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Solar PV Engineering and Installation: Preparation for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification
by Sean WhiteThe NABCEP PV Installation Professional Exam is the gold standard certification exam for PV professionals and is famously difficult to pass. This book will provide test-taking strategy that can be used to most effectively study for and pass the exam. Code and theory is explained in the first half and will prove as useful background for the heart of the book which consists of practice exam questions and detailed explanations of the answers. It also contains essential strategy tools, short term memory tips and recommended reading which will be invaluable for anyone studying for the exam. The material in this book is not limited to those taking the exam as it will also be, more broadly, important for career progression and helping the reader to work safely with code compliant PV systems.
Solar PV Engineering and Installation: Preparation for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional, Specialist and Inspector Certification Exams
by Sean WhiteThe NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP) Exam is the gold standard certification exam for PV professionals and is famously difficult to pass. As the industry grows and jobs have become more specialized, the Board has responded to this with NABCEP Specialist Certification Exams. As well as the content of the PVIP, this book also covers the material in the Design, Installer and Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist Certification Exams, and provides test-taking strategy that can be used to most effectively study for and pass these assessments. Code and theory is explained in the first half of this guide, acting as a useful background for the second half, which consists of practice exam questions and answers, complete with detailed explanations. It also contains essential strategy tools, short-term memory tips and recommended reading which will be invaluable for anyone studying for the exams. The material covered in this book is not limited to those taking the test, but will also act as a valuable tool for career progression, helping the reader to work safely with code-compliant PV systems. This second edition has been fully revised and updated to reflect the new developments in solar and energy storage systems and new technologies.
Solar Radiation: Practical Modeling for Renewable Energy Applications
by Daryl Ronald MyersWritten by a leading scientist with over 35 years of experience working at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Solar Radiation: Practical Modeling for Renewable Energy Applications brings together the most widely used, easily implemented concepts and models for estimating broadband and spectral solar radiation data. The author addresses various technical and practical questions about the accuracy of solar radiation measurements and modeling. While the focus is on engineering models and results, the book does review the fundamentals of solar radiation modeling and solar radiation measurements. It also examines the accuracy of solar radiation modeling and measurements. The majority of the book describes the most popular simple models for estimating broadband and spectral solar resources available to flat plate, concentrating, photovoltaic, solar thermal, and daylighting engineering designs. Sufficient detail is provided for readers to implement the models in assorted development environments. Covering the nuts and bolts of practical solar radiation modeling applications, this book helps readers translate solar radiation data into viable, real-world renewable energy applications. It answers many how-to questions relating to solar energy conversion systems, solar daylighting, energy efficiency of buildings, and other solar radiation applications.
Solar Revolution The Economic Transformation of the Global Energy Industry.
by Travis BradfordThis is a timely and much-needed book. The solar industry is evolving with dramatic speed, both technologically and economically. With a business perspective and a wealth of knowledge about the solar industry and the wider energy economy, Travis Bradford provides an excellent account of solar energy today. This book is a rigorous but intensely practical analysis of how the world's energy future should evolve. It will be valuable not only for scholars dealing with the technological and policy aspects of energy, but also for the concerned citizen who may have no specialized knowledge of the issues. Solar Revolution should receive worldwide attention for exploring the pathways that can guide the world towards a renewable energy future.
Solar Sails
by Giovanni Vulpetti Les Johnson Gregory L. MatloffThe reality of sunlight-based sailing in space began in May 2010, and solar sail technology and science have continued to evolve rapidly through new space missions. Using the power of the Sun's light for regular travel propulsion will be the next major leap forward in our journey to other worlds. This book is the second edition of the fascinating explanation of solar sails, how they work and how they will be used in the exploration of space. Updated with 35% new material, this second edition includes three new chapters on missions operated by Japan and the US, as well as projects that are in progress. The remainder of the book describes the heritage of exploration in water-borne sailing ships and the evolution to space-vehicle propulsion; as well as nuclear, solar-electric, nuclear-electric and antimatter rocket devices. It also discusses various sail systems that may use either sunlight or solar wind, and the design, fabrication and steering challenges associated with solar sails. The first edition was met with overwhelmingly positive reviews, and deemed "a title that needs to be on your shelf if you're seriously interested in the next step as we move beyond rocketry" (Centauri Dreams, September 2008). Written with a mixed approach, this book appeals to both the general public as well as those with a more scientifically technical background.
