The homeowner's guide to renewable energy: achieving energy independence through solar, wind, biomass and hydropower

Introduction : Renewable energy and me ; Why switch to renewables? ; Another reason for switching ; Averting global warming ; Is there hope? ; Keeping your eye on the prize ; Organization of the book 1. Renewable energy: clean, affordable and reliable : Making wise choices ; Understanding energy ; What is renewable energy? ; The pros and cons ; Prospects for the future 2. Conservation rules: the cornerstone of your energy future : What is energy conservation? ; Benefits of energy conservation ; Home energy use ; Retrofitting your home for energy efficiency ; The silver lining 3. Solar hot water systems: satisfying domestic hot water needs with renewable energy : Conventional hot water systems ; Tankless water heaters ; What is a solar hot water system? ; A brief history of solar hot water ; Solar hot water systems ; Which system is best for you? ; Sizing your system ; Finding a competent installer ; The economics of domestic solar hot water systems 4. Free heat: passive solar, active solar, and heat pumps : What is passive solar heating? ; Is passive solar for you? ; Types of passive solar design ; Getting the help you need ; Some final thoughts on passive solar retrofits ; Active solar retrofits ; Active hot air systems ; Heat pumps 5. Wood heat : Retrofitting fireplaces for efficiency ; Fuel-efficient wood burning stoves ; Shopping for an efficient, clean-burning wood stove ; Wood furnaces ; Pellet stoves ; Masonry heaters

6. Passive cooling: staying cool all summer long, naturally : What is passive cooling? ; Tools in the passive cooling toolbox ; Building a better future

7. Solar electricity: powering your home with solar energy : What is a solar electric system? ; Buying a solar electric system ; Locating a reliable contractor ; Why install solar electricity?

8. Wind power: meeting your needs for electricity : Is wind power in your future? ; Wind power: a brief history ; Understanding wind generators ; Wind system: three basic options ; Is wind energy appropriate where you live? ; Selecting a wind generator and tower ; Financial matters ; Wind power without installing a wind generator

9. Microhydro: generating electricity from running water : An introduction to hydroelectric systems ; The anatomy of a microhydro system ; Assessing the feasibility of your site ; Buying and installing a system ; Finding an installer or installing a system yourself ; The pros and cons of microhydro systems

10. What's on the horizon?: new fuels and new technologies for homes and autos : More fossil fuels ; Hydrogen: solution or distraction? ; The hybrid transition ; Plug-in hybrids ; Biodiesel-powered vehicles and homes ; Vegetable oil as fuel? ; What about ethanol? ; Methane digesters ; The botanical revolution.