Books by Collyn Rivers

Essentially, Solar Success is about using solar energy to reduce the fossil generated electricity that we use: to reduce one's carbon footprint. Throughout, it stresses the need to reduce what one uses unnecessarily before one thinks about generating more. This can be done by three associated and economically viable approaches:¿ reduce energy usage by doing things differently¿ reduce energy usage by using more energy-efficient appliances¿ change the supply of energy to non-fossil fuel through appropriate technology.The solar energy required is there; 7000 times more energy than the world currently uses is available. It makes every sense to use it and countries worldwide increasingly do.Solar is also affordable. In California, Italy and Japan, solar power now challenges power generated through natural gas and nuclear energy. In Germany, home owners' solar generated surplus fed back into the grid network and all energy generated is paid at close to five times grid electricity's buying cost.Australia's solar take up is high in rural areas that lack grid-connection. Sales of systems that draw from and feed back to the electricity grid (i.e. grid-connect) proved even more successful than expected as installation rebates and feed-in tariffs were initially very generous.In mid 2014 the Australian Federal government virtually ceased paying rebates on the curious basis that the scheme was attracting many more takers than had been expected. There is now however a growing move to go off-grid as electricity prices continue to rise (and feedback payment drop).Knowing what is practicable and what is less practicable with solar enables readers to evaluate what is offered. And to have an often necessary and educated say in the decisions. For those who wish to design and implement systems themselves, Solar Success shows how to do it, and how to avoid the traps.However you finance the system, and no matter where or how you live, follow the guidelines in Solar Success and you will have an economic system that will supply clean and reliable power for years to come.

Buying an RV is a major investment. It is likely to be second only to buying a house. Especially if this is your first RV purchase, where do you begin to get the information you need to make the right choice?In How to Choose and Buy an RV you will find everything you need to become an informed and well-prepared buyer. Collyn Rivers, one of the foremost authorities on RVs in Australia,  breaks down the pros and cons of the many sorts of recreational vehicles available. He identifies the key questions you need to ask to work out what you really want and need. Collyn gives clear advice about how to inspect and negotiate for new or used RVs.  He discusses the extras you''ll want include before hitting the road and details the rules and regulations you''ll need to know before venturing around Australia.You need expert advice before buying an RV.  This book will answer your questions and even the ones you hadn''t considered asking.Collyn Rivers "has enormous knowledge of the subjects in his books and his writing is concise and not overdone with technicalities or difficult-to-understand jargon." Peter Poat, The Weekend West Australian

Disaster: Recovery is a down-to-earth book that explains how you and your family can cope during and particularly after disasters such as floods, bushfires and typhoons that can and do happen (not just may happen) around the world at any time. It is one thing to survive the initial impact of a disaster. It's quite another to survive the subsequent fallout. Water and electricity may fail, phones may stop working, roads may be impassable, food and fuel stores often run out of supplies. Medical help may be unobtainable as emergency services must scale priorities. This globally applicable book explains the whys and hows of surviving those vital first few weeks following a major disaster, and includes advice on the basics of being prepared. This is a book virtually every Australian home should have on the shelf.