Solar Selective Absorbers: Materials, Coatings, and Applications
by Belal Usmani Ambesh Dixit Vivek Vijay Rahul ChhibberSolar Selective Absorbers: Materials, Coatings, and Applications covers different harnessing technologies for solar energy, electromagnetic radiation including design principles, and different types of spectrally selective coatings.The book emphasizes experimental methods for synthesizing these coating structures and characterization techniques to quantify the absorber characteristics, suitable for solar thermal applications. It also provides a compact review of the literature on solar (spectrally) selective absorber materials and coatings. Summarizes the materials, deposition and characterization techniques, and applications of solar selective absorbers Introduces solar selective absorber materials and photothermal technology Explores electrodeposition techniques and their use in the development of solar selective absorber films Provides understanding of solar selective absorber materials and coating techniques in photothermal technology Explains sputtering techniques and their use in the development of ZrO2/ZrC-ZrN/Zr tandem structure-based solar selective absorber films The book is aimed at researchers and graduate students in solar energy, solar thermal conversion, and materials science.
Solar Shading Systems: Design, Performance, and Integrated Photovoltaics (SpringerBriefs in Energy)
by Maria Mandalaki Theocharis TsoutsosThis is the first book to describe the development of and state of the art in solar shading devices in buildings, detailing all methods of evaluating shading systems according to thermal and visual comfort. The issue of energy balance in buildings is gaining importance as conventional energy sources dwindle and become more expensive. As such, environmental concerns should be considered in overall design decisions. The book discusses the role sun control “machines” play in controlling solar and thermal radiation. It examines their geometry, their position in relation to glazing and their operation (in the cases of movable systems) to control the heat and light entering a building, as well as how their material and color influence their performance. This book appeals to architects and designers who are interested in efficient energy facade design.
Solar Silicon Processes: Technologies, Challenges, and Opportunities
by Bruno Ceccaroli Eivind Øvrelid Sergio PizziniPolycrystalline silicon (commonly called "polysilicon") is the material of choice for photovoltaic (PV) applications. Polysilicon is the purest synthetic material on the market, though its processing through gas purification and decomposition (commonly called "Siemens" process) carries high environmental risk. While many current optoelectronic applications require high purity, PV applications do not and therefore alternate processes and materials are being explored for PV grade silicon. Solar Silicon Processes: Technologies, Challenges, and Opportunities reviews current and potential future processing technologies for PV applications of solar silicon. It describes alternative processes and issues of material purity, cost, and environmental impact. It covers limits of silicon use with respect to high-efficiency solar cells and challenges arising from R&D activities. The book also defines purity requirements and purification processes of metallurgical grade silicon (MG-Si) and examines production of solar grade silicon by novel processes directly from MG-Si and/or by decomposition of silane gas in a fluidized bed reactor (FBR). Furthermore, the book: Analyzes past research and industrial development of low-cost silicon processes in view of understanding future trends in this field. Discusses challenges and probability of success of various solar silicon processes. Covers processes that are more environmentally sensitive. Describes limits of silicon use with respect to high-efficiency solar cells and challenges arising from R&D activities. Defines purity requirements and purification processes of MG-Si. Examines production of solar grade silicon directly from MG-Si.
Solar Surveyors: Observing the Sun from Space (Springer Praxis Books)
by Peter BondThis is the story of humankind’s quest over centuries to learn the true nature of the most dominant object in our Solar System: the Sun.Award-winning science writer Peter Bond describes in detail how our ideas about the Sun have changed over the millennia, starting with the simple observations of classical astronomy and continuing through telescopic observations to the age of nuclear physics. He shows how we discovered the Sun’s basic characteristics – its distance, size, temperature and composition – and then describes how, with evermore sophisticated instruments, we have learned about the Sun’s enormous energy output, its atmosphere and the explosive eruptions that blast clouds of magnetized gas and high-energy particles toward our world.Most of this book focuses on the Space Age, when suborbital rockets and satellites have probed every aspect of our nearby star. Each of these missions is described in detail, with summaries of their objectives, spacecraft designs, scientific payloads and results. The book also looks forward, describing forthcoming missions that will shed new light on remaining solar mysteries, notably the source of the energy that heats the outer corona to millions of degrees.Richly illustrated with mission photos, design diagrams, and infocharts, this book is a fascinating read for anybody interested in the Sun and our attempts to unravel its secrets.
