BOOKS
Our customers frequently ask us to recommend books that we have found helpful in learning about solar electricity. All titles
(except From Space to Earth...) are paperback. If you order three or more books, take a 10% discount. |
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| The Solar
Electric Independent Home Book |
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the SOLAR ELECTRIC INDEPENDENT HOME book is a worthwhile investment for a PV homeowner or potential PV homeowner. Our book discusses how to "site" and "size" a PV system for maximum efficiency and to meet a user's needs, weather conditions, and geographic location. Current photovoltaic product information is included; comments are offered regarding comparative prices, warranties, and performance. Emphasis is placed on making efficient use of power. The Solar Electric Independent
Home Book explains why solar electricity is a logical choice in remote areas and considers the ecological benefits of such a choice.
CHAPTERS INCLUDE:
- Introduction to Solar Electricity
- Living with a PV system
- System Sizing
- Appliance Efficiency
- Modules and Charge Controllers
- Batteries and Inverters
- Installation Guidelines
- Maintenance
- Understanding Electricity
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by New England Solar Electric, Inc.
010-001 REDUCED PRICE: $10.95
200 8.5'' x 11'' pages
75 CAD diagrams
25 Photographs
Perfect bound paperback |
"This is probably the best all-around book on wiring your 12V system. Lots of good diagrams and a good glossary and appendix."
- Real Goods Alternative Energy Sourcebook
"The PV Network News has called that book a classic. New England Solar Electric's newest work will become the bible for stand-alone residential photovoltaic systems."
- Christopher Derby Kilfoyle, Review for Northeast Sun
Berkshire Photovoltaic Services, Stamford, VT
"Our favorite book for the do-it-yourselfers. We recommend it for your electricians."
- Windy Dankoff, Dankoff Solar Power, Santa Cruz, NM
"Our favorite book for those who want to understand and live with our inverters. This should become the bible for alternative energy users."
- Ken Cox, Trace Engineering Company, Arlington, WA
"This is a good one. Easy to read, and easy
to understand, this book covers the basics in PV installation and use. New
England Solar Electric Inc. has designed the book to be used by the owner or
potential owner of a PV system. It is specifically geared for the remote
home
site."
- Backwoods Solar Electric Systems, Sandpoint, ID
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More Publications from New England Solar Electric Inc.:
The PV Home Series Booklets
These booklets average 25 pages that are 8.5'' by 11''. The subjects are covered in much greater detail than in the SOLAR ELECTRIC INDEPENDENT HOME book. They are filled with detailed CAD diagrams and detailed instructions.
Please note: Booklets can be used to fulfill the 3 book order requirement for the 10% discount. Our most common order is for the Solar Electric Independent Home Book and the two booklets described on this page. The total for the three books is $26.95. After your 10% discount for three books you pay only $24.26 and we'll pay the shipping.
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Battery Book for Your PV Home
010-002 $8.00
This is a good investment for anyone with a lead-acid battery bank.
After reading this book, you will  understand the internal workings of a battery bank. You will learn how to maintain your batteries, equalize your batteries' cells, and rejuvenate batteries in the case that they have been misused.
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PV/Generator Hybrid System for Your PV Home
010-003 $8.00
You receive detailed instructions on wiring your generator to an inverter/charger and using this setup to increase the efficiency of your PV system. Specific generator recommendations are made. Lightning protection is discussed. |
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Wiring Simplified
by H.P. Richter and W.C. Schwan
226 pages 6 x 9 inches
011-001 $9.95 |
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You intend to plan
and/or install your home's electrical wiring. If you want the finished job
to be practical, safe and receive a passing grade from the local electrical
inspector as well, consider this book. The fact that Wiring
Simplified is in its 39th edition is enough testimony to the value of
this book. Richter and Schwan
discuss the "how to aspects" of all kinds of wiring problems.
Better yet, the reasons why things are done a certain way are explained.
