New Book Empowers, Educates Homeowners on Financial and Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy

With so much government aid available for first time home buyers, real estate fever has hit hard. But even if buyers are getting these older bungalows or foreclosed fixer-uppers on the cheap, the hard reality is that energy costs are once again on the rise and older homes are often not designed for maximum efficiency. Neil Kaminar's Solar Basics: The Easy Guide to Solar Energy is a new book for any dedicated do-it-yourselfer who wants to save money and reduce the impact they have on fossil fuels.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) February 5, 2010

With so much government aid available for first time home buyers, real estate fever has hit hard across the country, particularly among Generation X. But even if buyers are getting these older bungalows or foreclosed fixer-uppers on the cheap, the hard reality is that energy costs are once again on the rise and older homes are often not designed for maximum efficiency. This winter, author, mechanical engineer, and solar energy specialist Neil Kaminar offers Solar Basics: The Easy Guide to Solar Energy (McNeill Hill; ISBN 978-0-9840510-0-7; 2009; $24.95) to any dedicated do-it-yourselfer who wants to save money and reduce the impact they have on fossil fuels.

Knowing that cost is one of the most daunting factors in an undertaking like this, Kaminar also focuses on how to fund the installation of a solar system and still get rebates and tax credits. "The cost of a solar system can be paid back in a few years by eliminating electricity bills," says Kaminar, "but there are intangible credits as well such as the tons of carbon dioxide that are not being produced because of your system."

Kaminar demystifies solar energy and gives straightforward information and full color illustrations about how solar modules work, proper care and maintenance, how to buy equipment, and solar safety. Don Street, VP of USPL Modules Group raves, "I learned a lot from Solar Bascis. It covered a whole spectrum of subjects I hadn't even expected, and it was written in plain, understandable English. Nice job! I just ordered 5 more copies to give to people I'm trying to train into solar; this is the perfect first read for people with a general education."

Solar Basics is available on Amazon.com and through the Neil Kaminar's website

About the author: Neil Kaminar started his career in solar energy in the early 1970s by helping to design and build a solar house in Atascadero, CA. Throughout the 80s and 90s Kaminar has worked to develop, install, and oversee projects related to solar energy modules. Since 2006, Mr. Kaminar has worked as a consultant to various companies worldwide. His motivation for writing Solar Basics and Solar Design is to give back to the world some of the knowledge gained in his 40-year career in Solar Energy.

###