Solar Energy: A Reference Handbook

(Hardback)

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Description

This book provides an outstanding single-volume resource on the topic of solar energy for young adults and general audiences. While how much longer the world's supply of fossil fuels will last is debatable, it is a fact that the fossil fuels that we depend on so heavily today are non-renewable resources that will inevitably be exhaustedmaking the need to shift to alternative sources of energy such as solar extremely important. Solar Energy: A Reference Handbook presents encyclopedic coverage of the social, political, economic, and environmental issues associated with the development and use of solar energy in the United States and around the world. This book provides an in-depth description of the ways solar power has been used for at least 2,000 years. It outlines how humankind has utilized various forms of energy from the sun by way of photovoltaic cells, concentrating or focusing solar power, active and passive solar heating, and other mechanisms; and provides perspectives on today's solar energy issues from a variety of subject experts. Readers will better understand not only the advantages and disadvantages of solar power but also the critical nature of energy production to sustaining life on earth, thereby underscoring the importance of developing solar power and other alternative sources of energy to meet the world's energy needs in coming decades. The book also includes profiles of key individuals and organizations related to the field of solar energy, a chronology of important events in the history of solar energy, and a glossary that defines the key terms used in discussing the topic of solar energy.

Reviews

Two particular strengths are the section on facts and figures and the extensive annotated bibliography of outside resources. Suitable for young adult and nonspecialist researchers, this concise, single-volume resource would be a good addition to high school and undergraduate libraries or public libraries where readers may be interested in the constantly developing topic of solar power. * Booklist *
The content of the book is well suited to its audience. High school and undergraduate college students will find the resources listed for further research understandable and offering them the ability to expand their interest on a particular area of solar energy. * Reference Reviews *

Author Bio

David E. Newton, EdD, has been a freelance writer of nonfiction books and ancillary materials for young adults for nearly 55 years.