Synopses & Reviews
The availability of clean, renewable power is without question going to be the defining challenge and goal of the 21st century, and wind will lead the way.Internationally acclaimed wind energy expert Paul Gipe is as soberly critical of past energy mistakes as he is convincingly optimistic about the future. The overwhelming challenge of transforming our world from one of fossil carbon to one of clean power seems daunting at best--and paralyzingly impractical at worst.
Wind Energy Basics offers a solution.Wind power can realistically not only replace the lion's share of oil-, coal-, and naturalgas- fired electrical plants in the U.S., but also can add enough extra power capacity to allow for most of the cars in the nation to run on electricity. Gipe explains why such a startlingly straightforward solution is eminently doable and can be accomplished much sooner than previously thought--and will have the capacity to resuscitate small and regional economies.
Wind Energy Basics offers a how-to for home-based wind applications, with advice on which wind turbines to choose and which to avoid. He guides wind-energy installers through considerations such as renewable investment strategies and gives cautionary tales of wind applications gone wrong. And for the activist, he suggests methods of prodding federal, state, and provincial governments to promote energy independence.
Review
Midwest Book Review-"In Wind Energy Basics, Paul Gipe provides the reader with an informative and easy-to-understand guide to small and micro wind systems for the generation of energy. Gipe includes detailed information on planning, purchasing, siting, and installing a wind system, and explains the integration of wind power with solar photovoltaics for more cost-effective and reliable off-the-grid applications. Gipe also explains 'net metering' and intertie possibilities, describing how homeowners and businesses in may states can now sell their excess electricity back to the utility company. Wind Energy Basics is a 'must' for environmentally supportive advocates seeking to establish non-polluting energy resources for themselves, their families, and their businesses." (Refers to the first edition of Wind Energy Basics)
Review
"Without abandoning the needs of individuals aiming for energy independence, Gipe wisely promotes community-scale wind power in his new book. He is not only an unrivalled expert, but an excellent teacher as well."--Peter Barnes, author of Climate Solutions
Review
"Paul Gipe, the country's leading expert on small scale and locally-owned wind energy, has written the how-to manual for those who want to literally bring power to the people."--David Morris, Vice President, Institute for Local Self Reliance, and author of Seeing the Light: Regaining Control of Our Electricity System
Review
"This second edition of Gipe's Wind Energy Basics is a much needed critique of the state of small wind today. Gipe advances what will inevitably be a growth industry in the US, community wind projects, based on the successful models in many parts of Europe over the past three decades. Paul also advocates for equitable feed-in tariffs for wind to level the playing field for wind turbines that work. Finally, Gipe wades through the numerous internet wonders and surrounding hype that are doing more harm then help for prospective turbine owners. Wind Energy Basics is a must read, and reread.---Mick Sagrillo, "Advice from an Expert" columnist for the American Wind Energy Association and coauthor of Power from the Wind
Review
"Paul Gipe is an independent, opinionated voice on wind energy, cutting right to the core on almost any wind energy topic. He analyzes the issues with uncompromising standards. With Paul's journalistic background and years in the worldwide wind industry, he has no trouble sharing the story as he sees it, encouraging all to explore business models and policies that offer something more, something for all of us. Paul is a visionary on the energy front, presenting a compelling case for change."--Lisa Daniels, Executive Director, Windustry
Review
"[A] wonderful primer for all but the professional wind enthusiast."--Trevor Robotham, proprietor of Sun Wind & Power (solar and wind installations) (Refers to the first edition of Wind Energy Basics)
Review
"If you want straight talk on wind electricity, with no bull, seek out Paul Gipe. Not beholden to any company or segment of the industry, Paul tells it like it is. His no-nonsense book will steer you in the right direction--away from fantasy and failure and toward a successful wind-electric system."
--Ian Woofenden, Senior Editor, Home Power magazine
Review
"Gipe's call for an ethical energy policy in Wind Energy Basics is a message that North American politicians should heed. The people deserve nothing less."--Glen Estill, past President of the Canadian Wind Energy Association and successful wind entrepreneur
About the Author
Paul Gipe has worked with wind energy since 1976. His experience with the technology runs the gamut from measuring wind resources to installing residential wind turbines. Gipe is best known for his advocacy of wind energy and for his articles and books on the subject. Through his writing and public speaking, Gipe has sought to popularize the use of wind energy worldwide. In 1998 the World Renewable Energy Congress designated Gipe a "pioneer in renewable energy," one of the group's highest honors.