic, making it jargon-free and easy to understand. Ultimately, you will learn how our country can improve energy efficiency, reduce oil dependence, improve energy security, and reduce the health and environmental impact of our current energy system. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Poorly written
I only started this, then put it down. It is possible that the author knows the subject, but this is so poorly written that it did not inspire confidence for me. It reads like a self published book created without an editor. I prefer the many other good references on the subject.

good book for basic information
Energy and the environment are topics of such importance today that it is easy to feel like a fool when you don't know even the basics.Renewable Energy Made Easy lives up to its name, making the subject easy to handle by dividing the book up into manageable sections.For me, I found the text a little simplistic at first.Recycle, Reduce, Reuse makes me feel like I am in fifth grade again.However, after the beginning he gets into a lot of interesting information about the actual technology making these changes in energy possible.

I wanted to see more diagrams/pictures of all the technology that the author talked about.I did enjoy, though, the case studies towards the end of the book that helped to give a clearer picture of how these technologies will be used by companies today.While the author is, of course, pro alternative energy, I didn't feel like he glossed over the many difficulties of making alternative energy work effectively and integrating it into our economy.

This is definitely a good book for those looking to get a basic grasp of renewable energy and especially for people looking for an in to more complicated material.

Decent Overview
Decent overview of the primary sources of renewable energy.I feltit lacked a little bit of flow, the author seemed to launch into some technical discussion without providing sufficient background.Perhaps those with engineering/technical experience will be able to follow a little bit better.

Way too basic..
The book is written in extra-large font (to fill the pages?) and it's very, very basic. Author repeats useless information over and over again.. If you want an introductory book on the topic, your money is better spent elsewhere.

A Great Resource
While scanning the table of contents of this book words like biomass and photovoltaic jump out.On first glance, these unknown words may turn some casual readers off.Fortunately, the author is knowledgeable enough and writes with such accessibility that these words quickly go from becoming unfamiliar to familiar.The author lives up to the title and does make renewable energy "easy".
The author not only informs readers about the different types of renewable energy (solar, hydro, wind, biomass and geothermal), which he delves into in separate chapters and illuminates each completely, he also spends time on what people can do to help bring these types of renewable energy into their everyday lives.With this book you can learn how to build your own solar battery charger or how to create your own hydrogen among other interesting lessons.
This book is a great resource for anyone interested in renewable energy, from the lay person interested in making a difference in the environment, to the student needing a detailed understanding of renewable energy.
... Read more

Product Description
In Solar Revolution, fund manager and former corporate buyout specialist Travis Bradford argues—on the basis of standard business and economic forecasting models—that over the next two decades solar energy will increasingly become the best and cheapest choice for most electricity and energy applications. Solar Revolution outlines the path by which the transition to solar technology and sustainable energy practices will occur.

Developments in the photovoltaic (PV) industry over the last ten years have made direct electricity generation from PV cells a cost-effective and feasible energy solution, despite the common view that PV technology appeals only to a premium niche market. Bradford shows that PV electricity today has become the choice of hundreds of thousands of mainstream homeowners and businesses in many markets worldwide, including Japan, Germany, and the American Southwest.

Solar energy will eventually be the cheapest source of energy in nearly all markets and locations because PV can bypass the aging and fragile electricity grid and deliver its power directly to the end user, fundamentally changing the underlying economics of energy. As the scale of PV production increases and costs continue to decline at historic rates, demand for PV electricity will outpace supply of systems for years to come.

Ultimately, the shift from fossil fuels to solar energy will take place not because solar energy is better for the environment or energy security, or because of future government subsidies or as yet undeveloped technology. The solar revolution is already occurring through decisions made by self-interested energy users. The shift to solar energy is inevitable and will be as transformative as the last century's revolutions in information and communication technologies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

A reasonable, but dated and opinionated introduction
This book introduces the reader to photovoltaic solar energy and argues why solar energy is the only long-term alternative. However, since this book was published in 2006, lot of information is dated. It may be OK for readers who are reading their very first book on the topic. Others are unlikely to find it satisfying.

Great book not a "go green" take on it, but an economics viewpoint
Great book that discusses the future of energy. This in not a save the planet type book, it gives an analysis for how we will get our energy in the future and the outcome of that analysis is solar. Bradford does a great job of using conservative estimates and giving both sides of the argument as much as possible within the scope of the book. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to know the mechanics of why the shift to solar will happen from a dollars and cents and economics standpoint.

Better titled "The Estimated Rough Economics of Photovoltaics"
This should have been a magazine article in the Economist, not a book.As other reviewers have explained, this is about photovoltaics and only photovoltaics (PV) and even at that it's limited.True, other energy sources are mentioned, such as hydrogen fuel cells, but they get about half a page.

