Martha Maeda

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 by Vicki Landes, author of “Europe for the Senses – A Photographic Journal”… (mais)