Solar Energy Projects for the Evil Genius [Paperback]

This book provides the fundamentals of working with solar energy to the extent that you can build the projects included in the book. The projects range from simple science fair type projects to converting a home to run on solar electricity. This book follows the pattern of the other books in the series. There is a short section describing the theory of operation of each project followed by schematics, parts lists, and detailed instructions. All of the projects are the size of table-tops, but they can be enlarged to scale if needed.

The book begins by discussing the reasons to develop devices powered by solar energy. Economics and efficiency comparisons are made to standard energy sources. Among the projects discussed are two model solar water heating systems, a solar oven for cooking food, a basic solar water distiller, and a simple solar furnace. The solar furnace generates temperatures high enough that paper products can be ignited and low temperature metals can be liquified. Information is included on commercial solar furnaces. Next readers are shown how to build a simple thermoelectric generator that transforms heat into electricity. You are shown how to power the generator using the solar furnace from a previous chapter. Next readers are shown how to build a homemade photovoltaic cell using a copper sheet. Photovoltaic cells generate electricity directly from sunlight. This is followed by an advanced photovotaic cell construction project. Here you make a solar cell that uses photochemistry to mimic photosynthesis using photosensitive dyes that promise cheap solar electric power. The reader is taught how to build a solar engine, which is useful for tasks such as pumping water for storage and irrigation. Solar collector efficiency can be improved by tracking the sun, and to that end the author includes a simple electrical feedback system that tracks the sun across the sky. Also included are five or six smaller projects to more fully demonstrate the capabilities of solar energy. These include a rechargeable flashlight, special lights for illuminating a walkway, and simple solar cells. The following is the table of contents:

Chapter 1. Why solar?
Chapter 2. The Solar Resource
Chapter 3. Positioning Your Solar Devices
Chapter 4. Solar Heating
Chapter 5. Solar Cooling
Chapter 6. Solar Cooking
Chapter 7. Solar Stills
Chapter 8. Solar Collectors
Chapter 9. Solar Pumping
Chapter 10. Solar Photovoltaics
Chapter 11. Photochemical Solar Cells
Chapter 12. Solar Engines
Chapter 13. Solar Electrical Projects
Chapter 14. Tracking the Sun
Chapter 15. Solar Transport
Chapter 16. Solar Robotics?
Chapter 17. Solar Hydrogen Partnership
Chapter 18: Photosynthesis--Fuel from the Sun
Appendix A: Solar Projects on the Web
Appendix B: Supplier's Index

This book isn't by any means a textbook on solar engineering, but it is a great projects book to accompany the standard texts on the subject that almost never provide the kind of practical experience you can get by building the projects in this unique little book. If you want a good textbook to supplement this book of projects, I heartily recommend "Principles of Solar Engineering" by Goswami. That book has all of the mathematics and theory that really don't fit into this one. That text assumes little in the realm of mathematical maturity, but if you are lacking prior knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and thermal circuits, you might find yourself a bit lost.

I have been a solar electric and solar hot water installer for 3 years. I can design and install a system with ease and confidence, but the projects in this book increased my understanding to a whole new level. It was like learning about solar from the inside out. I always enjoy it when I can learn about something I know well from a different angle. Some of my friends bought the book for themselves after thumbing through my copy. I recommend this book for anyone who likes to have a hands on approach to solar in many different areas.

The author of this book was 19 years old when he published it. What an amazing 19 year old! He truly is a genius! My 15 year old daughter and I really enjoyed this book. One amazing project after another. Easy to understand instructions, easy to obtain materials--the author tells you how to order what you don't have--, and projects are easy to do. I especially liked the solar ice maker! I strongly recommend this book.

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