Examines renewable energy options for grid-tied homeowners, including solar- and wind-generated electricity, solar water heating, passive solar, and geothermal heating / cooling. System configurations and equipment, average costs, financial incentives, and installation considerations are also covered--Provided by publisher.

Includes indexes.

Introduction : The first modern solar cell ; Section I. Generating electricity from the sun and wind : Why would you want a solar/wind electric system? -- Is this stuff legal - or safe? -- Riding herd on electrons: electricity and solar cell basics -- You want batteries with that? -- Sizing your solar/wind electric system -- Where does everything go? -- Got wind? -- Let's talk money and system performance -- Any financial help out there?-- Permits and paperwork -- The nuts and bolts: what to look for, what to avoid -- Who does the solar/wind electric installation-- Guest commentary by Christopher Freitas ; Section II. Heating your home with nature's free energy : Using the sun's warmth to heat your home -- Get in hot water and love it-- Geothermal : capturing the heat beneath your feet -- Appendix : Tips on appliances and energy conservation -- Energy consumption of appliances -- Wind map (U.S.) -- System sizing worksheet -- Solar irradiance U.S. maps (June and December) -- Solar array sizing worksheet -- State energy offices.