Owner/
Builder


Sustainable Architecture

Think Small

Heat with the Sun

Keep your Cool

Use Renewable Energy

Conserve Water

Use Local Materials

Use Natural Materials

Save our Forests

Recycle Materials

Build to Last

Grow your Food

Store your Food

Share Facilities

USE RENEWABLE ENERGY

There are many ways to conserve the use of fossil fuel; using the sun, wind, or water to produce electricity are among them. If you choose to do this, you will be forced to be careful in the way you use your electricity because it is limited. Whether you get your electricity from alternative sources or from the grid, it pays to choose energy efficient appliances. Front-loading clothes washers, for instance, use much less electricity, water and soap than the top-loaders. Compact florescent lights use about a third of the electricity of standard bulbs. Many appliances use electricity by just being plugged in (known as phantom loads); be sure to avoid this.

RESOURCES

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BOOKS & VIDEOS

PLANS

ARTICLE ABOUT A SOLAR HOT TUB

ARTICLE ABOUT AVOIDING GRIDLOCK

EXPERT ADVICE

with Johnny Weiss

Photovoltaics
Geothermal
Hydro-Electric
Wood Heat
Methane
Financial Matters
Education
Miscellaneous

INFORMATIVE LINKS


BOOKS & VIDEOS
 
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The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy : Achieving Energy Independence through Solar, Wind, Biomass and Hydropower by Dan Chiras, 2006. I read a pre-publication manuscript of this book, and wrote this for the book jacket: The Homeowners' Guide to Renewable Energy makes it abundantly clear the predicament that humankind has created regarding how we procure and use energy. Ways that we might extricate ourselves from this predicament are placed squarely on the shoulders of renewable forms of energy, rather than fossil fuels. This book shows how we, as individuals, have the power and technology available now to embrace renewable energy for a bright future. ---Kelly Hart, www.greenhomebuilding.com. The book covers solar hot water, cooking, and water purification; space heat: passive and active solar retrofits; wood heat; passive cooling; solar electricity; wind-generated electricity; electricity from microhydropower sources; emerging technologies-hydrogen, fuel cells, methane digesters, and biodiesel.

 
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Basics of Energy Efficient Living: A Beginner's Guide to Alternative Energy and Home Energy Savings by Lonnie Wibberding, 2006. Whether you're building a new house or have an existing one, "Basics of Energy Efficient Living" shares the principles behind energy efficient living. Have you ever wondered: What is R-value? How much energy could I get from my creek? Can I use alternative energy in the city? How much heat will it take to keep my house warm? How much heat will I lose if I put in a bigger window? Learn what it takes to save energy, then take the next step and collect your own. Find out how much energy you can get from water, sun, wind, and wood. Discover how much energy you need by making an energy budget specific for your house. Learn energy principles as you design a house step-by-step.

 
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Renewable Energy by Godfrey Boyle, 2005. 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.

 
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Natural Home Heating: The Complete Guide to Renewable Energy Options by Greg Pahl, 2003. Greg Pahl offers a well-organized, easy-to-understand tour of all available renewable home-heating options, including wood, pellet, corn and grain-fired stoves, fireplaces, furnaces and boilers as well as masonry heaters, active and passive solar systems, and heat pumps. Learn how to burn environmentally friendly biodiesel fuels, not just in your car, but in your furnace or boiler. Included is everything you need to know about the fuels, systems, technologies, costs, and advantages and disadvantages of each option. Pahl teaches homeowners how to retrofit existing heating systems and choose renewable replacements, or design an entirely new house that can be heated comfortably with minimal environmental and financial impact.

 
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Fundamentals of Renewable Energy Processes by Aldo V. da Rosa, 2005. This book contains the technical detail necessary to understand the engineering principles that govern renewable energy application at many different levels. Focused on the fundamental mechanisms and processes that underpin energy management, it provides students with the foundation for all energy process courses. This text is organized according to the main forms of energy - heat engines, hydrogen energy, energy from the sun, and wind and water energy - with an introductory chapter of basic energy terms. From fuel cells, electrolyzers and processes for hydrogen production to biomass and windmills the author provides the most thorough examination of all aspects of renewable energy processes. * Examines the fundamentals of some non-traditional energy processes and illustrates the best way to implement these processes in our modern world. * Appropriate for all students and professionals studying the basic mechanisms of renewable energies. * Clear theory and physical examples of all principles relevant to the study of renewable energy. * Author is an internationally recognized pioneer researcher.

 
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Retrofitting for Energy Conservation by William H. Clark, 1997. Here is an expert guide that offers you practical solutions to remodeling and retrofitting for energy-conservation needs and code requirements. The book covers all 4 major areas of retrofit: electrical, HVAC, architectural, and control...plus techniques necessary for completing any job on time and within budget, as well as the newest and most-requested energy-efficient materials. Included are proven methods for retrofitting glass...walls, roofs, and floors...humidity control devices...lighting fixtures...motors ..attic insulation...air handlers...sensors...and much more! The author has a website (archi-tech-software.com) where the software associated with this book can be downloaded for free.

