Daniel D. ChirasBesprekingen

2 copies

Achieving energy independence through Solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower

Like his book on wind energy, this is an excellent introduction to solar energy. The terms have been explained clearly, and simply.
The chapter layout is excellent, and this makes it easy to keep going back to specific sections of the book whenever you want.

The writing style is clear, simple and yet covers enough matter for the lay reader to lay back and feel satisfied. For the person who wants to go deeper, the ways in have been clearly indicated.

I recommend this book

This is an excellent book, to start learning about Wind Power. The chapters have been laid out very logically, and Dan takes you through the basics of wind, wind systems, assessing your power needs, the types of windmills etc.

The style is simple enough for the lay reader, yet covers enough matter; and this makes it an excellent starting point to learn about wind power.

A good summary of the various technologies used in electric vehicles. I now know what are the differences among various hybrid fuel and fuel-electric vehicles. Chiras also provides a summary of related biodiesel, hydrogen and fuel-cell, and biomethane vehicles. Well-written, provides an understanding of basics without involving a lot of engineering calculations.The concepts and comparisons are still current.

This book is a really great beginners guide to small wind systems. It is accessible to people with no prior knowledge without being condecending. From how to assess your needs, to what to look for and what to expect, this book is a fantastic place to start.
The only issue I had is that this information is going to be most useful to people in North America (and maybe UK), where you can make use of the websires listed and availability of the specific brands refered to. Otherwise, most of the information is general enough to give a beginner enough knowledge to assess whether or not a small wind system is going to meet their needs, or at least be able to ask the right sort of questions of a sales-person or wind technician, which I think is what the book is trying to do.

C3012