Chasing The Sun [Paperback]

Neville Williams (Author)

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Product Details

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: New Society Publishers (Sep 8 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0865715378
ISBN-13: 978-0865715370
Product Dimensions: 22.4 x 15.2 x 2.5 cm
Shipping Weight: 476 g
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,037,612 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Product Description

If millions of people in the developing world can use solar power, why can't we in North America? The question immediately arises from this fascinating account of the author's twelve year quest to bring solar power and light to people in the developing world who have no electricity.

Chasing the Sun is a story of dreamers and doers who succeeded in their mission to make the world better by delivering nature's energy to poor people and by building organizations to put the sun at their service in practical, affordable and effective ways. A green-energy development narrative that is fun and eye-opening, the book is also part autobiography. Author Neville Williams' inspiring tale of trail-blazing innovation describes:

his founding the non-profit Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) in 1990 which promoted solar power for a decade by setting up pilot solar rural electrification programs in eleven developing countries, including Zimbabwe, India, Nepal, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and China
his launching of the commercial Solar Electric Light Company in 1997 which became the "SELCO" group of companies that has overcome daunting challenges to bring solar electricity to 50,000 families in India, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Filled with colorful characters, the book also features the enthusiasm of maverick devotees to the renewable energy boom of the '80s and '90s and their interplay with staid DC-based development institutions, as well as their unique perspective on global solutions to "energy poverty." It will be illuminating to all interested in the environment, development, renewable energy, socially responsible business, and our future at the end of the age of oil.

(20050928)

About the Author

Neville Williams was a widely published journalist for many years who also worked as the national media director for Greenpeace. He remains involved with SELCO and is currently working on domestic solar initiatives from his home near Washington, DC.

Inside This Book (Learn More)

Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index

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Amazon.com: 4.2 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What a fantastic book!, Mar 14 2006

By Patrick Wilson - Published on Amazon.com

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This review is from: Chasing The Sun (Paperback)

This book is fun to read - it outlines the history of photovoltaics, the history of international development of photovoltaics, and the exciting history of the Solar Electric Light Fund. If you're interested in photovoltaics, and/or international development, this is THE resource of all resources - what works, what doesn't...

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on Solar business by someone who has figured out how to actually get things done!, Mar 9 2006

By Chris Ruder "Chris Ruder" - Published on Amazon.com

This review is from: Chasing The Sun (Paperback)

First off, I am a solar industry wannabe. This book only heightens my interest in getting involved. It's pretty amazing to see what Mr. Williams has accomplished through his tireless drive to help thousands of people and villages get electricity. This is a great book by someone that seems to know how to cut through red tape and just get things done. He takes some jabs at big government run programs, MBA's, and some various large institutions that seem to get too caught up in theory and do not actually get anything done. It sounds like this criticism is well founded. Mr. Williams has been successful in creating numerous solar businesses around the globe. There are some great stories on him being the first white man to ever visit some villages. Hearing the stories from different villagers tell how their lives have changed since purchasing a solar system is truly inspiring. Not a technical book by anymeans (a nice change from most solar books), Chasing the Sun focuses more on how to make solar panels more commonplace and helping people while creating a successful "for profit" business. He is now trying to figure out how to replicate this in the US. That should make a great book too.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A wild story of TRUE international aid., Nov 21 2005

By Windy Dankoff "solar power pioneer & educator" - Published on Amazon.com

This review is from: Chasing The Sun (Paperback)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book -- and I don't choose just any solar book for my "spare time" pleasure. (I've been in the solar-electric business for 25 years). Neville is a man with a heart, and a fine storyteller. No, it won't teach you how to install solar on your home. That is not his purpose. Rather, it is about how solar is being slowly spread throughout the world in spite of interference by multi-national corporations and so-called "aid" institutions.

Neville is to be commended for his honesty, admitting his own failings and sins. It lends a lively balance to the book, and makes it all the more meaningful.

I recommend it to anyone involved in any aspect of international aid (not just energy), as well as those who wish to help propagate solar power. It's enjoyable and enlightening.

Windy Dankoff

Founder, Dankoff Solar Products (now Conergy, Inc.)

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 8 reviews 4.2 out of 5 stars