The Renewable Energy Handbook for Homeowners

I wanted to clarify what the reviewer above says about this book and "Smart Power". This book (The Renewable Energy Handbook) is geared more towards off-grid applications whereas Smart Power is for on-grid folks. Not surprisingly, there is some overlap between the two books but their focus is different, especially since The Renewable Energy Handbook has been revised and updated and is almost twice the size.

Here is a clear and thorough introduction for anyone interested in home renewable energy and energy efficiency. In my 30 years' professional experience in this field, I've seen good books, bad books, and obsolete books, so I appreciate this one! It's up-to-date for 2005, and will remain useful for years to come. The author gets his priorities straight, putting emphasis on conservation and efficiency, which is the key to making solar power economical. His coverage of system design and components is very good. This book will be useful for students, homeowners, and professionals who need an easy introduction.