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Powell's Q&A, Q&A | December 10, 2009

Sam Stephenson: IMG Powell's Q&A: Sam Stephenson

1 comment By Sam Stephenson

Describe your latest book/project/work. I've been studying the life and work of photographer W. Eugene Smith for 13 years. My first book (Dream... Continue »
  1. $28.00 Sale Hardcover add to wish list

    The Jazz Loft Project: Photographs and Tapes of W. Eugene Smith from 821 Sixth Avenue, 1957-1965

    Sam Stephenson and W. Eugene Smith
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1 Beaverton Construction- Energy Efficient
25 Local Warehouse Home Construction- Remodeling
10 Remote Warehouse Home Construction- General
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Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems

by Bob Ramlow and Benjamin Nusz

Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems Cover

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

Heating water with the sun is almost as old as humankind itself, and it is done all over the world. Yet there are strangely few resources on the topic in North America.

Solar Water Heating fills this gap. It reviews the history of solar water and space heating systems from prehistory to the present, then presents the basics of solar water heating, including an introduction to modern solar energy systems, energy conservation and energy economics. Drawing on the author's experience as an installer of these systems, the book goes on to cover:

  • Types of solar collectors, solar water and space heating systems and solar pool heating systems, including their advantages and disadvantages
  • System components, their installation, operation, and maintenance
  • System sizing and siting
  • Choosing the appropriate system

Since people often get turned off by the up-front cost, the book focuses especially on the financial aspects of solar water or space heating systems, clearly showing that such systems can save significant costs in the long run. Well-illustrated, the book is designed for a wide readership from the curious to the student or professional.

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About the Author

Bob Ramlow is the solar thermal consultant for the Wisconsin Focus on Energy Program. The owner of a renewable energy company, he has over 30 years experience with solar energy systems and is a founder and director of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA). Benjamin Nusz currently works as a solar water heating consultant and site assessor in Wisconsin.
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What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 2 comments:
Rob Titus, April 8, 2009 (view all comments by Rob Titus)
Not being a plumber I can't say this book will be as much value to someone with those skills. He covers the systems so thoroughly that I would imagine if you had the plumbing ability this book would be all you need to get started.

I was a little frustrated having read the first chapter only to find out that several systems described in detail the author would never recommend using. I was thinking to myself why did I waste time reading about those. But that's where the comprehensive part comes in. And by knowing why the author doesn't recommend those systems you get to participate in the joy of knowing everything there is to know about solar water heating.

I especially enjoyed the cost analysis of the hot water systems vs. gas and electric, as well as the discussion of using solar heated water to provide whole house heating.
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eechesney, January 21, 2009 (view all comments by eechesney)
A very well written book. I am a gearhead, and this book had the depth of the technical details I was seeking balanced by a well ordered layout and progression. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in practical solar energy projects, or seeking to determine if installing a solar heating system would be a reasonable investment. The author's depth of experience and practical insights were well worth the price of the book, plus it looks good on the shelf until needed for reference.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780865715615
Subtitle:
A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems
Author:
Bob Ramlow and Benjamin Nusz
With:
Nusz, Benjamin
Illustrator:
Nusz, Benjamin
Author:
Nusz, Benjamin
Author:
Ramlow, Bob
Publisher:
New Society Publishers
Subject:
Remodeling & Renovation - Energy Efficient
Subject:
Solar heating
Subject:
Solar water heaters.
Subject:
Environmental Conservation & Protection - General
Subject:
General House & Home
Copyright:
2006
Abridged:
Y
Series:
Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series
Publication Date:
June 2006
Binding:
Paperback
Grade Level:
General/trade
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Y
Pages:
238
Dimensions:
9.00 x 7.00 in
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