Introduction
The Efficient Planet guide is not just one book, it's 3! With 71 pages on how to build a home solar power system, 51 pages on how to build a home wind turbine, and another 50 pages on how to enjoy efficient living at home, this is one comprehensive set of instructions! It almost hit our #1 spot, over-taking Earth4Energy, but its lack of video instruction put it at #2.
What we like about it:
1 - Comprehensive Instructions
Efficient planet just became the most comprehensive DIY energy guide on the market. With over 175 pages of fantastic step-by-step instructions and advice that are easy to follow, it is well worth the small price tag of $49.97.
2 - Additional free gifts
When you buy the Efficient Planet guide, not only do you get the plans on how to make your own home solar and wind power system, but also a number of free extras. This is includes a 50 page manual on how to easily save energy at home; and video and audio interviews with other diy fanatics that make their own power at home too.
It also comes with some useful, but irrelevant extras, such as a 12 part study kit on efficiently running your own home business; and some other "undisclosed bonuses".
3 - Instructions That Actually Work:
A nice feature of the guide, is that it is broken up into 3 parts:
The first one is devoted to teaching you about solar power and how to make your own solar panels at home. But it also goes on to discuss the various types of solar you can employ at home, including solar heating, and solar roofing.
The second volume focuses on wind power and how to build a home wind turbine. It also exposes 10 common myths about wind power, by giving you the cold, hard facts.
The third book explains a variety of clever ways to become more energy efficient without sacrificing your quality of living. Although most of the tips we already knew, some of them we didn't. But it really rounded off the whole Efficient Planet package, and helped it achieve it purpose of showing you how to save power and money at home.
Why it is not the best guide:
1: Lack Of Video Tutorials
Just when we thought Efficient Planet was the best energy guide on the market, we realized it has absolutely no video instruction. Many people that are technology inclined will struggle to just follow the written plans and diagram to build their first solar or wind power system. It would have been so much easier if we could watch it being built step-by-step.
2: Nothing really unique about it
Efficient Planet is just another diy energy guide. There seems to be a new one cropping almost weekly. And at the end of the day, it gives you the same info as other energy guides, but said in a different way. We like the fact that the Efficient Planet authors realized this and gave a number of great bonuses to complement the product, which made better value for money.
Conclusion:
Efficient Planet provides some of the most complete, and useful step-by-step instructions on making your own renewable energy and saving power at home. Yes, you will eventually build a working solar and wind power system with the plans, but it will take you a little longer than if you used the Earth4Energy guide (which has free video instruction). The free extras make it well worth the $49.97 price, so it comes in 2nd place. - 31812
The Efficient Planet guide is not just one book, it's 3! With 71 pages on how to build a home solar power system, 51 pages on how to build a home wind turbine, and another 50 pages on how to enjoy efficient living at home, this is one comprehensive set of instructions! It almost hit our #1 spot, over-taking Earth4Energy, but its lack of video instruction put it at #2.
What we like about it:
1 - Comprehensive Instructions
Efficient planet just became the most comprehensive DIY energy guide on the market. With over 175 pages of fantastic step-by-step instructions and advice that are easy to follow, it is well worth the small price tag of $49.97.
2 - Additional free gifts
When you buy the Efficient Planet guide, not only do you get the plans on how to make your own home solar and wind power system, but also a number of free extras. This is includes a 50 page manual on how to easily save energy at home; and video and audio interviews with other diy fanatics that make their own power at home too.
It also comes with some useful, but irrelevant extras, such as a 12 part study kit on efficiently running your own home business; and some other "undisclosed bonuses".
3 - Instructions That Actually Work:
A nice feature of the guide, is that it is broken up into 3 parts:
The first one is devoted to teaching you about solar power and how to make your own solar panels at home. But it also goes on to discuss the various types of solar you can employ at home, including solar heating, and solar roofing.
The second volume focuses on wind power and how to build a home wind turbine. It also exposes 10 common myths about wind power, by giving you the cold, hard facts.
The third book explains a variety of clever ways to become more energy efficient without sacrificing your quality of living. Although most of the tips we already knew, some of them we didn't. But it really rounded off the whole Efficient Planet package, and helped it achieve it purpose of showing you how to save power and money at home.
Why it is not the best guide:
1: Lack Of Video Tutorials
Just when we thought Efficient Planet was the best energy guide on the market, we realized it has absolutely no video instruction. Many people that are technology inclined will struggle to just follow the written plans and diagram to build their first solar or wind power system. It would have been so much easier if we could watch it being built step-by-step.
2: Nothing really unique about it
Efficient Planet is just another diy energy guide. There seems to be a new one cropping almost weekly. And at the end of the day, it gives you the same info as other energy guides, but said in a different way. We like the fact that the Efficient Planet authors realized this and gave a number of great bonuses to complement the product, which made better value for money.
Conclusion:
Efficient Planet provides some of the most complete, and useful step-by-step instructions on making your own renewable energy and saving power at home. Yes, you will eventually build a working solar and wind power system with the plans, but it will take you a little longer than if you used the Earth4Energy guide (which has free video instruction). The free extras make it well worth the $49.97 price, so it comes in 2nd place. - 31812
About the Author:
Tim McDonald is an enthusiastic DIYer that has been living off the grid since June 2008. He recommends you Try Earth4Energy for FREE if you are serious about making your own solar and home wind turbine, saving bucket loads of cash on your electricity bill, and living a greener life.
