The Switch
The Switch

Author: Chris Goodall

Publisher: Profile Books

Published: 2016-07-07

Total Pages: 316

ISBN-13: 1782832483

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How will the world be powered in ten years' time? Not by fossil fuels. Energy experts are all saying the same thing: solar photovoltaics (PV) is our future. Reports from universities, investment banks, international institutions and large investors agree. It's not about whether the switch from fossil fuels to solar power will happen, but when. Solar panels are being made that will last longer than ever hoped; investors are seeing the benefits of the long-term rewards provided by investing in solar; in the Middle East, a contractor can now offer solar-powered electricity far cheaper than that of a coal-fired power station. The Switch tracks the transition away from coal, oil and gas to a world in which the limitless energy of the sun provides much of the energy the 10 billion people of this planet will need. It examines both the solar future and how we will get there, and the ways in which we will provide stored power when the sun isn't shining. We learn about artificial photosynthesis from a start-up in the US that is making petrol from just CO2 and sunlight; ideas on energy storage are drawn from a company in Germany that makes batteries for homes; in the UK, a small company in Swindon has the story of wind turbines; and in Switzerland, a developer shows how we can use hydrogen to make 'renewable' natural gas for heating. Told through the stories of entrepreneurs, inventors and scientists from around the world, and using the latest research and studies, The Switch provides a positive solution to the climate change crisis, and looks to a brighter future ahead.

The Great Transition: Shifting from Fossil Fuels to Solar and Wind Energy
The Great Transition: Shifting from Fossil Fuels to Solar and Wind Energy

Author: Lester R. Brown

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company

Published: 2015-04-20

Total Pages: 247

ISBN-13: 0393351149

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The great energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy is under way. As oil insecurity deepens, the extraction risks of fossil fuels rise, and concerns about climate instability cast a shadow over the future of coal, a new world energy economy is emerging. The old economy, fueled by oil, natural gas, and coal is being replaced with one powered by wind, solar, and geothermal energy. The Great Transition details the accelerating pace of this global energy revolution. As many countries become less enamored with coal and nuclear power, they are embracing an array of clean, renewable energies. Whereas solar energy projects were once small-scale, largely designed for residential use, energy investors are now building utility-scale solar projects. Strides are being made: some of the huge wind farm complexes under construction in China will each produce as much electricity as several nuclear power plants, and an electrified transport system supplemented by the use of bicycles could reshape the way we think about mobility.

Solar Power Your Home For Dummies
Solar Power Your Home For Dummies

Author: Rik DeGunther

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2011-02-09

Total Pages: 401

ISBN-13: 1118051874

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Want to take advantage of solar power in your home? Whether you’re looking to save on your energy costs by adding a few solar components or you want to build a solar-powered house from the ground up, Solar Power For Dummies takes the mystery out of this energy source and shows you how to put it to work for you! This friendly, hands-on guide is packed with tips for making your home more energy-efficient though solar power—and helping the planet at the same time. You’ll see how to survey your home to determine your current household energy efficiency and use, and evaluate where solar power would best benefit you. You’ll also calculate what the return on your investment will be before you make any decisions. Once you’ve decided on a project, you’ll see whether it’s best to hire a contractor or do it yourself. We leave no stone unturned—you’ll also discover how to: Choose and install your best solar system Handle small to large solar projects Heat and cool your house with solar energy Install exterior solar lighting Handle swimming pool, water heater, or ventilation solar projects Create greenhouses or solar rooms Build, buy, or sell a solar home Finance your solar investments Take advantage of tax rebates and incentives associated with solar power Avoid the worst solar mistakes Featuring ten of the easiest and cheapest do-it-yourself solar projects, Solar Power For Dummies is the fun and easy way to meet your energy needs with this clean power source!

