Appropriate technology (the process most appropriate for local cultural, economic, and social conditions) is geared toward projects which: are small in scale, decentralized, and energy efficient; use local materials, labor, and ingenuity; are not capital-intensive; and maximize the use of renewable energy resources. Descriptions of such projects (carried out between 1979 and 1983 in Arkansas) are presented under six headings: (1) retrofits for conservation; (2) active solar energy; (3) passive solar energy; (4) wind and photovoltaics; (5) biomass; and (6) energy center. Included with the descriptions are: sources for additional information; pictures, drawings, and charts for clearer understanding; instructions to follow when building or assembling various devices; rough dollars-and-cents evaluations; and the experiences of the individuals completing the projects. It is assumed that individuals reading this book have some knowledge of basic terms, processes, and applications in alternate-energy technology. These individuals include people who wish to lower their energy bills and increase their self-reliance and people with some technical training who are interested in engineering and design aspects of these technologies, as well as economic concerns. (JN)