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This handbook will show you how to maximise the utility of your energy project whilst keeping costs controlled.

This book contains lots of technical detail and has a high emphasis on conservation and efficiency, which is key to making renewable energy economical.

The book offers well presented, very readable practical introduction and hands-on guidance. Bill has a way of making complex technologies interesting and easy to understand.

The content is very North American, but nevertheless, the Renewable Energy Handbook will be useful for both homeowners and professionals worldwide.

Chapters cover energy efficiency, space heating and cooling, photovoltaic energy generation, wind energy, micro-hydro energy production, batteries, ac/dc voltage regulation, fossil fuel backup power sources and the assembly of systems. Economics and other practical and theoretical aspects are also addressed. A number of off-grid homes are covered in case studies, these are American homes and most have photovoltaic cells installed; although the environmental conditions in other regions of the world (Particularly the UK!) may not lend themselves to these designs, they are still useful and very interesting.

Published in 2005, the data and sources used in this book are still valid in 2008.

567 pages

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‘Building Green’ is a very well presented guide to alternative building with over 1200 ‘how-to’ photos covering various alternative construction techniques and materials. The book serves as an excellent primer, covering elements of a project from start to finish.

The book addresses climate conditions, structure, materials, walls, flooring and roofing including the construction of a living roof.

‘Building Green’ offers examples of eco-homes in a number of climatic conditions so readers may be able to make use of this book wherever they might live.

Although not comprehensive in its coverage of building methods and materials, those included in the book are addressed in a readable and informative manner. There are light hearted elements in the book which break up the practical ‘how-to’ sections.

‘Building Green’ is a very entertaining and useful book which will, without doubt, inspire the reader.