New Home Energy Books

A new edition of CAT bestseller 'Tapping the Sun: a guide to solar water heating' and new book 'Going with the Flow: small scale water power'.

A new edition of CAT bestseller 'Tapping the Sun: a guide to solar water heating' and new book 'Going with the Flow: small scale water power', will help homeowners combat rising fuel prices, make the most of new technologies and access Government grants.

The two books are timely: the money awarded to domestic and community projects by the Government's 'Clear Skies' renewable energy grants scheme now exceeds £4.8 million.

Since the launch of the initiative in 2003, solar water heating and small scale water power projects have been consistently among those approved by the funders, the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), and managers, the BRE (Building Research Establishment).

Energy Minister Steven Timms said, OClear Skies demonstrates how our target of 60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions can be achieved with full community involvement.

Community installations will help draw public attention to the benefits of renewables, and to the responsibility for energy production that we all share.

CAT's information service receives hundreds of solar water heating enquiries every year and, with public demand at a new high, CAT Publications is launching a new edition of 'Tapping the Sun'.

Fully revised and updated by experienced installer Chris Laughton of The Very Efficient Heating Company, the book covers all the elements of adapting a conventional home hot water system to solar power.

From likely costs and equipment to basic mechanical principles and legal issues, it cuts right through the technical jargon and shows homeowners just how the changes can be made.

Chris Laughton says, "With savings of 1000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year (translating to roughly £100), solar water heating is one of the best ways a household can help reduce global warming and preserve fossil fuel resources.

And so many households can do it!" CAT's other new title, 'Going with the Flow', is the only book of its kind published in the UK.

A comprehensive guide to small scale water power for domestic, community and agricultural use, it shows how to tap one of the UK's forgotten natural energy resources rivers and streams.

It's another great book from CAT for people who want to adapt to eco-friendly technologies close to home and are looking for all the details how.

Renewable technologies are now a part of the mainstream; not just an attraction for dedicated Ogreenies1.

With the aid of the Government's OClear Skies1 grants, more UK homeowners and communities are making a positive contribution to the environment while also pocketing the benefits.

And CAT provides the books that get them started.

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