Concern over energy supply, costs and environmental problems are not limited to those prepared to venture into the countryside to an off-grid life. Urban people, now the vast majority in the western world, share the same fear about what lies ahead. Yet the average North American family will spend over one quarter million after-tax dollars on energy in a lifetime. The difference between North American and European energy consumption is waste and inefficiency or, simply, wasted money. Smart Power shows homeowners that using less energy or adopting renewable-energy technologies is not about making drastic lifestyle sacrifices, nor is it expensive. In fact, energy efficiency often improves lifestyle through lower operating costs, a more comfortable environment, and increased disposable income. This illustrated book includes chapters on: Energy efficiency; Space heating and cooling; Community power; Energy efficient transportation; Photovoltaics, wind and biofuel; Batteries, voltage regulation and inverters; and Solar water heating and backup power.