A Consumer's Guide; Get Your Power from the Sun is a basic guide to adding a solar electric (photovoltaic) power system to your home or business. The Guide provides answers to frequently asked questions such as: What is a solar electric or photovoltaic system?, Why should you buy a PV system?, Is your home or business a good place for a PV system?, How big should your PV system be, and what features should it have?, How much will you save with your PV system?, Who sells and installs PV systems?, and How do you choose among PV providers? Published by the U. S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
International Space Station with Solar Arrays - NASA Photograph
Solar Basics
Solar Energy
The earth receives more energy from the sun in one hour than the earth's human population uses in one year..
Maps of Solar Radiation
Consumer's Guide
- Map of average annual solar radiation for the United States from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- Additional solar maps from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory including the United States Solar Atlas
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory - Provides basic information on solar energy --- concentrating solar, passive solar, photovoltaics, solar hot water, and solar process heat.
Solar Energy Basics
Solar Panels at Oberlin College - NREL Photograph
Incentives for Renewable Energy
The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy - A comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote solar and other forms of renewable energy.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) - A reliable source for basic information on solar energy, including Photovoltaics (PV), Passive Solar Heating, Cooling and Daylighting, Concentrating Solar Power, and Solar Hot Water and Space Heating and Cooling. Also provides practical information on Small Solar Electric Systems for residences and offices.
A Quick Guide to Solar Electricity - Answers to basic questions such as: How can I use PV in my home or business?, How can I select a PV dealer?, How much does a PV system cost?, How can I finance the cost of my PV system?
Guide to Federal Tax Incentives for Solar Energy - This Guide from the Solar Energy Industries Association provides comprehensive information on how incentives for both commercial and residential applications may be claimed.
History of Solar Energy
The History of Solar - Timeline of solar technology from the 7th Century B. C. to the present
Online Workshops
Online Workshops - Workshops on Photovoltaic (Solar Electric) Power System Design, Solar Home Design, and Advanced Photovoltaic System Design and Maintenance from Solar Energy International.
NOAA Photograph
Copyright 2010 Solar Source
Your Source for Solar Information and Products
NREL Photograph
Solar Energy Products - Go Power!™ DURAlite Solar Modules
Spotlight On Solar Energy
Scitable - Includes basic information, research discoveries, economics, and environmental impact of solar energy.
