U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Solar Energy Technologies Program

Solar for Home or Office: Decision-making Tools

A worker installs a wall section made with an energy-efficient foam-core center as the insulating material; the particleboard sheathing is made from recycled wood products.

Here are some decision-making tools to aid you in the process of learning about and using energy-efficient and solar electric technologies and products. Your home's energy efficiency is very important; because energy efficiency reduces the costs of energy use, it should be taken into consideration as you decide on the best solar electric power system for your needs. In fact, we recommend making your house as energy efficient as possible before considering a photovoltaic or PV system, because then you might not need such a large system, especially for heating and cooling.

Consumer Software for Residential Energy Analysis

This list of computer software programs can help you analyze your home's energy use and the impact of energy-efficient design features.

Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE)

DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy.

Economics of Solar Pool Heaters

Here are some resources on installing a solar pool-heating system, including financing and incentives, solar resources, orientation of the pool and collector, and state and community codes.

Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home

This online guide can help you make your home more energy efficient.

Energy Star® Home Improvement Toolbox

These tools can help you save money and energy when remodeling, repairing, or improving your home.

Tuskegee University students work in a home office in their 2002 Solar Decathlon house, which is completely powered by solar electricity. The Solar Decathlon is a collegiate contest sponsored by the Department of Energy. Student teams are challenged to integrate aesthetics and modern conveniences with maximum energy production and optimal efficiency. Each team builds a uniquely designed house. In 2002, the solar decathletes transported their houses to the National Mall in Washington D.C. for the competition. The next competition will be in Fall 2005.

Energy Star® Products

Here's a list of appliances, electronics, and building products that meet Energy Star's rigorous energy efficiency requirements.

FindSolar.com Solar Estimator

Estimate the price, savings, and system size of solar energy systems to produce electricity, heat your water, or heat your spa or pool. From the American Solar Energy Society, the Solar Electric Power Association, Energy Matters LLC, and the U.S. Department of Energy

Home Energy Saver

To use this online do-it-yourself home energy audit tool, all you need is your zip code. Based on your zip code, the tool can tell you how you can make your home more energy efficient.

NASA's Surface Meteorology and Solar Energy Data

This is a renewable energy resource web site sponsored by NASA's Earth Science Enterprise Program that contains over 200 satellite-derived meteorological and solar energy parameters, monthly averaged from 10 years of data, and data tables for a particular location.

PVWATTS: A Performance Calculator for Grid-Connected PV Systems

You can use this online calculator to determine how much electrical energy a grid-connected solar electric system can produce. It applies to areas within the United States and its territories.

Renewable Resource Data Center (RReDC)

The RReDC provides information on several types of renewable energy resources in the United States, in the form of publications, data, and maps.

RETScreen Renewable Energy Project Analysis Software

This free software can be used worldwide to evaluate energy production, life-cycle costs, and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions for various types of renewable energy technologies.

Simply Insulate

The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association provides information on how to lower your energy usage by properly insulating your home. Included are calculators to determine your energy savings through home insulation, and ways to determine the recommended amount of insulation depending on the state you live in. The site also includes resources on state financial incentives for installing and purchasing insulation.