This resource page contains reference information for alternative energy related topics.

Books and Guides

Small Wind Electric Systems - A U.S. Consumer's Guide
Free guide (pdf) containing a wealth of general but very useful information concerning residential wind power for the home. Click here to download.

Wind power: Renewable Energy for Home, Farm, and Business, By Paul Gipe
An excellent reference work that provides solid information on everything wind energy related. It tends toward the technical side at times, but simultaneously deflates techy mumbo jumbo. This is not a systems design manual, however, it does provide a solid foundation for those headed in that direction. An indispensable guide for a prospective wind energy system purchaser who wants to avoid purchase and implementation pitfalls.

Helpful Websites

U.S. Department of Energy Wind Resource Maps
The DOE has mapped average annual wind speeds for the continental United States. Use this information to determine if there is enough wind resource to make wind power feasible for a specific site. Click here to visit.

National Renewable Energy Laboratories Solar Radiation Resource Maps
These maps display the average amount of solar radiation for different areas of the country. Indispensable information when designing a solar energy solution for a residence. (NREL is operated by the U.S. Department of Energy) at www.NREL.gov Click here for solar maps.

Other Helpful Websites