The Solar System: Discover the mysteries of our sun and neighboring planets (Space Explorers)
by Sophie AllanDiscover our expansive solar system in this breathtaking journey into space. This charming book is the perfect introduction for young readers who want to learn about our local star - the Sun - and the planets that orbit it. The Solar System covers space in thrilling detail and is the perfect book for space lovers everywhere. Packed with mind-blowing facts, this incredible book of the solar system is perfect for space lovers everywhere. This fascinating guide introduces 7-9 year-olds to the birth of the Sun and the solar system, then continues on a journey through space. They discover the smallest planet, rocky Mercury, which is closest to the Sun, and Venus, the hottest planet. There is also Mars, with its polar ice caps and volcanoes, and Jupiter, with its swirling storm clouds. Then readers venture further into space to explore the icy giants of outer space. This wonderful solar system book offers:- In-depth information, backed up by space photography, probe images, illustrations, and fun diagrams.- Striking illustrations, making this title a perfect gift, as well as a solid reference book. - Easy-to-digest sections, each filled with incredible facts and visuals.STEM learning, with key topics for 7-9 year-olds: labeled images of each of the planets, clear step-by-step visuals to show the birth of our solar system, accessible facts about space missions.Boasting beautiful illustrations by artist Dawn Cooper, combined with up-to-date images from space agencies such as NASA and ESA, info panels, timelines, and diagrams, that help demystify and explain the spectacles of space, this is the ideal book for budding astronauts.At DK, we believe in the power of discovery.So why stop there?If you like The Solar System, then why not complete the collection? Take a trip into space and discover the mysteries of Earth&’s closest neighbor with The Moon. <P><P><i>Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.</i>
Solar System: Between Fire and Ice
by Thomas Hockey Jennifer Lynn Bartlett Daniel C. BoiceCombining the latest astronomical results with a historical perspective, Solar System: Between Fire and Ice takes you on a fabulous tour of our intriguing Solar System. Not content with a conventional discourse restricted to the major and minor bodies, astronomers Hockey, Bartlett, and Boice venture beyond the limits of our system to look at exoplanets and to consider future trends in space exploration and tourism. They discuss not only what scientists know about planets, asteroids, and comets but how the discoveries were made. With extensive teaching experience, their accessible prose clearly explains essential physical concepts. Lavishly illustrated as well as carefully researched, Solar System: Between Fire and Ice delights the eyes as well as feeding the mind. Detailed appendices provide additional technical data and resources for your own on-line voyage of discovery. Whether you are an educated layperson, student, teacher, amateur astronomer, or merely curious, you will come away having learned the most up-to-date knowledge and enjoyed the process. The authors bring a unique perspective to this subject, combining their years of experience in research, teaching, and history of planetary science. Prof. Thomas Hockey is a professor of astronomy, specializing in planetary science and the history of science. Dr. Jennifer Bartlett is an astronomer with a forte in dynamical motions of asteroids with liberal arts teaching experience. Dr. Daniel Boice is an active research astronomer in planetary science, especially comets, with considerable teaching experience. "In the 1980s and 90s the Viking and Voyager missions provided droves of exciting information, generating a new level of public interest. Textbooks were rewritten and scientists worked to understand the data during mission poor period that followed. In recent times, however, we have entered a new era. There has been a multinational effort to expand our knowledge of the Solar System. Data from these missions has been freely shared and has again raised the level of public interest. Within this era of renewed interest, it is appropriate, as is done in this book, to provide the public with an effort to present an integrated view of our Solar System and questions that the discovery of extrasolar planets have raised with regard to the Solar System as a whole." Professor Reta Beebe, recipient of NASA’s Exceptional Public Service Medal "I understand this book to be aimed at a general audience, but I can also see its use as a text in astronomy classes, especially in a community school or situations where students typically resist reading the textbook. The writing is light and entertaining, and will engage students, yet it thoroughly covers all the basic concepts of a typical Astro 101 class." - Dr. Katy Garmany, winner of the American Astronomical Society’s Annie J. Cannon Award.
