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    Harness the Sun: America's Quest for a Solar-Powered Future
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    Harness the Sun: America's Quest for a Solar-Powered Future
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    Harness the Sun: America's Quest for a Solar-Powered Future
    Ebook391 pages4 hours

    Harness the Sun: America's Quest for a Solar-Powered Future

    By Philip Warburg

    3.5/5

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    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    Going from the inner city to the open desert, a seasoned environmental advocate looks at solar energy’s remarkable ascent and its promise for America’s future
     
    Solar power was once the domain of futurists and environmentally minded suburbanites. Today it is part of mainstream America. Scan the skyline of downtown neighborhoods, check out the rooftop of the nearest Walmart, and take a close look at your local sports arena. Chances are you’ll find solar panels in those and many other unexpected places.
     
    In Harness the Sun, Philip Warburg takes readers on a far-flung journey that explores America’s solar revolution. Beginning with his solar-powered home in New England, he introduces readers to the pioneers who are spearheading our move toward a clean energy economy. We meet the CEOs who are propelling solar power to prominence and the intrepid construction workers who scale our rooftops installing panels. We encounter the engineers who are building giant utility-scale projects in prime solar states like Nevada, Arizona, and California, and the biologists who make sure wildlife is protected at those sites.
     
    Warburg shows how solar energy has won surprising support across the political spectrum. Prominent conservatives embrace solar power as an emblem of market freedom, while environmental advocates see it as a way to reduce America’s greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, economic-justice activists celebrate solar’s potential to lift up low-income communities, and Native American leaders welcome the income and jobs that the industry will bring to their communities.
     
    Yet solar energy has its downsides and detractors too. Conservationists worry about the impact of large solar farms on protected animal species, and some local citizens groups resent the encroachment of solar projects on farmland and open spaces. Warburg gives voice to those at the epicenter of these conflicts and points the way to constructive solutions.
     
    Harness the Sun offers a grounded, persuasive vision of America’s energy future. It is a future fueled by clean, renewable sources of power, with solar at center stage.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBeacon Press
    Release dateSep 8, 2015
    ISBN9780807033777
    Unavailable
    Harness the Sun: America's Quest for a Solar-Powered Future

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    Reviews for Harness the Sun

    3.5/5

    38 ratings18 reviews

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    • 4/5

      Apr 25, 2017

      My husband and I are firm believers in man made climate change so we try and do what we can to mitigate our impacts on the earth. When we built our little yurt we did so with as many energy saving measures as we could afford. We are hoping to add solar and this book was an excellent resource to have on hand as my husband did some research. It offered a lot of hands on information and stayed apolitical. The only thing really missing was a more comprehensive list of resources. It is well written and easy to read.
    • 4/5

      Feb 11, 2017

      We recently put in a solar array. Our local Solar company was extremely helpful and knowledgeable and helped educate us. This book was the perfect companion - giving a great history of solar as well as a look toward the future. I am using the book to lend to friends when we talk to them about our system and the benefits of installing one.
    • 4/5

      Oct 25, 2016

      Harness The Sun
      (Philip Warburg)

      For me, the purpose of this read was to come to a better understanding of solar energy.
      I was pleasantly surprised to find a comprehensive discussion
      beginning with the Warburg's personal journey (Our House, Your House) to epilogue (Our Solar Future).
      There were brief notes on terminology and an interesting introduction.
      I did proceed slowly through the body of the book, sometimes more interested than other times.
      Admittedly, it is a heavy topic.
      Acknowledgments, notes, bibliography and index are extensive.
      But, there is something here for everyone.
      Although there are arms of resistance, Warburg tells us that "a new generation of entrepreneurs and engineers are weighing in with vision and creativity..."
      "The tools for advancing a more sustainable energy future are within reach. It is our obligation and privilege to use them."

      quotation from Harness The Sun pg 192

      book rec'd from Library Thing giveaway
    • 4/5

      Oct 12, 2016

      Interested in solar power? This book by Philip Warburg is a good history of solar power and an introduction challenges and usage of solar power. A lot of good information about the different issues that faced anyone wanting to use solar power, especially towns and counties that went against some of the power houses. Recommended for anyone wanting to learn more about an alternative to fossil fuels.
    • 5/5

      Sep 24, 2016

      Philip Warburg's book provides an excellent comprehensive summation of the state of solar energy today. He discusses the subject from all angles, from the environmental to the economic to the political. The book explains the different kinds of solar energy in the numerous settings and applications, whether on commercial buildings, sports arenas, or residential settings. The political ramifications, both domestic and international, are examined. And the discussion is kept from being too abstract by the author's discussion of his own personal experience with solar installation, bringing it home to the reader who wants to put it into his own reality. A very good basic book, totally scientific, professional, and sophisticated, yet not too abstruse for the intelligent reader.
    • 3/5

