Local and State (Regional)
Solar Energy Resources
for Home Consumers:
An Annotated Bibliography of Government Sources
This page offers primarily regional, local and U.S. state solar energy resources.
Consumer's Guide to Buying a Solar Electric System
Iowa Department of Natural Resources, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
This 25 page booklet provides brief but essential information on photovoltaic costs, selection criteria, utility sign-offs, instructions on connecting to the grid and installation issues such as permits. Although it does not go into great detail, the question and answer format is a great introduction to concepts every homeowner should consider before investing in a solar electric system. National photovoltaic programs are listed, however this booklet is primarily geared toward home consumers in the upper Midwest including: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Missouri.
2002
available in booklet (print) format
SuDoc Number: E 1.8: SO 4/11
DSIRE: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
North Carolina State University, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy
This easy to navigate website provides national information organized by state with financial incentives, loan programs, rebates, sales tax incentives, and financing possibilities for renewable energy. After selecting one’s state, links are provided for financial assistance besides state rules and regulations. A handy link allows visitors to limit the resources to only residential incentives. This site provides an excellent starting point for home consumers investigating methods of paying for solar power.
2009
available online (HTML)
free/no cost
California Solar Initiative (CSI)
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/Solar/index.htmLearn about financial incentives from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for adding solar to existing residential homes in California. This program is designed for families with low income to install solar electric or heating/cooling systems. Whether living in a single- or multi-family home, if your income qualifies, you may be able to receive a sizable discount when installing solar.
2007 (with updates on most pages)
available online (HTML), with links to some documents in PDF format
free/no cost
Go Solar California
State of California, California Energy Commission
http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/
Residents of California who install residential solar systems may be eligible to receive a lump sum upfront rebate or a rebate spread over five years. This site furnishes information for residents, builders and contractors, adding solar to new or existing houses in California. Includes an easy-to-use, searchable online database of firms that contract, install and/or sell solar in the state. Also includes links to the California Solar Initiative Program Handbook and the New Solar Homes Partnership Guidebook (both in PDF format).
2007-2009
available online in HTML and PDF format
free/no cost
A Guide to Photovoltaic (PV) System Design and Installation
California Energy Commission
http://www.energy.ca.gov/reports/2001-09-04_500-01-020.PDF
This 40 page report explains in non-technical language what photovoltaic systems are, how they operate, and pros and cons of different implementations. It includes recommendations for materials and installing, and offers a handy detailed checklist to ensure that the project is complete and safe. An appendix includes diagrams and wiring guides which would be incredibly useful for a do-it-yourself PV installer.
June 2001
available online in PDF format
free/no cost
MadiSUN Sustainability
City of Madison, Wisconsinhttp://www.cityofmadison.com/sustainability/city/MadiSUN/residents.cfm
This website, from the City of Madison, furnishes information about financial incentives and free consultation services for local residents (and businesses and nonprofits) interested in installing solar. Contact information is provided for a free “solar agent” who can help with solar permit and funding besides suggesting local firms that install solar. Further information on the MadiSUN Solar Energy Program explains briefly what solar energy systems are and how they work.
Last updated 2010
available online (HTML)
free/no cost
Solar Photovoltaic Financing: Residential Sector Deployment
by Jason Coughlin and Karlynn Cory
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy
http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy09osti/44853.pdf or http://www.osti.gov/bridge (search for Report TP-6A2-44853)
This 66 page technical report can help one investigate numerous financing options and determine the long-term cost of a solar PV system. Besides mortgage or home equity loans, residents in certain locations have access to cash or tax incentives, and community cooperatives to help in financing. This document explores these and other possibilities for solar financing in California, Colorado, New Jersey, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. This report includes a glossary of acronyms and up-to-date references.
March 2009
available online in PDF format
free/no cost online
also for sale to the public, in print, from the U.S. Department of Commerce
Report Number: TP-6A2-44853
NTIS/GPO Number: 950132
NREL/TP-6A2-44853
last updated: 03-May-2010