Rebates, Incentives & Certifications
Database for State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
DSIRE
http://www.dsireusa.org
DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Established in 1995 and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, DSIRE is an ongoing project of the N.C. Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
PV Installer Certification
NABCEP
http://www.nabcep.org/certification/pv-installer-certification
NABCEP PV installer certification is a voluntary certification that provides a set of national standards by which PV installers with skills and experience can distinguish themselves from their competition.
Measuring Tools and Calculators
Annual Insolation vs. Panel Orientation
Solmetric
http://www.solmetric.com/annualinsolation-us.html
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently published new weather data for over 1,000 locations in the U.S. called TMY3 data, for “Typical Meteorological Year 3”. Using this data, Solmetric has calculated insolation values in kWh/m2 for a range of fixed tilt and azimuth values and produced a color grade chart for each of these NREL locations. The example chart below highlights the main elements of the plot.
Roof Azimuth Measurement Tool
Solmetric
http://www1.solmetric.com/tools/RoofAzimTool.htm
In order to design a PV system properly you will need to deterimine the proper roof azimuth. Use this tool to draw on the home you want to design a system for and it will give you a corresponding azimuth for your calcuations.
PV Watts Calculator
NREL
http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/calculators/PVWATTS/version1/
The PVWattsTM calculator allows users to select a photovoltaic (PV) system location from a defined list of options. For locations within the United States and its territories, users select a location from a map of 239 options. For international locations, users select a location from a drop-down menu of options.
Solar Radiation Data Manual for Flat-Plate and Concentrating Collectors
NREL
http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/pubs/redbook/
The Solar Radiation Data Manual for Flat-Plate and Concentrating Collectors is available on the RReDC in HTML and PDF format. Individual PDF files are available for the main body of the manual and for each of the 50 states, the Pacific Islands (Guam) and Puerto Rico.
Sun Path Chart Program
University of Oregon
http://solardat.uoregon.edu/SunChartProgram.html
This program creates sun path charts in Cartesian coordinates for: (1) "typical" dates of each month (i.e.; days receiving about the mean amount of solar radiation for a day in the given month); (2) dates spaced about 30 days apart, from one solstice to the next; or (3) a single date you specify. You can select whether hours are plotted using local standard time or solar time. In addition, there are a number of options available to allow you to alter the chart's appearance.
Product Specifications
Photovaltaic Panels
UNISOLAR
http://www.uni-solar.com/interior.asp?id=36
UNI-SOLAR provides innovative photovoltaic laminates to the manufacturing industry. UNI-SOLAR laminates integrate easily with roofing system to create ideal solutions for residential, commercial, government, military, and education rooftops.
Inverters
Solectria
http://www.solren.com/residential.html
Solectria Renewables' components can be integrated with any renewable DG technology in the 1kW to multi-MW capacity management to address virtually any end use application.
Inverters
Sunny Boy
http://www.sma-america.com/en_US/products/grid-tied-inverters/sunny-boy.html
The Sunny Boy solar inverters are optimally suitable for use in small and mid-range systems. They impress with first class efficiency, user-friendliness and reliability.
Living Green
Energy Savers - Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home
US Dept. of Energy
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/
Energy Savers provides homeowners with tips for saving energy and money at home and on the road. By following just a few of the simple tips found on this Energy Savers Web site, you can make your home more comfortable and easier to heat and cool—while you save money.
Home Energy Saver
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
http://hes.lbl.gov/
Investing in a home on your street could be more profitable than investing on Wall Street. Find resources to make your home more energy efficient.