 
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Photovoltaics and Architecture by Randall Thomas, 2001. Solar energy is set to play an ever-increasing role in generating the form and affecting the appearance and construction of buildings. This new guide provides an overview of how PVs work and how they are incorporated in the design of buildings.Text for designers, clients and students, outlining the basic principles of photovoltaic design in architecture, examining their implications in the context of the UK. Discusses the potential and the challenges of using photovoltaic building design as a way to promote the use of solar energy.

 

 

 
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Photovoltaics : Design and Installation Manual by Solar Energy International, 2004. Producing electricity from the sun using photovoltaic (PV) systems has become a major industry worldwide. But designing, installing and maintaining such systems requires knowledge and training, and there have been few easily accessible, comprehensive guides to the subject. Now, with Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual, a world-class solar energy training and education provider-Solar Energy International (SEI)-has made available the critical information to successfully design, install and maintain PV systems. The book contains an overview of photovoltaic electricity and a detailed description of PV system components, including PV modules, batteries, controllers and inverters. It also includes chapters on sizing photovoltaic systems, analyzing sites and installing PV systems, as well as detailed appendices on PV system maintenance, troubleshooting and solar insolation data for over 300 sites around the world.

 
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From Space to Earth: The Story of Solar Electricity by John Perlin, 1999. This book tracks the evolution of photovoltaics from its shaky nineteenth-century beginnings, to its high-visibility success in the space program. After years of painstaking research, John Perlin tells the true and amazing story of the technology and of the truly amazing individuals who brought it to light. Special emphasis is given to solar electricity's impact on the developing world and on the developed world, via building-integrated photovoltaics.
 
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The Easy Guide to Solar Electric by Adi Pieper, 2001. This book is a simple and entertaining introduction to solar electric. This is not a "how to" book, it rather gives the reader an overview for a basic understanding of how photovoltaic systems work. Also included are many practical tips about solar products, names and numbers, as well as which products work or don't work in solar applications. This book comes complete with index, glossary, charts, and many funny drawings. The wimsical style of this book makes it easy reading for those not technically inclined.

 
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Power to the People: Sunlight to Electricity Using Solar Cells
by Martin Green, 2000. This book presents an overview of the present state of solar power. Global warming is making alternative energy more attractive. The book is very clearly written, broad in scope, and very current. The author and his lab have made major recent contributions to solar cell development, and the love for the subject shows in this work. There are nonmathematical chapters on quantum physics and solar cell design, and many paths for their further development.
 
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The Solar Electric House by Steven J. Strong. Excellent introduction to photovoltaic-powered houses, including design, wiring, and energy management by one of the design pioneers. Covers both stand-alone and grid-connected PV houses, 288 pages, paperback, graphs, charts, index.

 
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How To Live Without Electricity -And Like It! by Anita Evangelista, 1998. There's no need to be dependent on commercial electrical systems for your home's comforts and security. Describes dozens of alternative methods that can help the individual become more self-reliant and free from utility companies. Tells how to calculate your actual power usage; employ alternate light sources, including candles, oil, kerosene, gas, and solar-powered lamps; obtain, pump and store potable water; cook with gas, wood, and solar heat; heat and cool your home effectively; refrigerate food without electricity; maintain radio communications; generate power and recharge batteries. Numerous illustrations and photographs, listings for the best mail-order sources for the products depicted. This is a complete sourcebook for those who wish to both simplify and improve their lives.

 
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Practical Photovoltaics: Electricity from Solar Cells by Richard J. Komp, 2002. Practical Photovoltaics is one of the finest, most comprehensive guides to the world of solar energy. The book starts with a beginer's course in solid state physical devices and leads into the history of solar cell materials and procedures over the years. Next comes an in-depth discussion of the various types of materials, and how they are suited for different applications. He makes logical predictions about the future of some of these materials, and hints about new techniques scientists are looking at today. In the appendix, he even describes how to assemble your own array of solar cells for those who wish to try a hands-on approach to learning.

 

 
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Wind Energy Basics: A Guide to Small and Micro Wind Systems by Paul Gipe, 1999. This book covers everything from the fundamentals of wind energy to the actual installation, operation and maintenance of the authors own wind system. In between are chapters on estimating the performance of proposed wind systems, on and off the grid applications and what to look for in buying a wind turbine for your home or boat. A very important chapter has been included on siting and safety. Throughout the book the reader is treated to excellent photographs from the authors extensive global travels. Wind is the perfect companion to Solar Power and together they are changing the future for the better.

