• Solar Estimate:  An easy solar calculator to estimate system size, system costs, expected cost-savings, available incentives and tax credits, more. Enter your zip code, utility, and average electric bill to find out:

  • What size solar system you need

  • How much power you will produce

  • How much solar panels cost

  • What rebates are available

  • How many square feet of roof space you will likely need

  • Your returns and payback period

 

• NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) PVWatts Calculator: Allows the user to approximate the energy production of a particularly sized PV installation - requires a basic understanding of PV installations to properly use

• Sun Earth Tools: Contains many very useful tools for solar consumers and installers alike

• NREL Dynamic Maps, GIS Data, & Analysis Tools: Contains solar irradiance maps

• Solar Radiation Data Manual for Flat-Plate and Concentrating Collectors: A technical guide describing solar irradiance per region

• Optimum Tilt of Solar Panels: A website devoted to tilt efficiency - very useful for educational purposes

Find information on how communities are leading with solar through community solar farms, neighborhood block purchasing, and bulk pricing options and how utilities are innovating to expand adoption of distributed solar energy. 

 

• A Guide to Community Solar: Utility, Private, and Non-profit Project Development (Book), Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), Designed as a resource for those who want to develop community solar projects, from solar energy advocates and community organizers to government officials or utility managers.

• Innovations in Voluntary Renewable Energy Procurement: Methods for Expanding Access and Lowering Cost for Communities, Governments, and Businesses.   Guide explores five innovative options for voluntarily procuring renewable energy generation or systems.

• Regulatory Considerations Associated with the Expanded Adoption of Distributed Solar 

• Solar Powering Your Community: A Guide for Local Governments, Second Edition, January 2011 (Book), Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), DOE designed this guide to assist local government officials and stakeholders in designing and implementing strategic local solar plans. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• SolarPro: Geared toward solar installer professionals but also a great resource for solar consumers and the curious alike

• Build It Solar: The Renewable Energy Site For Do-It-Yourselfers,  A good all-around solar educational site and not just for do-it-yourself installations or off-the-grid installations, provides great links as well

• Sunshot Initiative: U.S. Department of Energy initiative to drive research, manufacturing, and market solutions for solar in the U.S.

• California Energy Commission: Guide To Photovoltaic (PV) System Design and Installation:   Explains solar installation from start to finish - technical but still a great source of information

• Bringing Clean Competitive Solar to Scale, Rocky Mountain Institute

• Solar, Wind, Biomass, Water Videos: Short video excerpts from "This Renewable House" which aired on PBS stations across California.

• Univ. of Oregon Solar Radiation Monitoring Laboratory:  A good educational site which emphasizes site feasibility more than how to install solar

• Energy Development Co-Operative Limited: A UK-based website that features universally applicable solar education/feasibility materials

• KY Division of Renewable Energy: Solar,  Energy and Environment Cabinet, Department for Energy Development and Independence

• Home Builder`s Guide to Going Solar

• Making the most of Residential Photovoltaic Systems

• 63 Days—the Average Time it Takes to go Solar From First Contact to Operating System

• Consumer Guide to Solar Power

• Consumer Guide to Solar Water Heating

• Battery Power for your Solar Electric System