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The Switch
Book

The Switch

How Solar, Storage and New Tech Means Cheap Power for All

Chris Goodall
Profile Books, 2016

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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Scientific
  • Eye Opening

Recommendation

When environmental expert and UK Green Party candidate Chris Goodall refers to “the switch,” he means a climate-saving transition into greater use of alternative energy, particularly solar. He predicts that this transition is coming, and that consumers will see rapid declines in the cost of photovoltaic solar cells and of the batteries needed to store solar energy. In a sometimes-confounding blizzard of facts, Goodall also lays out the current status of alternative renewable energy sources, such as wind and biomass. He explores the revolutionary short- and long-term storage and fuel-making technologies that cheap solar power will require – and will enable. In short, Goodall believes solar can save the planet and he’s glad to tell you why and how. While always politically neutral, getAbstract recommends his avid overview to systems thinkers, green-technology innovators, futurists, investors and students.

Take-Aways

  • “The switch” to solar will mark a new age of affordable, environmentally sound energy enabled by cheap photovoltaics (PV) and battery storage.
  • People need to harness only a tiny fraction of abundant solar to meet the world’s needs.
  • Most forecasters severely underestimated solar energy’s rapid evolution and growth.

About the Author

English entrepreneur, consultant and author Chris Goodall writes about and speaks on sustainability and green energy. In 2010, he stood as a candidate for the UK Green Party. His other books include the influential, Clarion Award-winning How to Live a Low-Carbon Life.

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    G. B. 7 years ago
    Not exactly earth shattering. Most of this is already common (?) knowledge. Author does however forget the political powers who may have an interest in traditional energy forms that they can easily tax and exploit for the benefit of a minority of rich.