Do-it-yourselfers can now take on the renewable energy world and become "solar energy masters" - just by reading a book! "Solar Energy Projects for the Evil Genius" will take you through the steps of creating - as the book's title suggests - over 50 practical solar energy projects that will serve a variety of functions in your home, yard and on the road.

Not only does a uthor Gavin D. J. Harper provide plans and illustrations for each project, he also offers the scientific and mathematic explanations behind each one. Sound too overwhelming or difficult? Not to worry, because the book is designed for those with no previous experience in the energy science world. You can start off small with more simple ideas and work your way up to the more effort-consuming projects such as converting your home to run on solar energy.

And don't worry about feeling too much like a nerd - you'll learn how to light your garden and cook using solar energy, but can counteract the "geek" effects by building a solar death ray or your own eco-friendly robot (no joke!).

Harper's green energy qualifications include published work in the journal Science, as well as an MSc. in Architecture specializing in advanced environmental and energy studies, and continued post-graduate studies with the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology through Loughborough University.

» Amazon