Asmart solar enthusiast knows that fully grasping the knowledge of solar energy is curcial if one is to harness it to its fullest. Switching to solar is a good investment decision. But turning to knowledge is the best investment one can make. In today’s blog, we shall be looking at the 7 best books and DIYguides on solar energy.

Residential solar installations can help you meet your energy needs, cut down on electricity costs, promote sustainability, and provide a durable and long-term solution in the form of solar panels, all at the same time! However, with high costs of outsourcing installation and maintenance, a smart solar adopter turns to DIY guides to become truly self sufficient in the real sense. With much clamour in the self-help marketplace, we bring you Top 7 hand picked Solar DIY Guides to cut through the noise.

So, check out this list and make the most out of it!

7 Best Books on solar Energy & DIY Guides

1. Solar Energy: An Introduction

Author: Michael E. Mackay

Who should read it? Readers interested in Solar Energy in general

For curious readers prone to deviating from their paths and delving into the History and what, why, and when of any topic they are reading on, this book is a perfect introductory text on Solar Energy, talking about everything, from Photovoltaic devices to active and passive solar thermal energy conversion. It provides explanations of fundamental concepts of solar energy like solar radiation, semiconductor physics, light absorption mechanism, photovoltaic reactions, etc., It is a truly delightful read and will get you well acquainted with the science behind solar energy and how it is harnessed.

Pros: Engaging, Informative, and Accessible

Cons: Theoretical, Lacks practical examples

Price: $51.26

Amazon Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Solar-Energy-Introduction-Michael-Mackay/dp/0199652112

2. Home Solar Power For Beginners: How to Conserve Energy, Reduce Carbon Footprints, and Save an Average of $2000 a Year

Author: Miles Power

Who should be reading it? Homeowners with Solar PV systems or those looking to switch to Residential Solar

This book is the perfect guide to dismantle all your worries about Solar Power for your homes! It dives into comprehensive details dealing with all the speculative questions and worries about solar power and reassures the reader how, as long as the Sun is in the sky(for about 7 Billion Years more), Solar Power will have relevance! Additionally, this book also tells you about the complexities, all in simple language–from taking advantage of the government grant and tax rebate to understanding solar inverters and batteries and ways to clean and maintain your solar PV system, it has it all!

Pros: Easy to understand, Engaging

Cons: Lacks Depth, Excessive Technical jargon

Price: $32.99(Hardcover), $16.49(Paperback), Also available as an Audiobook on Audible

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Solar-Power-Beginners-Footprints/dp/B0BZFMV6P6

3. Off-Grid Solar Power Bible

Author: Published by Diamond Press

Who should be reading it? Beginners looking to understand all about Off-grid solar power and energy independence in Homes, RVs, Cabins, Vans, etc.,

This book comes in two parts, the first part talks about the benefits of Solar Energy and how you can use it to transform your life and lower the electricity bills! The second part provides in-depth knowledge of Off-grid solar power and harnessing it on the go, for Boats, Vans, Camping, RVs, Travelers, etc., It provides step-by-step guides for the most efficient use of solar panels, how to install and maintain them outdoors, financing options that help you seamlessly switch to solar and much more!

Pros: Comprehensive, Easy-to-Understand

Cons: Reliability of the Technical Information may be Doubtful, Lengthy

Price: $14

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Solar-Power-Bible-Step-Step/dp/B0C7JCF8YX

4. Solar Power for Beginners: How to Design and Install the Best Solar Power System for Your Home

Author: Paul Holmes, Shalve Mohile

Who should read it? DIY enthusiasts and Beginners who want to learn about residential solar

This is a ‘Make dreams come true’ guide for the DIY enthusiasts out there. It provides a comprehensive guide on how to design, build, and fit a working and efficient Solar Power System for your house and save thousands on installation, etc., It also tells the readers about the process and benefits of selling excess energy produced by their systems back to the grid and reap benefits. Its language is extremely reader-friendly and it is a perfect book even for absolute beginners and dummies!

Pros: Illustrated, Beginner-friendly

Cons: Lacks information on Off-grid systems, Repetitive

Price: $16.99

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Solar-Power-Beginners-Design-Install/dp/B087SD521X

5. Solar & 12 Volt Power for Beginners: Off-grid Power for Everyone

Author: George Eccleston

Who should read it? Beginners to Intermediate readers willing to learn about Solar Power

This book is an informative and easy-to-get-through guide for readers who are just getting into solar power and are complete beginners. It explains technicalities and difficult questions in simple layman’s language and deals with questions like How to choose and set up Solar Panels and 12-volt Battery Storage systems for Off-grid uses, to power things like Laptops, Television, etc., and equips the reader with basic information, setting the tone for further explorations and readings.

Pros: Beginner-friendly, A lot of practical examples

Cons: Lacks Depth, Lacks Advanced Content and Knowledge

Price: $20

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Solar-12-Volt-Power-beginners/dp/197443298X

6. The Ultimate Solar Power Design Guide: Less Theory, More Practice

Author: Lacho Pop MSE, Dimi Avran, MSE

Who should be reading it? Readers looking for a Comprehensive Guide on Solar Power

This book has been authored by experts and therefore works well for Beginners as well as professionals who are willing to learn about the perfect design for a solar Photovoltaic system- which delivers the maximum efficiency, at the minimum cost and is worth every penny invested! It offers a simple, practical, and step-by-step approach to designing a solar system of any scale for residential as well as off-grid usage (for boats, RVs, vans), etc.,

Pros: Suitable for beginners as well as pros, Comprehensive guide

Cons: Too much general information about Solar Panels and components, Not very easy to read

Price: $15

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Solar-Power-Design-Guide/dp/6197258048

7 . The Essential Beginner’s Handbook for DIY Solar-Power Systems: Step-by-Step Instructions and Energy Saving Tips

Author: Mia D. Nelson

Who should read it? Homeowners and DIY Enthusiasts who seek energy efficiency

Filled with insightful information into the world of solar energy, this book sets the perfect tone for Homeowners to understand the workings of solar power systems and then leads them gently towards methods to maximize the energy efficiency of their systems, thus saving costs and reducing carbon footprints as well. It also tells the users about the different types of solar panels, ways to choose the best one suited to their needs, and the steps for self-installation to save costs.

Pros: Step-by-Step guide, Beginner-friendly

Cons: Lacks Comprehensiveness, Lacks technical Dept in some aspects

Price: $14.95

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Efficient-Solar-Solutions-Step-Energy/dp/B0CK3NH546

Final Thoughts

As the famous saying goes, “Knowledge is Power” and what better source for it than books? This was our list of the Top 7 Books on Solar Power, suited to equip you with the perfect information that will help you make good and well-informed choices, make sure you choose the right system for your home, and also maximize the energy efficiency and cost-savings that come with switching to solar!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Solar Shingles better than solar panels?

In terms of energy efficiency, solar panels are better than solar shingles. In terms of appearance, solar shingles have an edge over solar panels with their sleek and sophisticated look.

Which of the two are more long-lasting, solar panels or shingles?

Solar panels and Shingles can last 25-30 years. However, it varies from company to company .

What is a solar shingle?

A solar shingle, also known as solar roof tiles, are composed of semiconducting material and work to harness solar energy and convert it into electricity. It is an advanced roofing solution.

What is the difference between solar panels and solar tiles?

A solar panel is made up of solar cells, which are typically monocrystalline or polycrystalline, whereas solar tiles are made of Copper Indium Gallium Selenide. The function of solar panels is energy production, whereas solar tiles were designed to be an alternative roofing option while producing electricity.