Solar System: By The Numbers (By the Numbers)
by Steve JenkinsBy the Numbers infographic readers, accessible nonfiction packed with full-color cut-paper illustrations from Caldecott honor–winning Steve Jenkins. Solar Systems focuses on ever-astonishing outer space.Through infographics and illustrations readers will learn about the unfathomably huge and fascinating topic of solar systems. Explore the galaxy that surrounds our planet through astounding numbers, facts, and figures. With Steve Jenkins&’s signature art style, his By the Numbers reader series explores the most fascinating fields of nature and natural science. These readers are fact-packed and run the gamut from dinosaurs to dwarf planets, detailing the astonishing phenomena that make our universe such an incredible place to live and learn. Each title uses engaging graphics and visual literacy to convey scientific facts and concepts, making them accessible for all kinds of new readers.
The Solar System Reference for Teens: A Fascinating Guide to Our Planets, Moons, Space Programs, and More
by Dr. Bruce BettsTake a tour of our solar system with this guide for teens ages 12 to 16 From the moons of Jupiter to the surface of Mars, our solar system is home to a multitude of wild, weird worlds. Crack open this solar system book and embark on a journey through space as you meet key figures in history, explore careers in astronomy, uncover some of the solar system's biggest mysteries, and more. Tons of images—Bring celestial objects into focus through more than 160 images, illustrations, and diagrams that provide a close-up look into our solar system and how it works. Fascinating facts—Did you know the Moon gets farther from Earth each year at about the same rate that your fingernails grow? Discover all sorts of awe-inspiring facts about our solar system's planets, moons, and more. Exciting exploration—Learn about important historical achievements and technological developments—including missions to different parts of the solar system—and get tips for your own stargazing sessions. Explore all the cool stuff in our solar system with this accessible reference guide for teens.
Solar Technology: The Earthscan Expert Guide to Using Solar Energy for Heating, Cooling and Electricity (Earthscan Expert)
by David ThorpeSolar energy is free, abundant and sustainable, with many methods existing to harness it. This guide is the essential introduction to the subject, explaining how the technologies work, how best they should be employed, and the costs and benefits of using them. It provides detailed yet accessible coverage of: passive solar building solar water heating solar space heating other solar thermal applications (such as cooling and desalination) grid-connected photovoltaics stand-alone photovoltaics. It also introduces the reader to larger scale applications such as concentrating solar power. Highly illustrated in full colour, this is the perfect primer for anyone who wants to work with or simply learn more about solar technologies.
Solar Technology and Global Environmental Justice: The Vision and the Reality (Routledge Studies in Environmental Justice)
by Andreas RoosBuilding on insights from ecological economics and philosophy of technology, this book offers a novel, interdisciplinary approach to understand the contradictory nature of Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is rapidly emerging as a cost-effective option in the world economy. However, reports about miserable working conditions, environmentally deleterious mineral extraction and toxic waste dumps corrode the image of a problem-free future based on solar power. Against this backdrop, Andreas Roos explores whether ‘ecologically unequal exchange’ – an asymmetric transfer of labour time and natural resources – is a necessary condition for solar PV development. He demonstrates how the massive increase in solar PV installation over recent years would not have been possible without significant wage/price differences in the world economy - notably between Europe/North America and Asia- and concludes that solar PV development is currently contingent on environmental injustices in the world economy. As a solution, Roos argues that solar technology is best coupled with strategies for degrowth, which allow for a transition away from fossil fuels and towards a socially just and ecologically sustainable future. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of solar power, philosophy of technology, and environmental justice.
Solar Textiles: The Flexible Solution for Solar Power (Textile Institute Professional Publications)
by Robert Mather John WilsonMost photovoltaic (PV) installations utilise heavy conventional glass or polycarbonate panels, and even newly developed thin plastic or metal films for PV cell use may fracture during both construction and application. Textile fabrics, the most widespread flexible materials in everyday use, offer a solution to the need for lightweight, flexible solar PV generators. Solar Textiles: The Flexible Solution for Solar Power is about the incorporation and operation of solar cells on textile fabrics. The combination of textile manufacturing and solar PV cell technology opens up further avenues for both the textile and semiconductor industries. Thus, this book reflects the progressively increasing commercial interest in PV cell technology and the versatility that their integration in textiles provides. Discusses textiles as electrical substrates Explains the photovoltaic effect and associated parameters Offers special consideration of solar cells on textiles Compares fibres and fabrics and how to implement PV activity on a textile Describes manufacturing methods outside of semiconductor technology Includes applications open only to textiles This work is aimed at textile technologists, electronic engineers, solar technologists, civil engineers and designers in building fabrics and architecture.
