EcoSuperior Environmental Programs

Smart Power: An Urban Guide To Renewable Energy And Efficiency

By: William H. Kemp

Concern over energy supply, costs and environmental problems are not limited to those prepared to venture into the countryside to an off-grid life. Urban people - now the vast majority in the western world - share the same fear about what lies ahead. Yet the average North American family will spend over one quarter million after-tax dollars on energy in a lifetime. The difference between North American and European energy consumption is waste and inefficiency - or, simply, wasted money.

$mart Power shows homeowners that using less energy or adopting renewable-energy technologies is not about making drastic lifestyle sacrifices, nor is it expensive. In fact, energy efficiency often improves lifestyle through lower operating costs, a more comfortable environment, and increased disposable income.$mart Powershows that our concern for first cost when purchasing appliances and consumer goods is robbing us blind. For example, keeping a 15-year-old fridge rather than replacing it will actually cost 4-5 times more than the new model because of wasted energy costs.

This richly illustrated book includes chapters on:

• Energy efficiency
• Space heating and cooling
• Community power
• Energy efficient transportation
• Photovoltaics, wind and biofuels
• Batteries, voltage regulation and inverters
• Solar water heating and backup power