This is a readable, organized, well-illustrated, very popular textbook among
electrician types. |
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The Maine Solar Primer
A Compilation from the Maine Sun
Edited by Dr. Richard Komp
24 pages 8 x 10 inches
012-005 $5.00 |
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This is an information packed booklet that describes the basics of solar energy gathering using mostly sketches and diagrams. Starting with passive solar heating, it works its way through solar home designs, solar air heaters, solar food dryers, solar cookers, solar water heaters and finally photovoltaics. Quite a bit for a 24 page booklet! The information and designs are based on Maine's solar situation. The basics are so well described, however, that The Maine Solar Primer is a solar primer for all. |
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Practical Photovoltaics:
Electricity from Solar Cells
3rd Edition
by Richard J. Komp, Ph.D.
216 pages 6 x 9 inches
012-001 $18.95 |
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This book discusses the theory
and practical application of photovoltaic cells in an easy to understand but
technical manner. It starts with the physics of PV cells and ends with
instructions on how to assemble your own modules from surplus cells. "An
understandable guide to the theory, design, manufacture and future of solar
cell technology - a unique combination of technical discussion and practical
advice." |
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RVers' Guide to Solar Battery Charging
12 volt DC - 120 volt AC Inverters
by Noel and Barbara Kirkby
164 pages 6 x 9 inches
012-002 $12.95 |
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The Kirkbys have been RVers for over 20 years. They knew there had to be a better way to charge their RV's batteries than using those noisy, high maintenance generators. The answer was photovoltaics - electricity from the sun! A clear concise text on how to set up your RV's solar electric system. Covers all aspects of solar charging for RV's including solar panels, charge regulators, mounting hardware, batteries and wiring. This book also applies to cabins, boats and trailers. Includes many illustrations and photos as well as useful reference listings. |
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Alternative Energy Sourcebook
9th Edition by Real Goods
693 pages 8.5 X 11 inches
019-009 $30.00 |
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This is a monstrous book of all the products you could ever think of using in a home that is not connected to a
power line. There are pictures and detailed product information. Like each previous edition it is much better than the last. |
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Solar Hot Water Systems:
1977 to Today Lessons Learned Fifth Edition
by Tom Lane
105 pages 8.5 x 11 inches
019-003 $39.00 |
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This book contains a thorough overview of the two major solar hot water heating systems: Drain back and Glycol antifreeze. Don't be deceived by the low page count - there is enough information in this book to keep you studying for weeks! Excellent diagrams are included for variations on the systems mentioned above. They include all parts needed; their description and operation. Advantages and disadvantages, including an economic analysis of each system are also discussed. I would list the Table of Contents except that its too long! If you have any interest what-so-ever in solar hot water, buy this book. |
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| Backwoods Home Magazine
Best of the First Two Years
019-008 478 pages 8.5 x 11 inches $19.95
The Third Year
019-010 384 pages 8.5 x 11 inches $19.95
The Fourth Year
019-011 376 pages 8.5 x 11 inches $19.95
The Fifth Year
019-013 379 pages 8.5 x 11 inches $19.95
The Sixth Year
019-014 379 pages 8.5 x 11 inches $19.95
The Seventh Year
019-015 384 pages 8.5 x 11 inches $19.95
The Eighth Year
019-016 384 pages 8.5 x 11 inches $19.95
The Ninth Year
019-017 384 pages 8.5 x 11 inches $19.95
The Tenth Year
019-018 384 pages 8.5 x 11 inches $19.95 |
Take 50% off of any Backwoods Home Magazine Book |
The "Best of..." is a very large book containing the best articles from the first two years of Backwoods Home Magazine. The articles cover all kinds of topics from remote homes and PV systems,
to building, recipes, beaver ponds, energy efficiency, gardening, electric cars,
and nature. In short, if you live in rural America you will probably read this book from cover to cover. Now there are companion volumes which feature the best articles from the
3rd through the 10th year of Backwoods Home Magazine.
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