Wind Energy Basics: A Guide to Small and Micro Wind Systems

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Customer Reviews:

Small Wind Power Generation - A Good Overview [Posted on 2002-06-01]
From an individual's viewpoint (as opposed to an electrical utility), this is an excellent introductory text. I was surprised at how clearly presented the material was, while still mantaining enough of the technical formulas and rules-of-thumb to have substance. Mr. Gipe lays out the options open to anyone interested in implementing some sort of home-based electrical generation wind system and surveys a range of available products that fall into this area of the wind turbine market. Important decision-making parameters are discussed and the reader is given a good ball-park idea of how to proceed. I will be ordering the book "Wind Power For Home And Business" in order to fill in some of the details.

NOT For The "Technical" Mind [Posted on 2005-03-30]
I applaud Mr. Gipe's obvious commitment to renewable energy. He also seems very knowledgeable about wind energy. Unfortunately, this book is poorly written for anyone who has a "technical" mind, and I can't imagine anyone interested in reading a book on this subject to not have some kind of technical inclination.

I understand that this is supposed to be an introduction to the subject, but even the most basic concepts are hard to grasp due to the way they are written.

A Good Overview of Wind Power Technolgies [Posted on 2005-08-14]
Wind Energy Basics: A Guide to Small and Micro Wind Systems by Paul Gipe is an excellent overview of wind power turbines both past and present. It also does an excellent job of acquainting readers with the major components of a Wind Renewable Energy (RE) system and the functions thereof. In the opinion of this reviewer, the book does what it is intended to do: provide an overview a wind-based RE system and give the reader a basic understanding of same.

However, as other reviewers have noted that Wind Energy Basics is not for the technical mind. The title does lack the step by step, do it yourself instructions that one would need to put his own wind-based RE into operation.

Those who are already familiar with wind-based RE systems and are in search of a complete nuts and volts guide will probably take little away from this title. A better choice would probably be the more complete, much larger "Wind Power: Renewable Energy for Home, Farm and Business", also by Paul Gipe. ISBN 1-931498-14-8. At nearly 500 pages, I have yet to come across a more complete reference on the subject of Wind Power.

All in all, Gipe's Wind Energy Basics: A Guide to Small and Micro Wind Systems is a good starting point for the homeowner who is considering the possibility of buying or installing an RE system for the first time. If you are not extremely knowledgeable about RE systems and are in search of a book that will introduce you to the components and technologies, Wind Energy Basics will serve you well.

Solid introduction to small wind systems [Posted on 2007-03-09]
As the title of Paul Gipe's text suggests, this book addresses the concerns of people who are interested in smaller wind turbines. Gipe fleshes out in careful detail the process of setting up a small wind turbine in many setttings (agricultural, residential, and even small wind farms), battery and conversion effeciency, how one can sell back excess electricity, what states offer tax incentives, etc. The writing style is generally pleasant, since Gipe avoids jargon and organizes his subjects well. Readers who want a scientific-based text on wind-power engineering should seek a different book.

Good introduction to wind energy [Posted on 2008-06-05]
I found this to be a good starting point to learn about wind energy. It starts out with basics and goes into a little theory, but if you're looking for a book that goes into a lot of depth, you may find this book a little disappointing. Just remember, it's Wind Energy Basics, and no more.

Additionally, it provides a background in the development of windmills and lists quite a few brands and their specs. You'll discover quickly that small or micro windmills won't make you energy independent and regulations make it almost impossible to errect one unless you have lots of land and understanding neighbors.

It's a good primer that I would recommend to people who are looking for a starting point on the subject.

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