Renewable Energy at Home

The book you are about to read provides a step-by-step guide for building a renewable energy power plant at home. Our goal was to make the book as practical as possible. The material is intended for immediate application with a small amount of theory. Yet, the theory is important as a foundation that saves time and effort by disabusing the readers of potential misconceptions. Specifically, upon having a firm understanding of photovoltaic physics, you will not be inclined to fruitlessly search for 90% efficient solar panels!



We want our readers to be the "doers". If the book gets covered in grime and some pages become torn while you are building your power plant — this is the best compliment to us. The book covers solar and wind energy. Also, a curious power source based on manure is discussed as well, giving the doers an opportunity to further develop the manure fuel cell.



It is important to note that there are many companies offering installation of complete solar solutions. Upon installing the panels, the system is not owned by the customer. Therefore, there is no freedom for experimentation and optimization. Also, none can beat the cost of a DIY solution as well as the ultimate satisfaction.



All that is written here is a result of us building a renewable energy solution in Southern California. As the book was completed, the energy began flowing!



Alex Pozhitkov, PhD studied physical chemistry and molecular biology (Moscow State University and Universität zu Köln). Alex worked in academia and in the private sector. He owns a small business, Buddyengineer, designing and manufacturing research equipment involving chemical engineering and electronics. Alex is a licensed amateur radio enthusiast, KM6MDU.



boB Gudgel devoted himself to electronics design and manufacturing of audio and medical electronics. In 1994, boB worked at Trace Engineering/Xantrex designing renewable energy devices. Next, boB was part owner and designer at OutBack Power Systems and then MidNite Solar (Arlington, WA). boB is a licensed amateur radio operator, K7IQ.