Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook - 14th Edition by John Schaeffer (Paperback)

About the Book

The Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook is the definitive guide to renewable energy, sustainable living, alternative transportation, natural and green building, homesteading, energy conservation and off-grid living. This revised 14th edition contains expanded information on permaculture, biodynamics, and emergency preparedness.

Book Synopsis

What book would you want if you were stranded on a desert island? Widely regarded as the 'bible' of off-grid living, The Solar Living Sourcebook might be your best choice. With over 600,000 copies in print worldwide, it is the most comprehensive resource available for anyone interested in lessening their environmental footprint and increasing their energy independence.

The Solar Living Sourcebook-14th Edition is the ultimate guide to renewable energy, sustainable living, natural and green building, off-grid living and alternative transportation, written by experts with decades of experience and a passion for sharing their knowledge. This fully revised and updated edition includes brand new sections on permaculture and urban homesteading, and completely rewritten chapters on solar technology, sustainable transportation and relocalization. It also boasts greatly expanded material on:

• Natural Building
• Permaculture and biodynamics
• Electric and biofuel-powered vehicles
• Passive solar
• Solar water heating
• Grid-tie photovoltaic systems

-- plus maps, wiring diagrams, formulae, charts, electrical code, solar sizing worksheets and much more.

Whether you're a layperson or a professional, novice or longtime aficionado, the Sourcebook puts the latest research and information at your fingertips-everything you need to know to make sustainable living a reality.

From the Back Cover

The essential guide to energy independence - fully revised and updated

...an owner's manual for regenerating our earth, skies and water... a masterwork on rehabitation...the best manual you could possibly want.
--Paul Hawken, Project Drawdown, and author, Blessed Unrest

...I have always recommended the Solar Living Sourcebook as the #1 source, indeed the Bible, for all things solar and sustainable. Bravo to the 14th edition, it's the best one yet!
--Ed Begley Jr., actor, environmental activist

...the best single source I've ever found on the technologies, philosophies, and the lifestyle changes we must embrace in order for our species to survive and thrive into the future.
--Woody Harrelson, environmentalist, actor

...the most comprehensive, enlightening & entertaining resource in the world...an indispensable resource on the bookshelf of anyone seriously interested in helping save our habitat.
--Bryan Welch, publisher, Mother Earth News, and author, Beautiful and Abundant: Building the World We Want

This masterful compendium pulls it all together and gives everyone what we need to get off the grid and democratize clean energy.
--Kenny Ausubel, CEO and founder, Bioneers

Regularly updated since 1982, John Schaeffer's Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook is the definitive guide to renewable energy, sustainable living, alternative transportation, natural and green building, homesteading, energy conservation and off-grid living. This completely revised 14th edition, written by experts with decades of hands-on experience, contains expanded information on permaculture, biodynamics, the Transition Movement, urban homesteading and emergency preparedness-plus maps, wiring diagrams, formulae, charts, electrical code specs/regulations/requirements, solar sizing worksheets and much more. Whether you're a layperson or a professional, novice or longtime aficionado, the Sourcebook puts the latest research and information at your fingertips; everything you need to know to make sustainable living a reality. With over 600,000 copies in print worldwide, it is the most comprehensive resource available for anyone interested in lessening his/her environmental footprint and increasing energy independence.

This book is our blueprint for both the present and future, if our species is to survive into the 22nd century.
--Thom Hartmann, NY Times bestselling author and talk show host

Buy this book. It can change your life for the better. And the world, too.
--Denis Hayes, President, Bullitt Foundation

John is a sustainability and solar industry pioneer...his visionary actions and ideas [are] good news for our environment, economy, and national security.
--Nat Kreamer, chairman, Solar Energy Industries Association, White House Champion of Change, and CEO, Clean Power Finance

Here in one book is everything you need... a treasure trove you'll find yourself returning to time and again.
--Richard Heinberg, Senior Fellow, Post Carbon Institute and author, The End of Growth

John Schaeffer is the founder of Real Goods-the foremost global source for tools and information on renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable living. Since 1978, through Real Goods, he has pioneered solar technology in North America, providing over 150 MW of solar power and helping to solarize over 18,000 homes

To help bring you the very best inspiration and information about greener, more sustainable lifestyles, Mother Earth News is recommending select New Society Publishers books to its readers. This book is one of them.

Review Quotes

The essential guide to energy independence - fully revised and updated

..".an owner's manual for regenerating our earth, skies and water... a masterwork on rehabitation...the best manual you could possibly want." ---Paul Hawken, Project Drawdown, and author, Blessed Unrest

..".I have always recommended the Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook as the #1 source, indeed the Bible, for all things solar and sustainable. Bravo to the 14th edition, it's the best one yet!"---Ed Begley Jr., actor, environmental activist

..".the best single source I've ever found on the technologies, philosophies, and the lifestyle changes we must embrace in order for our species to survive and thrive into the future." ---Woody Harrelson, environmentalist, actor

..".the most comprehensive, enlightening & entertaining resource in the world...an indispensable resource on the bookshelf of anyone seriously interested in helping save our habitat."---Bryan Welch, publisher, Mother Earth News, and author, Beautiful and Abundant: Building the World We Want

"This masterful compendium pulls it all together and gives everyone what we need to get off the grid and democratize clean energy." ---Kenny Ausubel, CEO and founder, Bioneers

...