 

 
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Do It Yourself Solar Panels for Swimming Pools, Spas & more DVD, 2006. Solar Powered Panel Instructional DVD & Plans for water heating. A simple step-by-step, DIY, easy to follow solar panel construction DVD. No special tools required. Sleek design, professional look and ease of fabrication. Heating system fully integrates into your existing pool piping network. 3500 watts (12,000BTU) of free solar power per panel. 10+degrees F increase in water temperature in one day. Engineered for maximum robustness and weatherability.

 
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The Book of Masrony Stoves: Rediscovering an Old Way of Warming by David Lyle, 1998. This book has many illustrations and covers the history of masonry heating systems. It is both extensive and well-written. It will provide new ideas about masonry heating.

 

 

 
 
 
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Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water And Space Heating Systems by Bob Ramlow, Benjamin Nusz, 2006. This book reviews the history of solar water & space heating systems from prehistory to the present, then presents the basics of solar water heating, including an introduction to modern solar energy systems, energy conservation and energy economics. Drawing on the author's experience as an installer of these systems, the book goes on to cover: Types of solar collectors, solar water and space heating systems and solar pool heating systems, including their advantages and disadvantages; System components, their installation, operation, and maintenance; System sizing and siting; Choosing the appropriate system. The book focuses especially on the financial aspects of solar water or space heating systems, clearly showing that such systems can save significant costs in the long run.

Charging Ahead: The Business of Renewable Energy and What It Means for America
by John J. Berger, 1998

 
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The Independent Home: Living Well With Power from the Sun, Wind, and Water
by Michael Potts, 1993

 
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The Energy Saving House
by Thierry Salomon, Stephane Bedel, 2002

 
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Achieving Energy Independence - One Step at a Time
by Jeffrey R. Yago, Jeffrey Yago, 1999

 
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Consumer Guide to Solar Energy: Easy and Inexpensive Applications for Solar Energy
by Scott Sklar, Kenneth G. Sheinkopf, 1995

 
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Real Goods Solar Living Source Book: Your Complete Guide to Renewable Energy Technologies and Sustainable Living
by John Schaeffer, 2007

 
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Got Sun? Go Solar: Get Free Renewable Energy to Power Your Grid-Tied Home
by Rex A. Ewing, 2005

 
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Renewable Energy
by Bent Sorensen, 2004

 
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The Homeowners Guide to Energy Independence: Alternative Power Sources for the Average American
by Christine Woodside, 2006

 
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Who Owns the Sun?: People, Politics, and the Struggle for a Solar Economy
by Daniel M. Berman, John T. O'Connor, 1997

 
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Wind Power : Renewable Energy for Home, Farm, and Business
by Paul Gipe, 2004

 
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Reaping the Wind: How Mechanical Wizards, Visionaries, & Profiteers Helped Shape Our Energy Future
by Peter Asmus, 2000

 
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Wind Energy Information Guide
by National Renewable Energy Laboratory , U. S. Department of Energy, 2005

 
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Windpower Workshop
by Hugh Piggott, 2001

 
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Wind and Solar Power Systems
by Mukund R. Patel, 1999

 
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Water and Wind Power
by Martin Watts, 1997

 
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Microhydro : Clean Power from Water
by Scott Davis, 2003

 
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Photovoltaic Systems Engineering
by Roger Messenger, Jerry Ventre, 1999

 
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Using Sunlight For Your Own Solar Electricity : Build Your Own System, Become Independent of The Grid, Domestic Photovoltaics
by Ralph W. Ritchie, 1999

 
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21st Century Complete Guide to Solar Energy and Photovoltaics - Solar Power, Solar Cell Research, Silicon and Solid State Materials Research, Department ... Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL (CD-ROM)
by World Spaceflight News, 2004

 
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Renewable Energy Handbook for Homeowners: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Making (and Selling) Your Own Power from the Sun, Wind and Water
by William H. Kemp, 2006

 
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Manual for the Economic Evaluation of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technologies
by National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2005

 
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The Evolution of an Independent Home: The Story of a Solar Electric Pioneer
by Paul Jeffrey Fowler, 1995

 
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Energy Systems and Sustainability
by Godfrey Boyle, Bob Everett , Janet Ramage, 2003

 
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Energy Autonomy: The Economic, Social and Technological Case for Renewable Energy
by Hermann Scheer, 2007

 
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Renewable Energy
by Godfrey Boyle, 2004

 
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Daylighting for Sustainable Design
by Mary Guzowski, 1999

 
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PLANS

Earth-sheltered Active Home
Ferid Abbasher, Architect
Earth-sheltered buildings best protect against extreme temperature variations, storms, earthquakes, noise and even military strikes. The passive design principles of internal heat zoning and compact planning are employed in this EcoHouse. It should be a wonderful place in which to live; warm and quiet, with light flooding in from the south, the ventilation system providing clean and fresh air, while being sheltered by beautiful landscape.


