Wind, PV, Hydroelectric and Battery Book Reviews

WIND POWER

Wind Power Principles – Their Application on the Small Scale – NG Calvert

Decent book. Academic and Theoretical.

Wind Energy Basics – A Guide to Small and Micro Wind Systems – Paul Gipe.

Interesting book but American centric as you would expect.

Wind power Workshop – Hugh Piggot

Excellent book with practical illustrations and diagrams.

Off the Grid – Managing Independent Renewable Electricity Systems – Paul Allen and bob Todd

Must have book which takes you step by step through assessing your power requirements, calculating your wind and solar energy potential and designing a small scale system.

HYDROELECTRIC

Going with the Flow – Small scale water power – Bill Langley Dan Curtis

Excellent introduction to hydro power.

PHOTOVOLTAICS

Practical Photovoltaics – Electricity from Solar Cells – Richard J. Komp.

Interesting. Again a Academic/Theoretical. It does not cover setting up systems, wiring etc.

The Solar Electric House – Energy for the Environmentally Responsive, Energy-Independent Home – Steven J. Strong.

Interesting. A bit dated and American centric It does not cover setting up systems, wiring etc.

BATTERIES

Secrets of Lead Acid Batteries – Essential Knowledge for Alternate Energy Applications

Must have book. Small and concise.

OTHER

Energy Autonomy – The economic, social and technological case for renewable energy – Herman Scheer

A fantastic manifesto for a Renewable Energy future

The Citizen Powered Energy Handbook – Community Solution to a Global Crisis – Greg Pahl

A book mainly containing various case studies. Maybe a good introduction to the subject.

Energy Systems and Sustainability – Power for a Sustainable Future – Boyle, Everett, Ramage.

Fantastic easy to understand book bursting with information and excellent charts and illustrations. It covers economic, social and engineering aspects at a national and global level.

Renewable Energy – Power for a Sustainable Future – Boyle.

Excellent. As above