An urban guide to renewable energy and efficiency

Concern over energy supply, costs and environmental problems are not limited to those prepared to venture into the countryside to an off-grid life. Urban people — now the vast majority in the western world — share the same fear about what lies ahead. Yet the average North American family will spend over one quarter million after-tax dollars on energy in a lifetime. The difference between North American and European energy consumption is waste and inefficiency - or, simply, wasted money.

$mart Powershows homeowners that using less energy or adopting renewable-energy technologies is not about making drastic lifestyle sacrifices, nor is it expensive. In fact, energy efficiency often improves lifestyle through lower operating costs, a more comfortable environment, and increased disposable income. $mart Power shows that our concern for first cost when purchasing appliances and consumer goods is robbing us blind. For example, keeping a 15-year-old fridge rather than replacing it will actually cost 4-5 times more than the new model because of wasted energy costs.

This richly illustrated book includes chapters on:

Energy efficiency
Space heating and cooling
Community power
Energy efficient transportation
Photovoltaics, wind and biofuels
Batteries, voltage regulation and inverters
Solar water heating and backup power

William Kemp is VP Engineering of Powerbase Automation Systems Inc. and a consulting electronics/software designer who develops control systems for low environmental impact hydroelectric utilities worldwide. He is a sustainable living and clean energy advocate working inrenewable energy heating, energy efficiency, photovoltaic, microhydro and wind electric systems