      Sep 21, 2016

      I've followed the various permutations of industrialization of the desert since the 1970's. In 40 years of watching I've seen enormous mistakes made as the US struggles toward sustainable energy production. The practical experience gained by the author in adding solar panels and buying an electric vehicle is useful for a homeowner. However, I was less confident of his selections of winners and losers in his review of companies interested in mega-scale projects that cover more desert land. Warburg did a credible job of complicated systemic and policy problems and prospects in the US vs. China and the world in photovoltaic solar panels, but those industry decisions were not made with the long term interests of the employees at the front. Of course he found some "Homers" to quote in Nevada, and dismissed impacts under long distance transmission lines by offering them up for more solar panels. He has no matching understanding of the impacts to human and natural world interactions of the energy selection decisions. The list of fundamental questions about energy futures and climate change, in a chapter on "Disrupting the Untility Status Quo," is commendiable. To appreciate the current confused state of affairs, this chapter should be required reading for all existing and former rate payers.
    • 3/5

      Mar 20, 2016

      This is a good general reference for the state of solar power in the USA as of 2015. The author covers residential, business and utility scale solar power generation. He also covers 2 methods, photovoltaic and concentrating methods. The good news is that solar is efficient, cost-effective and gaining acceptance everywhere. This is a very good thing as it reduces our dependency on carbon dioxide electricity generating methods. The author crossed the country to review small, medium and huge projects all over and discusses how these project co-exist with established utility companies.
      i do wish he'd spent a little more time on the challenges of solar power electric generation, but in general this was a good reference.
    • 3/5

      Dec 23, 2015

      Interesting book on the potential for solar power. My only disappointment was that it didn't give specific suggestions on how to implement a solar array at my own home.
    • 4/5

      Nov 23, 2015

      Harness the Sun, by Philip Warburg, is a very well-written and informative read. I appreciate the author’s enthusiasm, as well as the research he did for this book. I also liked his objectivity in presenting potential downsides or objections to renewables.

      I think a diverse sustainable energy portfolio is not only important, but crucial for long-term economic and environmental viability. I enjoyed this book, and recommend it to anyone interested in our energy future, as well as anyone who still believes that shifting to sustainable energy sources is not a worthwhile option.
    • 4/5

      Nov 5, 2015

      I requested this book because we added solar panels to our home a year or so ago. We were pleased to do so. This book confirmed that we were wise to do our research first and that there are a dizzying array of options for homeowners and businesses to become a part of the solar-family.
      The book could easily have been dry and boring as all get-out, but Philip Warburg is a superb writer. He researched the subject well and talked to a wide variety of people in order to write a balanced book. And he can relay the solar story in such a way as to grab the reader's attention and hold on. Yes, there are graphs, but easily comprehensible ones. He chapters each section well and entertainingly.
      People are definitely people in this book. The wealthy who do not want to have to look upon a solar farm next to their country estate, the inner city dwellers who are thrilled to see that solar farm out their windows instead of a barren wasteland. The businesses and cities who embrace alternate energy possibilities. The arrogance of some that are absolutely sure that global warming is not our fault, it just naturally happens.
      The US is far behind the curve of utilizing solar energy than the rest of the world. We have some catching up to do.
      A definite recommend.
    • 3/5

      Nov 4, 2015

      A comprehensive overview of the current (published 2015) state and potential of the solar power industry in America. From small rooftop residential and commercial installations to utility scale photovoltaic and concentrating solar power facilities (some of which are designed to store excess energy to be distributed during peak demand!), federal and state incentives have been crucial to initial development. Concerns over environmental/wildlife and cultural/historical impacts have complicated/deterred larger projects (mostly in the desert), but the ability to utilize industrial brownfield sites is promising. Price competition from foreign manufacturers is weighed against often higher domestic manufacturing standards and the larger issue of global warming. While advances are being made in efficiency and longevity, responsible recycling of PV panels, etc. still requires guidelines/legislation. Comparing carbon emissions from "cradle to grave" of solar versus coal, gas, and nuclear, Warburg hammers the point that solar power (in conjunction with other renewable sources of energy) isn't only a viable option, but a necessity. Several states have set significant renewable energy mandates for coming years, but the EU is leading the way in solar, despite America's vastly greater potential.
    • 4/5

      Nov 3, 2015

      I wasn't too thrilled with this book, found it to be a bit dry. My husband on the other had LOVED it, so I will give it 4 stars.
    • 4/5

      Oct 27, 2015

      We have solar energy since the 80's to heat our water and run our home. Both in Ohio and Texas we have found it to be a wonderful way to do both. This is a well-written books, easy to easy and full of interesting facts. The book takes you from a sign family experience with new Photovoltaic (PV) experience to mega farms that produce town size electricity.
      Easy to understand descriptions of the author"s experiences makes the discussions fell personal. The author is not afraid to discuss both the good and bad news on PV panels and incorporation into the electric grid. Our electric bill last month was 17.00 for the electricity. Book is worth reading.
    • 3/5

      Oct 27, 2015

      I won this book Harness the Sun: American's Quest For A Solar-Powered Future By: Philip Warburg in exchange for an honest review.