Regularly updated since 1982, John Schaeffer's Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook is the definitive guide to renewable energy, sustainable living, alternative transportation, natural and green building, homesteading, energy conservation and off-grid living. This completely revised 14th edition, written by experts with decades of hands-on experience, contains expanded information on permaculture, biodynamics, the Transition Movement, urban homesteading and emergency preparedness--plus maps, wiring diagrams, formulae, charts, electrical code specs/regulations/requirements, solar sizing worksheets and much more. Whether you're a layperson or a professional, novice or longtime aficionado, the Sourcebook puts the latest research and information at your fingertips; everything you need to know to make sustainable living a reality. With over 600,000 copies in print worldwide, it is the most comprehensive resource available for anyone interested in lessening his/her environmental footprint and increasing energy independence.
...

"This book is our blueprint for both the present and future, if our species is to survive into the 22nd century."---Thom Hartmann, NY Times bestselling author and talk show host

"Buy this book. It can change your life for the better. And the world, too."---Denis Hayes, President, Bullitt Foundation

"John is a sustainability and solar industry pioneer...his visionary actions and ideas [are] good news for our environment, economy, and national security."---Nat Kreamer, chairman, Solar Energy Industries Association, White House Champion of Change, and CEO, Clean Power Finance

"Here in one book is everything you need... a treasure trove you'll find yourself returning to time and again."---Richard Heinberg, Senior Fellow, Post Carbon Institute and author, The End of Growth

..".[this is] the key text of the greatest economic change the world will experience this century, creating jobs and clean energy for a prosperous and sustainable global community."---Danny Kennedy, cofounder, Sungevity and SfunCube, and author, Rooftop Revolution
...

John Schaeffer is the founder of Real Goods--the foremost global source for tools and information on renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable living. Since 1978, through Real Goods, he has pioneered solar technology in North America, providing over 150 MW of solar power and helping to solarize over 18,000 homes

...

To help bring you the very best inspiration and information about greener, more sustainable lifestyles, Mother Earth News is recommending select New Society Publishers books to its readers. This book is one of them.


The essential guide to energy independence - fully revised and updated

..".an owner's manual for regenerating our earth, skies and water... a masterwork on rehabitation...the best manual you could possibly want." ---Paul Hawken, Project Drawdown, and author, Blessed Unrest

..".I have always recommended the Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook as the #1 source, indeed the Bible, for all things solar and sustainable. Bravo to the 14th edition, it's the best one yet!"---Ed Begley Jr., actor, environmental activist

..".the best single source I've ever found on the technologies, philosophies, and the lifestyle changes we must embrace in order for our species to survive and thrive into the future." ---Woody Harrelson, environmentalist, actor

..".the most comprehensive, enlightening & entertaining resource in the world...an indispensable resource on the bookshelf of anyone seriously interested in helping save our habitat."---Bryan Welch, publisher, Mother Earth News, and author, Beautiful and Abundant: Building the World We Want

"This masterful compendium pulls it all together and gives everyone what we need to get off the grid and democratize clean energy." ---Kenny Ausubel, CEO and founder, Bioneers

...

Regularly updated since 1982, John Schaeffer's Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook is the definitive guide to renewable energy, sustainable living, alternative transportation, natural and green building, homesteading, energy conservation and off-grid living. This completely revised 14th edition, written by experts with decades of hands-on experience, contains expanded information on permaculture, biodynamics, the Transition Movement, urban homesteading and emergency preparedness--plus maps, wiring diagrams, formulae, charts, electrical code specs/regulations/requirements, solar sizing worksheets and much more. Whether you're a layperson or a professional, novice or longtime aficionado, the Sourcebook puts the latest research and information at your fingertips; everything you need to know to make sustainable living a reality. With over 600,000 copies in print worldwide, it is the most comprehensive resource available for anyone interested in lessening his/her environmental footprint and increasing energy independence.
...

"This book is our blueprint for both the present and future, if our species is to survive into the 22nd century."---Thom Hartmann, NY Times bestselling author and talk show host

"Buy this book. It can change your life for the better. And the world, too."---Denis Hayes, President, Bullitt Foundation

"John is a sustainability and solar industry pioneer...his visionary actions and ideas [are] good news for our environment, economy, and national security."---Nat Kreamer, chairman, Solar Energy Industries Association, White House Champion of Change, and CEO, Clean Power Finance

"Here in one book is everything you need... a treasure trove you'll find yourself returning to time and again."---Richard Heinberg, Senior Fellow, Post Carbon Institute and author, The End of Growth

..".[this is] the key text of the greatest economic change the world will experience this century, creating jobs and clean energy for a prosperous and sustainable global community."---Danny Kennedy, cofounder, Sungevity and SfunCube, and author, Rooftop Revolution
...

