I'm not sure if the solar power book was worth the money.

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So far. From what I have read it is quite general. I haven't seen formulas, concepts, or... anything. I am still rooting around though. It looks like the author believes completely in tied-in systems, with the only real exception being kits for mountaintop retreats or other places too far from the grid. Further, from what I am seeing, he is talking about what components do but not how to figure out the ratings, or how to decide which components are best, how to scale a system, or any of it. His goal seems to be to make you want a grid-tied system and have contractors install it, which he thinks will add very little to the project in the way of expense. It isn't a book, so far, so much to bring dummies up to speed but to keep dummies dumb. I am hoping there will be more useful information eventually.

While I never completed engineering school, or electrical tech school, I actually have more of an understanding than even I probably expect. Can I test out on it? Probably not. Can I used a tech manual to assist and get something figured out for volts, amps, AC, DC, fuses, and losses? Yeah, most likely. I was hoping this was the book. On the good side I might have some sort of idea what components go into a system, what they do, which parts are most susceptible to failure or problems, and a few other things, from which I might find a better book or other sources of information by which to create a way to create various scalings of systems to begin comparing prices, by which to begin checking need/want versus price. To be honest, if you have all the components anymore, in the correct capacity to work together, it is pretty much plug and play. Or, that is my humble opinion. It is not like you have to gear each device independently, programming it to work with your exact system. Oh, sure, there might be some settings, there might be some considerations that aren't obvious (due to losses, capacity, switching times, and such). But most components, from the solid manufacturers, are sort of made for dummies. They don't expect home-owning diy'ers, let alone contractors, to be professional electrical technicians who also have a degree in electrical engineering! That type of system will fail always and anywhere, save in a lab which employs such (and I would even have my doubts in many of those).

One thing that I can probably arrange is a home energy audit. They don't cost very much but they can do a great deal toward figuring out how, in the first place, to tighten up my home energy use, regardless if I go solar or not. I won't say the book gave me the idea, but it has cemented the idea and given it prominence in near future goals.

Oh, sure, I could have a company or three tromp through my home and give me quotes, with never ending mail and email asking when I am going to buy. I just don't want that kind of hassle. The book suggests that the energy company might not allow a grid tie-in, sort of required for a larger system (at least initially because of rebates), without it being contracted. I sort of suspect there may be issues, but because of the general notion in the Utah rebate program indicating self design and installation might not have to meet as high of a standard as professionally installed systems, I am wondering. Then again, that provision might be aimed more (or solely) at cabins and outbuilding type solar power systems. More must be learned on all that.

Back to reading. *shrug* Maybe I can pick up something of use.