The Truth About Energy
The Truth About Energy

Author: John K. White

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2024-01-31

Total Pages: 721

ISBN-13: 1009433172

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The transition to renewable energy is vital and fast-paced, but how do we choose which technologies to drive this energy transition? This timely book provides everyone interested in the renewable energy transition with an introduction to and technical foundation for understanding modern energy technology. It traces everyday power generation through history, from the Industrial Revolution to today. It examines the use of wood, coal, oil, natural gas, hydro, and nuclear to produce energy, before discussing renewable energy sources such as biomass, photovoltaics, concentrated solar power, wind, wave, and geothermal. The book examines to what extent and how each technology can contribute to a clean, green infrastructure. The Truth About Energy explains the science and engineering of energy to help everyone understand and compare current and future advances in renewable energy, providing the context to critically examine the different technologies that are competing in a fast-evolving engineering, political, and economic landscape.

Solar Energy Technologies in Cultural Heritage
Solar Energy Technologies in Cultural Heritage

Author: Elena Lucchi

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2024-11-02

Total Pages: 455

ISBN-13: 0443239886

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Solar Energy Technologies in Cultural Heritage offers a comprehensive overview of the solar renewable energy possibilities, developments, innovations, and challenges for cultural heritage applications. This book bridges the traditional boundary between research, professional practices, and policies, as well as between arts, architecture, engineering, and social science. Conservation of heritage buildings, especially in urban settings, has evolved from purely physical preservation to functional redevelopment and repurposing. This opens new opportunities for active solar energy systems in buildings, towns, and landscapes. This book presents international contributions on the integration of solar renewable energies within cultural heritage, providing detailed coverage of cultural, legislative, and social frameworks, design criteria, simulation tools, innovative materials, and technologies. This book is an essential resource for anyone interested in solar energy technologies for the built environment, including researchers, scientists, graduate students, engineers, designers, developers, and policymakers. - Presents current knowledge and innovative technologies for the integration of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems in cultural heritage - Illustrates approaches and solutions for solving the complex cost–benefit balance between conservation and energy production - Includes contributions from major experts and scientists in the field, supported by real experience and practical examples

Nanosatellites
Nanosatellites

Author: Rogerio Atem de Carvalho

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2020-03-16

Total Pages: 724

ISBN-13: 1119042054

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Nanosatellites: Space and Ground Technologies, Operations and Economics Rogerio Atem de Carvalho, Instituto Federal Fluminense, Brazil Jaime Estela, Spectrum Aerospace Group, Germany and Peru Martin Langer, Technical University of Munich, Germany Covering the latest research on nanosatellites Nanosatellites: Space and Ground Technologies, Operations and Economics comprehensively presents the latest research on the fast-developing area of nanosatellites. Divided into three distinct sections, the book begins with a brief history of nanosatellites and introduces nanosatellites technologies and payloads, also explaining how these are deployed into space. The second section provides an overview of the ground segment and operations, and the third section focuses on the regulations, policies, economics, and future trends. Key features: Payloads for nanosatellites Nanosatellites components design Examines the cost of development of nanosatellites. Covers the latest policies and regulations. Considers future trends for nanosatellites. Nanosatellites: Space and Ground Technologies, Operations and Economics is a comprehensive reference for researchers and practitioners working with nanosatellites in the aerospace industry.

Handbook of Energy Efficiency in Buildings
Handbook of Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Author: Umberto Desideri

Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann

Published: 2018-11-12

Total Pages: 860

ISBN-13: 0128128186

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Handbook of Energy Efficiency in Buildings: A Life Cycle Approach offers a comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the subject with a further focus on the Life Cycle. The editors, renowned academics, invited a diverse group of researchers to develop original chapters for the book and managed to well integrate all contributions in a consistent volume. Sections cover the role of the building sector on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, international technical standards, laws and regulations, building energy efficiency and zero energy consumption buildings, the life cycle assessment of buildings, from construction to decommissioning, and other timely topics. The multidisciplinary approach to the subject makes it valuable for researchers and industry based Civil, Construction, and Architectural Engineers. Researchers in related fields as built environment, energy and sustainability at an urban scale will also benefit from the books integrated perspective. - Presents a complete and thorough coverage of energy efficiency in buildings - Provides an integrated approach to all the different elements that impact energy efficiency - Contains coverage of worldwide regulation