Solar Thermal Conversion Technologies for Industrial Process Heating
by T. V. Arjunan Vijayan Selvaraj M. M. MatheswaranSolar Thermal Conversion Technologies for Industrial Process Heating presents a comprehensive look at the use of solar thermal energy in industrial applications, such as textiles, chemical processing, and food. The successful projects implemented in a variety of industries are shown in case studies, alongside performance assessment methodologies. The book includes various solar thermal energy conversion technologies and new techniques and applications of solar collectors in industrial sectors. Features: Covers the key designs and novel technologies employed in the processing industries Discusses challenges in the incorporation of the solar thermal system in industrial applications Explores the techno-economic, environmental impact and life cycle analysis with government policies for promoting the system Includes real-world case studies Presents chapters written by global experts in the field The book will be useful for researchers, graduate students, and industry professionals with an aim to promote mutual understanding between sectors dealing with solar thermal energy.
Solar Thermal Desalination Technologies for Potable Water: Exploring Viable Options for Reliable and Sustainable Water Production
by H. Sharon K. Srinivas ReddyThis book covers the basics and advancements in various solar thermal desalination systems that are highly affordable and viable even for applications in low-income countries. Fresh water is an essential natural resource needed for the continuous existence of living organisms on earth. Civilizations have started and flourished along riverbanks which can be understood from historical literature. This precious resource has also been a cause for a lot of past and current wars and conflicts among different ethnic groups and nations around the globe. In the current scenario, access to clean drinking water is getting harder and more expensive for most of the population in middle- and low-income countries. This volume provides detailed knowledge on effectively utilizing solar energy for desalination to fulfill clean water supply demands. The content presents detailed thermodynamic modeling of various solar thermal desalination systems and highlights the role of the solar thermal distillation process in wastewater treatment and improved sanitation through a case study. The book also provides a detailed methodology for assessing the economics, environmental footprints, and sustainability of desalination systems. The book will be highly beneficial for researchers, professionals, and activists dealing with water, energy, and the environment.
Solar Thermal Energy (Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology Series)
by Spiros Alexopoulos Soteris A. KalogirouThis volume of the Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology, Second Edition, describes technologies that actively convert solar radiation into useful heat in a temperature range from just above ambient up to more than 1,000°C. Applications cover a broad range of energy services such as space heating, cooking, domestic hot water supply, electrical power generation, and high temperature thermochemical processes. The major developments that have led to currently available technologies for solar thermal energy applications were initiated mainly after the first oil shock in 1973. Solar thermal energy is widely used already for heating purposes (water, space) in the “low” temperature range up to about 100°C employing mainly nonconcentrating collectors, whereas higher temperatures can be achieved with more sophisticated solar collector technologies. Temperatures over 200°C typically require concentrating solar radiation using mirror systems. Several different technologies are described in detail in this volume, including solar collector systems in the lower temperature range, the direct use of solar radiation for food processing, namely cooking and drying, the production of electricity through conversion of solar radiation first to heat, driving a mechanical conversion system coupled to an electric generator, the use of solar radiation to drive chemical processes, and many more.
Solar Thermal Energy Systems: Fundamentals, Technology, Applications
by Werner Platzer Robert StieglitzThis textbook is intended for master's level engineering students in the field of their studies. It begins with an analysis of the growing world population's energy demand (heat and electricity) and its connection to the undeniable climate change, necessitating the expansion of climate-friendly technologies. The book is divided into two sections. The first section (Chapters 2 to 7) presents the physical fundamentals of solar thermal energy usage, along with the necessary processes, methods, and models. The second section (Chapters 8-12) covers the synthesis of the developed fundamentals applied to various functional solar thermal systems. It not only provides the logic and methods for transferring the physical fundamentals into an operative technical system but also includes aspects of concept development, selection, economic evaluation, and performance. Additionally, measurement and control technology are presented, underpinned by real projects that have already been successfully implemented.
