Saving Sunshine: Keeping the Lights on with Batteries and Solar Power 2013
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by Winnie Hoskyns and Bill Hennessy
Directed by John Furdyna and Joan Freeman
DVD, color, 34 min.
College - General Adult
Environmentalism, Engineering, Sustainable Living, Technology
Date Entered: 06/06/2014
Reviewed by Angela R Davis, Engineering Liaison Librarian, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PAFilmed in lecture format, Saving Sunshine presents information needed to create a home based solar power system in a short 34 minutes. A quick introduction on the growing concerns of stress on the American power grid and the resulting interest in sustainable power generation is provided. However, the majority of the film is spent on the practical manner in which a residential based solar power system can be installed. This is accomplished by presenting several possible systems for solar power generation. Off-grid, stand-alone installations, grid-tied systems, and AC-coupled systems are described in detail. Everything from the reasons to choose a particular system to the type of equipment needed to successfully install the system is explained. The host, Bruce Hankins - a master electrician and solar installer, is not overly engaging, but very knowledgeable and clearly explains the concepts and installation process in an easy to follow manner.
The DVD includes chapter indexing and closed captioning in English and Spanish. Saving Sunshine is recommended for entry-level engineering classes or those interested in installing their own residential solar powered electricity system.