      I will admit I requested this book because I was interested at the time (not just to win something...I really was completely interested) but when I received it(many weeks ago) I held off reading because I was not in the mind frame to read a book of this kind. I decided to stop wasting time and tackle it because I did want to know more about the environment in which we live and how solar-power will work to our benefit. I must say it is an interesting read. Although not very savvy when it comes to knowing information about our world/environment issues and solar energy I felt the content was quite informative. Yes, I will admit at times I was bored..and skimmed a few pages here and there..again I am not the most savvy when it comes to environment issues so that could a played a part in the boredom. Still, I am glad I tackled this read..I am glad to know a little more about solar energy and how it will play into our lives in the future. I walked away from this book having gained something...KNOWLEDGE, at least a little more than what I had before this book. And I was happily surprised at myself that I got into a discussion with family where I actually referenced from this book.

      I recommend this book. It can be intimidating..it can be confusing for someone who is not very affluent in such a topic..but you will finish this book knowing something..gaining the author's point of view on solar energy and even wanting to know more and gain your own opinions and thoughts on the matter.
    • 4/5

      Oct 5, 2015

      I won this book through a LibraryThing giveaway and was sent a copy by the publisher, Beacon Press, in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.

      Philip Warburg is so passionate about renewable energy that his strong and positive feelings rubbed off on me. He did a tremendous amount of research on solar power to write this book and I have great admiration for him. He writes about solar power's history, it's acceptance, and what to expect in the future. He interviewed more than 120 people: individuals who have solar power and those like me who wish they did, CEOs, construction workers, engineers, biologists, Native American leaders, and conservationists. Some of the interviews seemed repetitive to me and, since I am not a technical person, I felt lost during the technical discussions.

      My limited experience using solar power consists of a solar-heated, in-ground swimming pool and a solar panel on the roof of my hybrid car. I was delighted to be able to learn more about this topic.

      Since solar power does have some downsides, those are covered also. Mr. Warburg listened to those who object and offers them positive feedback.

      I was disappointed to learn how far the U.S. lags behind other countries in the use of solar energy. There are charts and graphs, some organized by the top states who leading in solar construction. It was interesting to see where my state is listed.

      For anyone interested in solar energy, this book by a very knowledgeable author is educational and provides information on many aspects of this subject.
    • 4/5

      Sep 29, 2015

      Philip Warburg, author of Harness The Sun, has written an informative and compelling book about the past, present, and future of solar power in our country. Traveling across the country and interviewing individuals as well as public and private officials, he writes of the struggles, failures, and successes of this expanding industry. Reducing our carbon footprint becomes increasingly important as we’re faced with the very real threat of climate change. He is careful to provide definitions and details that enable the general public to understand the concept of solar power and the technology behind it. He provides fascinating information on the growth of the industry in such diverse settings as large sport complexes and what he labeled as brownfield sites, such as landfills and vacant and underutilized sites. I am a member of the general public and feel after reading the book I have a good grasp of the future of solar power in this country.
    • 4/5

      Sep 18, 2015

      This is a valuable educational resource about the solar industry, explaining the need to decrease the rising problem of greenhouse gases within the atmosphere by using renewable energy will help clean up the environment. One example of a solar project was two fold, first by using these photovoltaic panels to generate electricity over a parking area helps reduce the electric cost while also supplying shade for customers below to keep this area cool, this becomes very useful in very hot climates where shade is limited. If you're thinking about going solar, this book will give you some very valuable information, if installing solar is right for you.
    • 3/5

      Sep 9, 2015

      Don't read this book if you are interested in the history or the physics of solar power. In fact, don't read this book unless you are only interested in reading a bunch of personal anecdotes about the current state of the solar industry and the different people involved. Warburg's book starts off with a detailed overview of the process to install solar panels in his own home in Massachusetts and then expands to cover solar panel across the United States. While there are many interesting characters in the solar industry, he seems to spend more time on them and then quickly rushes through denser policy and financing issues to move on to the next character study. People's motivations and nuances is always interesting to me but sadly this was not what I was expecting to be reading about in this book.