It would be better titled "The Estimated Economics of Photovoltaics."But even at that it's weak.Photovoltaics come in many forms from rigid structures to concentrators to flexible fabrics.Only round numbers are used, such as, "In the case of photovoltaic modules, the cost to produce them in the late 1970s was around $25 per watt but has since dropped to less than $3.50 per kW,..."(p, 109) But there's no mention of the applicable configuration.

Some things are footnoted, like "Various forms of solar energy have been used since prehistoric times."But others, like Figure 7.2 where today's PV costs are shown at $6 per watt are not.And the $6 per watt in Figure 7.2 hardly correlates with the $3.50 quoted above for production costs.Yes, I know one is production cost, the other presumably installed cost, but even that isn't clear and an installed cost that's 1700 times production cost deserves some explanation.

I couldn't find one reference to actual PV conversion efficiency, yet there are statements such as "Even at today's efficiency of PV cells, the land required would be 10 million acres, or 0.4 percent of the total land area of the United States."Perhaps the efficiency assumption is buried in the primary documents but it should be shown here since it's pivotal.I didn't notice any reference to the fact that today's PV's degrade over time.PV efficiency and life is fundamental to PV economics.

There are few diagrams, all economics and order of magnitude.

It is clear that a lot of work went into preparing and documenting the book, but in the end you can't do much with what's here.If you wanted, for example, to crudely estimate say the cost of a megawatt of photovoltaic power so you could compare it to say Nevada Solar One, the solar concentrator facility outside Boulder, NV, you only have the $6 per watt from the chart quoted earlier and that gets you to $6 million/megawatt.But you don't know what PV efficiency that's based on.(Solar One's cost is about $4 million/megawatt)

From this book you'd think PV's were the future.But the Europeans are moving ahead with solar thermal at the bulk stage.Do PV's make sense for example on say roof tops and solar thermal makes more sense at the utility level?From this book, you can't even begin to answer that question, or know if a breakthrough in PV efficiency would make a difference.

I liked one of the reviews on the back cover..."deeply researched and hopeful."Says it all, and says nothing.

Wish I could refer you to a better book, but haven't found one yet.There's material on the net.Scientific American's September 2006 and March 2009 issues cover the technologies briefly, but are weak on the economics.There's an absence of clear economic data on solar energy sources.

You Say You Want A Revolution
I'm trying to do my part in promoting clean energy by investing in green stocks including companies like First Solar, Vestas, Suntech and General Electric so what I wanted to get from this book was some information on whether or not I'm making a wise investment. More specifically I wanted to know what is currently holding back solar energy and the possible timetable for a worldwide energy revolution. The author answered most of my questions but new ones arose. Make no mistake the author is a solar power proponent so there is little to no criticism of it as an emerging energy source.

After getting through a history of energy and comparison of new alternative solutions the author finally gets down to the nuts and bolts. The benefits of solar power include its ability to be deployed quickly and in a piecemeal manner. Solar power can start generating energy in months rather than the years that it takes to build a traditional power plant and additional panels can be brought online as needed. Countries like Japan and Germany that are leading the world in solar power deployment are creating their solar infrastructure in a distributed manner. Individuals can generate there own electricity with panels installed on their homes and then send the excess into a 'smart' grid. Unlike wind power, which is considered by some to be an eyesore, solar panels can be created as "roofing materials, architectural glass, and potentially paint and plastic casing"

The author writes, "The amount of sunlight that falls on the earth every day is equivalent to the total energy that is used by the earth's current population in twenty seven years" What is holding solar power back as a viable alternative to fossil fuel energy is simply cost per watt and the barrier is shrinking every day. The lowest cost for a PV system was $5 per watt in 2005 but First Solar has set a goal of 65 cents by 2012. In one chart the author shows solar power costing between 15 and 27 cents per kWh while other forms of energy ranging from 3 to 15 cents per kWh so there is a gap to close. Mr. Bradford points out that the gap is even smaller than it appears because in addition to the apparent cost we pay for energy, taxpayers pay billions in hidden costs including military costs and the environmental price of using dirty fuels. Once solar power approaches parity with fossil fuels we will likely see a positive feedback loop as increased usage cause prices to drop creating increased usage. As the world's appetite for energy grows solar energy is the perfect solution in that the regions of the world most in need of energy are the same regions that are flush with sunlight and in those areas solar energy doesn't need to compete with an already existing fossil fuel energy grid.

One major problem with this book is that the breakneck speed of technology has left it woefully out of date having been published in 2006. The author writes that the "current" six percent efficiency ceiling of PV panels may reach 30 percent in three to five years. However, in late 2006 a solar cell broke the 40 percent efficiency barrier so the author's prediction was too conservative and the book is already outdated. The author's confidence in efficiency improvements was in response to new solar cells that could generate electricity from light rays outside the visible spectrum which leads to one of the questions I had that the author didn't answer. If electricity can be generated using rays outside the visible spectrum does this mean that electrical energy could be generated even on a cloudy day in winter? This is important for someone like myself who lives in northern Ohio.

