Introduction to Renewable Energy, Second Edition

This book integrates economic, social, environmental, policy and engineering issues related to renewable energy. It covers fundamentals, including the transfer of energy, as well as the limitations of natural resources. Starting with solar power, the text illustrates how energy from the sun is transferred and stored; used for heating, cooling and lighting; collected and concentrated and converted into electricity. This new edition has been updated throughout and adds new information on bioenergy, energy balance, biodiesel, photovoltaic applications and climate change.