Best off-grid power and heating books
Solar, wind, batteries, and wood heat: these books explain how to design small systems that keep lights, radios, and a freezer running, and how to stay warm without the grid.
16 books, beginner-friendly first.
The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy
Daniel D. Chiras · 2006
Overview of solar, wind, wood, and efficiency upgrades for homeowners.
beginner
Lights Out
Ted Koppel · 2016
Ted Koppel's reporting on how vulnerable the U.S. power grid is to cyberattack. Explains why being ready for long outages matters.
beginner
Pocket Ref
Thomas J. Glover · 2010
A tiny, dense book of tables: conversions, wire gauges, fasteners, first aid, and much more. One of the most-recommended items in any survival library.
beginnerPocket-sizeLarge reference
Solar Electricity Handbook
Michael Boxwell · 2016
A practical guide to designing and installing small solar electric systems. Updated in regular editions.
beginner
The Woodburner's Companion
Dirk Thomas · 2006
Heating with wood safely: stoves, chimneys, and fuel. Heat is a survival need in cold climates.
beginner
Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Wiring
Editors of Cool Springs Press · 2025
Step-by-step photo guide to home electrical work, updated to recent code editions.
intermediateLarge referenceDisaster Preparedness for EMP Attacks and Solar Storms
Arthur T. Bradley · 2012
Arthur Bradley, an engineer, explains what an EMP or solar storm could actually do and how to protect electronics.
intermediate
Emergency Power for Radio Communications
Michael Bryce · 2006
Keeping radios running when the grid is down: batteries, generators, and solar.
intermediateOff Grid Solar
Joseph O'Connor · 2016
A handbook for designing off-grid photovoltaic systems with lead-acid or lithium batteries.
intermediate
Power with Nature
Rex A. Ewing · 2012
Alternative energy for home and farm: solar, wind, and micro-hydro explained.
intermediate
Practical Electronics for Inventors
Paul Scherz, Simon Monk · 2016
A hands-on electronics reference covering components and circuits. Helpful for repairing and building gear.
intermediateLarge referenceRocket Mass Heaters
Ianto Evans, Leslie Jackson · 2014
Building efficient wood-fired heaters that store heat in thermal mass and burn very little fuel.
intermediate
Small Engines and Outdoor Power Equipment
Peter Hunn · 2013
Repairing mowers, tillers, chainsaws, and generators. Small engines keep a lot of preps running.
intermediateUgly's Electrical References
Charles R. Miller, Daniel Sandefur · 2026
The pocket reference electricians carry: formulas, wire sizing, and code tables.
intermediatePocket-sizeSpiral / lay-flatWind Power
Paul Gipe · 2004
Paul Gipe's guide to small wind turbines for home, farm, and business.
intermediate
Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual
Solar Energy International · 2007
Solar Energy International's training manual for PV system design. Technical and thorough.
advancedLarge reference