Publications

The focus of the latest edition of “A Solar Design Manual for Alaska” is an expanded section on solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, which has experienced a dramatic drop in pricing over the past decade. This main section of the manual includes a basic introduction on how solar PV works as well as a section on how to assess the solar resource and plan a system layout. It also describes basic solar PV components, solar PV modeling best practices, available resources, current standards and codes, net metering, solar economics and financing, grid-connected systems and off-grid systems. A chapter on solar thermal systems, based on material from the previous edition, has information on solar heating technologies, passive solar heating and active solar water heating, and two of the appendices have practical information on solar greenhouses and do-it-yourself solar PV systems. Included in the other two appendices are a glossary of terms and f-chart performance tables related to solar water heating. To purchase a hard copy please go to: https://epay.alaska.edu/C21563_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6585&SINGLESTORE=true

Publication EEM-01255

This publication looks at things to consider with working with foundations, floors, walls, ceilings, insulation, vapor barriers, ventiliation, windows, doors, storage spaces, electrical wiring, space heaters, chimneys, heating, septic tanks and more.

Publication HCM-00952

By paying more attention to your household appliance usage, you can conserve energy and save money. This publication provides a simple formula for estimating the amount of energy used by each appliance in your home.

Publication EEM-00251

This publication provides information on caulks and sealants for both interior and exterior use. There are tips on where to caulk, caulking materials, sealants for vapor retarders, air barriers and moisture, and how to prepare the area to be sealed and apply the caulking.

Publication EEM-01252

Before you invest in an energy technology for your off-grid cabin or camp, it is important to consider a number of factors. This publication provides helpful tips on how to develop a plan to make your remote site more comfortable and efficient by considering your current fuel sources, your appliances (how much energy they use and how you could make them more energy efficient) and your available natural resources.

Publication EEM-00100

This bulletin gives an overview of the various methods that can be used to improve older building foundations and retrofit building foundations. It also gives information about common damage to foundations and basement walls. Clear diagrams make the information accessible and easy to use.

Publication HCM-01555

If you are interested in saving money on your electric bills, this publication is for you. You'll learn which appliances use the most electricity and how you can modify the ways you use them to lower your electric costs. There is information on lighting, water heaters, washers and dryers, space heaters, refrigerators and "phantom power," the power that is used by electronic devices even when they are off. You'll find simple tips such as switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs, putting a timer on your water heater, installing low-flow shower heads and using power strips to turn off several appliances at once, as well as advice on replacing old appliances with new, energy-efficient ones. There is even a checklist to help you with your home audit.

Publication EEM-00254

This practical guide is intended to help the average homeowner improve energy and heating efficiency in an existing home. It includes an extensive checklist to help you decide how best to go about improving the efficiency of your home. Tips are comprehensive and practical and cover all aspects of the home, including the house envelope and interior and mechanical systems.

Publication EEM-04452

This publication provides information on insulation for the astute homebuilder or buyer. It has numerous calculations of wall insulation properties in regard to log and frame walls. There is also information on how windows, stud spacing and log thickness relate to home heating efficiency.

Publication EEM-00852

This publication details the practice of using plastic mulch and row covers to extend the growing season for both commercial and small-scale vegetable gardens. Included are photos and information on plastic and degradable mulches, low tunnels, floating row covers, drip irrigation, fertilization and planting methods.

Publication FGV-00647

Available online only. Alaska has high rates of carbon monoxide-related deaths compared to the rest of the nation, partly because of the increased use of alternative heat sources during power outages. This publication describes the different types of portable heaters, focusing in particular on unvented propane and kerosene heaters, and gives instructions for how and when to safely use them.

Publication EEM-00253

Increased awareness of natural disasters and security issues, concerns about food safety, and the desire to eat healthy, local foods has created an interest in growing more food in gardens and in greenhouses, hoop houses and other season extenders. This publication offers ideas and suggestions for extending the "shoulder" growing season in these structures in order to start plants earlier in the spring and allow them to grow longer in the fall. Included is a brief list of ways to curb energy costs during shoulder seasons and suggestions for future research and educational efforts.

Publication EEM-01260

This publication has tips and advice about what to look for when shopping for windows. Information on window frames, spacers, glass, air space and ventilation options will give you the basic knowledge necessary for asking the right questions and choosing the best windows for your needs.

Publication HCM-04459