Renewable Energy Made Easy: Free Energy from Solar, Wind, Hydropower, and Other Alternative Energy Sources (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

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 STAR® 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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 287 pages
• Publisher: Atlantic Publishing Company (FL) (August 18, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601382405
• ISBN-13: 978-1601382405
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #137,893 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yes, We can Achieve Energetic Independence, September 4, 2008

By	Julie Star "juliestar" - See all my reviews

Renewable Energy Made Easy is an ideal reference text for anyone who is determined to increase their knowledge regarding the creation of a greener society, both locally and globally, beyond that of merely, "reduce, reuse, and recycle." Following an introductory description of the currently strained ecological conditions regarding the severe mass-dependence on existing fossil fuels and the various global complications and consequences resulting from this widespread dependence, author David Craddock presents a well-written, succinct overview of available alternative energy sources that could be utilized to offset the assorted damage and depletion of fossil fuels. Within this extremely informative and interesting text, assorted alternative energy sources are defined and the advantages and disadvantages of each are equally debated, and further discussion is given to the examination of the dangerous tolls taken collectively on the planet and its inhabitants by the continued severe overuse of fossil fuels.

The issues associated with the alternative and renewable energies include those related to financial expense, resource development and availability, as well as public acceptance, while the obvious economic, political, and environmental issues continue to adversely affect the supply and demand trends and usage of fossil fuels. With the research of alternative and renewable energies, comparable solutions are offered, including acceptable combinations of resources, to offset any possible problems with their planned execution and usage. Finally, actual case studies of the previously discussed forms of alternative energy are given in a presentation of examples to provide for the practical application of the knowledge gained from this text. These DIY green energy projects, ranging from simple experiments to major green construction projects, allow the reader to become proactive in demonstrating their serious enthusiasm and commitment to the subject of renewable energy, after having been inspired by the knowledge gained from this book.

Without hesitation, I rate Renewable Energy Made Easy 5 stars. Throughout its pages, the extremely relevent content of this book is logically presented and explanatory while remaining interesting, educational, and entertaining. It proves an invaluable resource on the various forms of alternative energies on multiple levels, with a well written text that remains easily understood, without being pretentious, nor patronizing to its reader. Its text is additionally complemented by the inclusion of expansive resources to enable further research and action. This inspirational book will appeal to a broad audience, from students to average concerned citizens to professionals already working within the field of alternative energy research and development. Renewable Energy Made Easy truly gives hope for the achievement of a green, sustainable future, as it creates a sense of urgency to work collectively towards this realistic endeavor.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It really IS that easy!, August 27, 2008

By	C. K. "chrisk715" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

Renewable Energy Made Easy - really is that easy! If you've ever felt lost in an energy conversation, or, if you watch the news but don't quite understand what's going on, then this is the book for you. It breaks down some of the hardest concepts regarding energy, consumption, and makes the case for solar, wind, and water (hydropower) and tells in it an easy-to-read, user friendly format. There's even a glossary at end. I liked how the book covers renewable energy from a global and local standpoint - even with ideas for the home! I finished this book in one sitting, it's that easy to read.

1.0 out of 5 stars Poorly written, July 8, 2009

By	dm (rhode island) - See all my reviews

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.