Solar Thermal Thruster
by Minchao Huang Jianjun Wu Jian Li Yuqiang ChengThis open access book focuses on the field of aerospace propulsion theory and engineering. The book takes the solar thermal thruster as the research object, has carried on the solar thermal thruster working process theoretical analysis, the numerical simulation and the experimental verification, and has revealed the solar thermal thruster internal working mechanism, and a design optimization method for high performance solar thermal thruster is presented. The research contents reflect the latest research results of performance analysis of solar thermal thrusters. This book is used as a textbook or reference book for teachers, students and scientists in the fields of aerospace, aeronautics, engineering thermal physics and power.
Solar to Chemical Energy Conversion
by Masakazu Sugiyama Katsushi Fujii Shinichiro NakamuraThis book explains the conversion of solar energy to chemical energy and its storage. It covers the basic background; interface modeling at the reacting surface; energy conversion with chemical, electrochemical and photoelectrochemical approaches and energy conversion using applied photosynthesis. The important concepts for converting solar to chemical energy are based on an understanding of the reactions' equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions. Since the energy conversion is essentially the transfer of free energy, the process are explained in the context of thermodynamics.
Solar-to-fuel conversion in algae and cyanobacteria
by Cinzia FormighieriThis volume is focused on solar-to-fuel conversion using algae and cyanobacteria for advanced generation biofuels. Production of biofuels needs to rely on cheap and renewable resources, in order to be economically viable and environmentally sustainable in the long term. Solar energy is an abundant and renewable resource, and strategies for solar-to-fuel conversion have the potential to sustain our energy demands in the long term and to be carbon-dioxide neutral. First generation biofuels are those already on the market, such as bio-ethanol from sugarcane and corn starch, biodiesel from oil seed crops. However, development of a single biofuel, as efficient as it may be, would be insufficient and could not sustain the global demand for energy. The next generation of advanced biofuels explores alternative feedstocks and technologies, finding novel solar-to-fuel solutions. Algae and cyanobacteria can convert sunlight into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. They represent an alternative with respect to crops for solar-to-fuel conversion that does not compete with food for arable land. This SpringerBrief focuses only on solar-to-fuel conversion for production of advanced biofuels, pointing to the importance of relying on the sun for our sustainability in the long term. It is the only current publication to discuss the problem of light-utilization inefficiency during mass cultivation of micro-algae. This review also addresses the potential of cyanobacteria for the generation of direct photosynthesis-to-fuel platforms and discusses both possibilities and constraints for future developments.
Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems
by Bob Ramlow Benjamin NuszOf all renewable energy options, according to Ramlow (solar thermal consultant for the Wisconsin Focus on Energy Program) and his collaborator Nusz (a solar water heating consultant in Wisconsin), solar water heating is the most mature. They present a guide to installing solar water heating systems, describing how to identify the right design and components for particular climates, how to select quality components, and the proper techniques for installation. The text is well illustrated and geared to be of use to students and professionals. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems
by Bob Ramlow Benjamin NuszSolar Water Heating is a practical solar encyclopedia for anyone interested in installing a solar energy system or in starting a solar energy company. The folksy writing is clear and the numerous diagrams make this book a great resource for everyone from the novice just getting started to the existing solar professional looking to pick up some of Bob Ramlow's many useful observations from a long career installing and maintaining solar energy systems. - Don Wichert, Director, Renewable Energy Programs, Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation HEATING WATER WITH THE SUN is almost as old as humankind itself, and it is done all over the world. Yet there are few resources in North America for those who want to install such systems themselves. Solar Water Heating fills this gap. It reviews the history of solar water & space heating systems from prehistory to the present, then presents the basics of solar water heating, including an introduction to modern solar energy systems, energy conservation and energy economics. Drawing on the author's experience as an installer of these systems, the book goes on to cover: Types of solar collectors, solar water and space heating systems and solar pool heating systems, including their advantages and disadvantages. System components, their installation, operation, and maintenance. System sizing and siting Choosing the appropriate system. the book focuses especially on the financial aspects of solar water or space heating systems, clearly showing that such systems can save significant costs in the long run. Well-illustrated, the book is designed for a wide readership from the curious to the student or professional. [this book] will be required reading for all of our new installation personnel since it provides a complete and comprehensive history, guide and information about the type of work we do every day. - Richard Lane, Managing Partner, Solar Mining Company