Photovoltaic cells along the ridge convert sunlight into electricity. To ensure an efficient use of solar energy, materials with a high thermal storage capacity were selected. The utility room in the northern part of the house accommodates all HVAC and other equipment. A ventilation system creates a state of low pressure, drawing heated air from the greenhouse into the living areas. A supplementary heating system can also be provided, but with a time switch to turn it off so that the use of outside energy does not become the rule. In summer, the south face can be opened to two thirds of its area. Sunscreening is envisaged as an option, provided that your local latitude and climatic conditions so require. The ventilation system can also be reversed to circulate cooler air from the north side through the house.

For more information about this plan, and many others, visit our sister site www.dreamgreenhomes.com, where you will find a wide range of plans for sustainable homes, greenhouses, small buildings, garages, and food storage space for sale. Dream Green Homes is a consortium of outstanding architects and designers, who have pooled their talent and expertise for your benefit.

 

LINKS

greenerbuildings.com Outlines Energy Tax Credits available from the U.S. Federal Government.

discoverperfectenergy.com offers a free matching service for renewable energy projects with qualified contractors and associations.

findsolar.com An online directory of solar energy professionals

greenhouse.gov.au this very informative on-line manual provides an overview of energy use, including appliances, hot water, heating and cooling, lighting, and renewable electricity production, storage and delivery.

dsireusa.org The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy.

repp.org Renewable Energy Policy Project's comprehensive site features articles, discussion groups, events calendar, searchable database and employment oportunities.

naturalhomes.org lists workshops from around the world related to renewable energy.

renewableenergyaccess free weekly newletter on on-line information about renewable energy.

ases.org the American Solar Energy Society publishes "Solar Today" and posts articles on-line.

ecoforums.com a group of forums related to ecological living, including solar, wind, hydro, and biomass.

homepower.com website for Home Power Magazine…the best source of up-to-date information about alternative energy for the home!

solarenergy.org Solar Energy International on-line courses.

seia.org the Solar Energy Industries Association provides news and has a database of solar contractors.

the-mrea.org Midwest Renewable Energy Association site with information on PV, solar water heating, their annual fair, etc.

lowimpact.org the Low-Impact Linging Initiative in England provides information and courses related to renewable energy.

dsireusa.org database of state incentives for renewable energy.

solaraccess.com news, education, business listings and jobs related to renewable energy.

awea.org American Wind Energy Association provides a wealth of information about generating energy from wind.

nrel.gov/wind The National Wind Technology Center features lots of information about wind energy.

alt-e.blogspot.com A very interesting, well presented and researched blog about all aspects of alternative energy.

crest.org Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology freesunpower.com this site has assembled a detailed set of free tutorials and worksheets for calculating needs and system requirements for solar electricity.

archi-tech-software.com offers free downloadable software for tools to reduce utility bills by targeting the most effective energy conservation projects.

Seabird Island Project shows unique design for the solar heating of water and space through warm air collection and geothermal heat tubes.

webconx.com extensive site devoted to renewable energy, transportation, shelter, etc.

cirkits.com links to manufacturers, organizations, etc. related to alternative energy.

knowlegehound.com links to hydro, PV, wind, etc.

chimneykeepers.com
introduction to masonry stoves.

Sustainable Life a wealth of information about renewable energy, especially in Europe.

ecs-solar.com available from this page are sample chapters from Solar Hot Water Systems - Lessons Learned 1977 to Today: The Solar Industry's Water Heater Bible, as well as these free booklets: SOLAR ELECTRICITY 101, SOLAR HOT WATER 101, SOLAR POOL HEATING 101

nextenergysolar.com an annotated directory of websites dealing with solar energy.

mayapedal.org an amazing collection of pedal-powered machines, including grain mill, water pump, blender, metal sharpener, washing machine, electrical generator, wood saw, etc.

windstreampower.com features a human-powered generator.

starrynightlights.com is devoted to diminishing light pollution.

arti-india.org a description of a simple biodigestor to make methane...from India.

rumford.com lots of information about Rumford fireplaces.

jointhesolution.com this company leases PV systems to residential customers for the same cost as normal monthly payments!

sitiosolar.com a Spanish language site that focuses on renewable energy.

siliconsolar.com features a forum for learning and sharing information about solar energy.

aboutmyplanet.com has lots of articles about solar power.


Disclaimer Of Liability And Warranty
I specifically disclaim any warranty, either expressed or implied, concerning the information on these pages. Neither I nor any of the advisor/consultants associated with this site will have liability for loss, damage, or injury, resulting from the use of any information found on this, or any other page at this site. Kelly Hart, Hartworks, Inc.

 

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