John Schaeffer is the founder of Real Goods--the foremost global source for tools and information on renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable living. Since 1978, through Real Goods, he has pioneered solar technology in North America, providing over 150 MW of solar power and helping to solarize over 18,000 homes

...

To help bring you the very best inspiration and information about greener, more sustainable lifestyles, Mother Earth News is recommending select New Society Publishers books to its readers. This book is one of them.


The essential guide to energy independence - fully revised and updated
..".an owner's manual for regenerating our earth, skies and water... a masterwork on rehabitation...the best manual you could possibly want." ---Paul Hawken, Project Drawdown, and author, "Blessed Unrest"
..".I have always recommended the "Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook" as the #1 source, indeed the Bible, for all things solar and sustainable. Bravo to the 14th edition, it's the best one yet!"---Ed Begley Jr., actor, environmental activist
..".the best single source I've ever found on the technologies, philosophies, and the lifestyle changes we must embrace in order for our species to survive and thrive into the future." ---Woody Harrelson, environmentalist, actor
..".the most comprehensive, enlightening & entertaining resource in the world...an indispensable resource on the bookshelf of anyone seriously interested in helping save our habitat."---Bryan Welch, publisher, Mother Earth News, and author, "Beautiful and Abundant: Building the World We Want"
"This masterful compendium pulls it all together and gives everyone what we need to get off the grid and democratize clean energy." ---Kenny Ausubel, CEO and founder, Bioneers
...
Regularly updated since 1982, John Schaeffer's "Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook" is the definitive guide to renewable energy, sustainable living, alternative transportation, natural and green building, homesteading, energy conservation and off-grid living. This completely revised 14th edition, written by experts with decades of hands-on experience, contains expanded information on permaculture, biodynamics, the Transition Movement, urban homesteading and emergency preparedness--plus maps, wiring diagrams, formulae, charts, electrical code specs/regulations/requirements, solar sizing worksheets and much more. Whether you're a layperson or a professional, novice or longtime aficionado, the Sourcebook puts the latest research and information at your fingertips; everything you need to know to make sustainable living a reality. With over 600,000 copies in print worldwide, it is the most comprehensive resource available for anyone interested in lessening his/her environmental footprint and increasing energy independence.
...
"This book is our blueprint for both the present and future, if our species is to survive into the 22nd century."---Thom Hartmann, NY Times bestselling author and talk show host
"Buy this book. It can change your life for the better. And the world, too."---Denis Hayes, President, Bullitt Foundation
"John is a sustainability and solar industry pioneer...his visionary actions and ideas [are] good news for our environment, economy, and national security."---Nat Kreamer, chairman, Solar Energy Industries Association, White House Champion of Change, and CEO, Clean Power Finance
"Here in one book is everything you need... a treasure trove you'll find yourself returning to time and again."---Richard Heinberg, Senior Fellow, Post Carbon Institute and author, "The End of Growth"
..".[this is] the key text of the greatest economic change the world will experience this century, creating jobs and clean energy for a prosperous and sustainable global community."---Danny Kennedy, cofounder, Sungevity and SfunCube, and author, "Rooftop Revolution"
...
John Schaeffer is the founder of Real Goods--the foremost global source for tools and information on renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable living. Since 1978, through Real Goods, he has pioneered solar technology in North America, providing over 150 MW of solar power and helping to solarize over 18,000 homes
...
To help bring you the very best inspiration and information about greener, more sustainable lifestyles, Mother Earth News is recommending select New Society Publishers books to its readers. This book is one of them.


The Solar Living Sourcebook "is a breath of fresh air for everyone interested in being part of the evolutionary revolution. John's book is the best single source I've ever found on the technologies, philosophies, and the lifestyle changes we must embrace in order for our species to survive and thrive into the future. Time is of the essence for all of us to start walking the talk and this book is the guide for taking those first steps"
---Woody Harrelson, environmentalist, actor

About the Author

John Schaeffer is the president and founder of Real Goods - the foremost global source for tools and information on renewable energy, energy-efficient and sustainable living. He sold the very first photovoltaic (solar module) to the North American public in 1978 and over the years, through Real Goods, he has provided over 100 MW of solar power and has helped solarize over 15,000 homes. John is also the founder of the Solar Living Institute, based at the 12-acre solar-powered Solar Living Center in Hopland, California. The SLI hosts over 200,000 visitors a year, provides hands-on education into all aspects of renewable energy and sustainable living, and produces the SolFest renewable energy fair.