The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Solar Power for Your Home, Third Edition, helps readers understand the basics of solar (photovoltaic) power and explore whether it makes sense for them, what their options are, and what's involved with installing various on- and off-grid systems. Major topics include- Advantages and disadvantages of going solar. The costs of photovoltaic products and services. Estimating your solar energy needs. What's involved with building or retrofitting a home with solar power. Solar electrical generation, solar water heating, and solar space heating. Solar power and the rest of the home (appliances, insulation, windows, etc.) Solar systems (complete, supplemental, emergency, and portable) Buying solar systems and components. Hiring the right contractor to install your solar system. What's involved with installing solar systems and components yourself Selling your excess energy. Given the rapidly changing nature of the solar industry, this new edition offers more how-to content on prepackaged photovoltaic systems aimed at the growing DIY market; expanded coverage of on-grid systems, which continue to outpace off-grid systems; and all the latest information on state and federal rebates and other incentives. Finally, this edition contains updates on all the latest solar products, complete with photographs and diagrams