Review: An Introduction to Solar Power Concepts and Terms
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 29, 2013
If you're interested in getting to know your way around the idea of solar power, this book will hep you get started in your research. It discusses the various types of materials used in solar panels, types of panels, panel placement, and some very general cost estimates for components of a solar power system. A bonus section includes URL links for further reading and research.A few areas are glossed over briefly and some of them are very important factors to be considered when deciding on whether and how to go solar. Specifically the cost, storage, maintenance, and replacement costs of the bulky and expensive batteries needed to store power generated by the solar system for times when not enough power is being generated for current needs, such as at night or during heavily overcast weather. These issues and costs can greatly add to the cost (and trouble) of the working solar system with the batteries needing replacement on a shorter schedule than the solar panels themselves.I also have an issue with the title claiming "free electricity" when the total cost of a whole house solar system can cost in the tens of thousands of dollars, which is hardly free. A better way to judge if these types of alternative power systems make sense would be to compare the cost per kilowatt hour from your utility company (plus any added utility fees such as local taxes) to the cost of all of the infrastructure of a home solar system and the work needed to maintain it per kilowatt hour of electricity generated over a reasonable period of useful life of the system. The arithmetic will show if the home system is a good deal or not. The use of tax credits to re-pay a portion of the start up costs of setting up a system as described in the book also needs to be looked at closely since the tax laws concerning renewable energy are constantly in flux. The credits may not be available by the time you're ready to go solar.Recommended as an introductory text, but be sure to do a lot more research before making any expensive decisions about solar power for your home.