Energy prices continue to increase: no change to this situation appears on the horizon. In “How to Solar Power Your Home” those wondering if this is a good option for them have a powerful tool for investigation. I’m recommending this book due to three specific factors: education, honesty, and effectiveness. 

Educating readers leads many authors down the path of droning, boring prose. Fortunately, Ms. Maeda doesn’t fall into this trip. The information about the history or solar power, the pending developments and concerns for someone considering this option are concise, specific, and written to be engaging enough so you can stay on the ride for the duration.

A basic education regarding solar power is clearly needed to make a reasonable choice and complete a successful project. Therefore the educational aspects of the book pair well with the honesty displayed. This book does not set out to convince readers that solar power is the ultimate answer to the questions of affordable, clean power.

In many cases you’ll learn what qualities mean an installation is not a good idea versus those situations that are a good match for adding or changing to solar technology. The level of honesty, or reality, presented is one of my favorite qualities of this book. If you have a low tolerance for hype and marketing nonsense, you’ll find much to be appreciated in these pages.

Not every location, home or person is a good match for the process of installing and using solar technology. Fortunately, you’ll have a better idea if you should move forward with a project thanks to reading the book. You can see how this dovetails with the effectiveness of the book. A variety of checklists, instructions and insights guide you to making your best decision and getting started on the process.

Ms. Maeda even covers specifics with the potential to limit your qualification for rebates and other benefits through the process. Many people who want to add solar to their home or property many have little or no experience with contractors and building projects. As clearly established, a solar installation is a big deal. You don’t have to start the process blind if you take advantage of the information and suggestions included in the book. 

Even if you decide now is not the time to pursue solar power for your personal needs, $24.95 (retail) price of the book is an inexpensive way to find this answer. It’s also much cheaper than spending hundreds on assessments, consultations or thousands of dollars on a failed installation. Do-it-yourself books rarely come of my desk with 5-star rating. I’m pleased to say this one is the exception that proves the rule. “How to Solar Power Your Home” has earned a permanent home on my well-stocked shelves.

Reviewed on 01/08/2012 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Heidi Roth

Whether you’re a ‘green’ supporter or concerned about the rising costs of energy, solar power has a certain allure.  More and more families are turning to alternative power sources as a means of reducing their carbon footprint and saving money.  However, if you think that it’s as easy as sticking a couple solar panels on your roof (like I did!), you’re in for a startling reality check.  Author Martha Maeda takes the mystery – and myths – out of adapting a house to accommodate solar energy in her book, “How to Solar Power Your Home:  Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply”. 

“How to Solar Power Your Home” is an exceptionally well put together and eye-opening read into the pros, cons, and overall how-to’s of capturing the sun’s rays and converting them into a usable energy source.  Once far too expensive for the typical homeowner, the necessary equipment has developed in strides and with various governmental rebates and tax incentives can soon provide a household with the same amount of power it previously expected from the local utility company.  It’s not a transition to take lightly and Maeda explains a myriad of considerations to take into account before making the plunge.  She teaches not only the fundamentals of electricity so the reader can assess their own situation and needs, but gives many options on everything from different types of equipment to whether to hire a contractor or going the DIY route.  I especially liked the chapter, ‘Making Your Home Energy Efficient’ because it gives the reader some real-world actions to take even if they can’t afford to solar power a home right away.  So many of the recommendations in this section are easy, inexpensive, and can make a big difference in their energy consumption immediately.

I love a book that can keep me thinking long after the last page is finished and “How to Solar Power Your Home” does just that.  While it has really given me a more realistic look into the subject of solar power, it also educates on the energy crisis in general.  I was a little daunted by the sheer amount of required factors that go into equipping a home but at the same time, motivated to take the small steps towards a more efficient lifestyle.  Further, Maeda’s organized approach gives the book a polished, professional feel so I felt confident that the information I was reading had been carefully put together.  Whether you are ready to go solar now or perhaps down the road, “How to Solar Power Your Home” is a must read!

Reviewed on 07/20/2011 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Vicki Landes