Stay abreast of alternative energy sources with renewable energy publications whether your business ties directly into the alternative energy industry, you own a construction company or you own a small business and simply want to make your facility's energy sources as efficient, cost effective and green as possible.

Clean energy publications provide great resources for learning about new developments, trends, technologies and best practices that can directly benefit your business. You can read quick snippets of information or dive deep into research papers and journals. As you search for green energy publications, consider the following sources:

1. Order books on renewable energy that serve as primers or detailed information resources.

2. Stay current on trends, news and developments with magazines on renewable energy.

3. Take advantage of other types of renewable energy publications.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase renewable energy books for your library collection

renewable energy book makes a great reference tool you can pull off the shelf and thumb through any time.

I recommend: For your small business or construction business, read The Renewable Energy Handbook: A Guide to Rural Energy Independence, Off-Grid and Sustainable Living by William Kemp. Originally published in 2006, the this updated version includes chapters on energy conservation, heating and cooling, battery selection, voltage regulation/inverters and backup power. Learn more about biodiesel in Biodiesel: Growing a New Energy Economy by Greg Pahl. The author details biodiesel's history, looks at its successes and shortcomings and estimates its potential. To learn more about harnessing the wind, read Paul Gipe Wind Energy Basics: A Guide to Small and Micro Wind Systems. Besides wind energy basics, the book provides detailed information on planning, siting and installing a wind system.

Subscribe to green energy magazines with ample renewable energy articles

You'll find abundant information, editorials and news in renewable energy magazines.

I recommend: Whether you own a residential construction firm or some other small business, get ideas for cutting costs through Home Power, a renewable energy magazine that started in 1987. You can join online or subscribe to the print version of the magazine that helps readers make informed choices about energy generation and use. Bookmark enerG, a renewable energy publication, and subscribe to the print version. The magazine covers wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and biofuel developments and news.

Explore other renewable energy publications for quick answers and in-depth reports

To keep up with developments in a particular aspect of the renewable energy industry, read other sources like research papers, newsletters and journals. Renewable energy publications like these will provide you with a wealth of information that can keep your business one step ahead of your competition.

I recommend: Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency Library to download one of the papers, reports or presentations regarding solar energy, like the 2008 State Solar Policy: Current Status & Future Outlook. Sign up for one or more of the U.S. Department of Energy's Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network newsletters. You can sign up for the EERE Network News, EERE Program News or the EERE Progress Alert. Journals of renewable energy make excellent research resources. If you rely on a global perspective in you business, order Renewable Energy, an international journal put out by the World Renewable Energy Network. Aimed at researchers, economists, manufacturers and other global audiences, the journal explores new developments within the field and seeks alternative energy solutions. If you need a regular source of information on biofuels, read the BioFuels Journal. The online journal covers top stories within the industry along with international-scope articles, supplier news/products, links, upcoming events and much more.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Title a new folder Renewable Energy Publications and place it on your desktop for quick and easy access. You can place several of the sources from this guide, like an online magazine, report or journal for renewable energy, into the folder for immediate accessibility.