I'm 100% sold on solar power but I would like to know what the feasibility and environmental impact is of manufacturing millions of solar panels. I mean that is a lot of material. That's one subject never addressed in the book. My belief is that if solar energy is not adopted soon my portfolio value may well be irrelevant given climate change and other problems related to having a fossil fuel based energy policy so I might as well place my bet. I found this book informative however even at a slender 200 pages it still seemed to have quite a bit of filler and as mentioned previously its numbers are out of date.

It's happening now
Great book.I have taken a renewed interest in solar power the past few years and everything this fellow wrote about only a few years ago is coming to fruition.As the utility companies come to see having residential solar installations not as competition, but rather as a way to ease stress on the grid during peak usage periods (when the sun is the brightest), meaning less brownouts, and less need for new substations, you'll see the rate of change accelerate.And need I say anything about the obvious fact that the Obama Administration is going to kick the renewable energy field and solar into a new gear? ... Read more

Product Description
Everything you need for a solid understanding of renewable energy is here in this easy-to-understand guide. Ann Chambers, author of numerous books in PennWell’s bestselling nontechnical series, draws from her expertise on energy matters to deliver an unparalleled guide to this emerging market. Using a straightforward approach, she starts with an introduction of wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass, providing many informative charts and graphs showing the usage of each energy type state-by-state for the U.S., and also covers renewable energy usage around the world. Next she covers each energy type in detail, giving case studies, market conditions, usage leaders, and more. Chambers includes a chapter on fuel cells as well as comprehensive coverage of renewable gasoline additives, alternatives, and ethanol and biodiesel. ... Read more

Product Description
In this new study of energy use and global climate change, Richard Wolfsonoutlines basic scienceconcepts as well as specific, contemporary applications in energyproduction and theirenvironmental consequences.Energy, Environment, and Climate isstructured on thepremisethat climate change is the dominant energy-related environmental issue of thetwenty-first century.Traditional concerns likepollution and conservation of energy resources are covered with clear,scientific explanations.Uniqueto this text, a full five chapters—about one-third of the content—are devoted toclimateand an understanding ofthe energy/climate link.Included are over 250 photographs andillustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fantastic
I purchased this product because I have a DVD lecture series by the auther, Richard Wolfson, from the Teaching Company. The auther is a fantastic lecturer and can get his point across via the written word. I love it. ... Read more

Product Description
A technical and economic review of emerging waste disposal technologies

Intended for a wide audience ranging from engineers and academics to decision-makers in both the public and private sectors, Municipal Solid Waste to Energy Conversion Processes: Economic, Technical, and Renewable Comparisons reviews the current state of the solid waste disposal industry. It details how the proven plasma gasification technology can be used to manage Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and to generate energy and revenues for local communities in an environmentally safe manner with essentially no wastes.

Beginning with an introduction to pyrolysis/gasification and combustion technologies, the book provides many case studies on various waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies and creates an economic and technical baseline from which all current and emerging WTE technologies could be compared and evaluated.

Topics include:

• Pyrolysis/gasification technology, the most suitable and economically viable approach for the management of wastes

• Combustion technology

• Other renewable energy resources including wind and hydroelectric energy

• Plasma economics

• Cash flows as a revenue source for waste solids-to-energy management

• Plant operations, with an independent case study of Eco-Valley plant in Utashinai, Japan

Extensive case studies of garbage to liquid fuels, wastes to electricity, and wastes to power ethanol plants illustrate how currently generated MSW and past wastes in landfills can be processed with proven plasma gasification technology to eliminate air and water pollution from landfills. ... Read more

Product Description

Drawing on the authors’ extensive research and project implementation around the globe, Solar Energy: Renewable Energy and the Environment covers solar energy resources, thermal and photovoltaic systems, and the economics involved in using solar energy. It provides background theory on solar energy as well as useful technical information for implementing solar energy applications.

The book details the strengths, weaknesses, and applications of solar power generation technologies. It discusses the design and implementation of often-overlooked solar technologies, such as solar water pumping, distillation, detoxification, refrigeration, and village power. The text also examines photovoltaic power and how it is best suited for remote-site applications with small to moderate power requirements. Examples, real-world case studies, and lessons learned from technical failures illustrate how to best implement solar energy projects.

The time for clean energy solutions is here. Only through energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies can modern civilization extricate itself from the gathering "perfect energy storm." Focusing on one of the keys to lessen the potentially harmful impacts of the storm, this book discusses how to increase energy production from a clean energy source—the sun.

Customer Reviews (1)

All you need to know about solar energy
Robert Foster is passionate about solar energy, and you can feel it in this book, it is really an excellent source of updated information and basics about any single application for the radiation coming from the sun, a must have for any solar or even renewable energy professional. ... Read more