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Resources for Information on Solar Energy, Renewable Resources and Energy Efficiency
The Basics of a PV System and The Basics of Solar Hot Water, compliments of the Florida Renewable Energy Association. The US Department of Energy/Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has excellent information on solar photovoltaics (PV), solar thermal, and concentrated solar power (CSP). They also have a glossary of terms related to solar technology.
Does your electric utility offer incentives for solar installations? Texans obtain their electricity from either municipally owned utilities, member owned electric co-ops or investor owned utlities. Many offer rebates for solar energy.
American Solar Energy Society (ASES) TXSES is a state chapter of this organization and they've been promoting solar since 1954. A nonprofit dedicated to increasing the use of solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies, their website has it all, from the basics of solar energy to a job board.
Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) FOr almost 30 years, IREC has worked to move renewable energy resources into the marketplace. IREC emphasizes education, outreach, stakeholder coordination, technical assistance, workforce development, the adoption and implementation of uniform guidelines and standards,and consumer protection. Their
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) is THE source of information on solar rebates, financial assistance, net metering, incentives and policies at the local, state and national level. They publish Solar Market Trends annually; read the
2011 Report
Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) provides information on Texas' vast renewable energy resources, incentives, financial options and education. Educators will appreciate The Infinite Power of Texas Renewable Energy Educational Campaign to accelerate the acceptance of renewable energy resources in Texas. Also, look for the recently updated Texas Renewable Energy Resource Assessment.
The American Council for Energy Efficiency (ACEEE) has published their state by state 2012 scorecard for energy efficiency policies.
See where we stand.
Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) represents over 400 member companies, organizations, agencies and individuals providing products, services and information in the areas of solar electric generation, solar hot water, large and small-scale wind electric generation, biomass electric generation and liquid renewable fuels, geothermal heating and cooling, geothermal electric generation, and sustainable (green) building design and construction.
Public Citizen is a national organization with a Texas office devoted to promoting cleaner energy, cleaner government, cleaner cars and air, and safe products for all Texans. They are activly working to make renewable energy more available to Texans and are currently compiling data on the approximate wattage of solar distributed generation in the state.
The Texas Green Jobs Guidebook Published in Spring 2010, the guidebook documents over 200 categories of jobs in Texas related to renewable energy and energy efficiency. Published by the Environmental Defense Fund and endorsed by the Texas Workforce Commission, it gives information on green job training and placement throughout the state.
The Texas Solar Roadmap Take a look at the possibilities! The Roadmap was compiled by Public Citizen, Vote Solar and Environment Texas.
National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) is a department of the U.S. Department of Energy. Located in Boulder, CO, it is the nation’s primary research and development group for renewable energy and energy efficiency.
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy(ACE3) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting economic prosperity, energy security, and environmental protection.
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) works to expand the use of solar technologies, strengthen research and development, remove market barriers, and improve education and outreach for solar.
Mercom Capital Group delivers free weekly
Market Intelligence Reports dealing with Clean Energy industry happenings and ahead-of-the-curve analysis for executives and industry professionals that need to be in the know.
The Vote Solar Initiative'smission is to stop global warming, foster economic development and increase energy independence by bringing solar energy into the mainstream.They work on the key policies necessary to bring solar to scale. Vote Solar works with state governments to build sustainable solar markets, remove regulatory barriers and lay the necessary groundwork for a solar future.
Network For New Energy Choices works closely with Vote Solar. Their mission is to promote policies that ensure safe, clean, and environmentally responsible energy options. NNEC collaborates with all levels of government, planning agencies, public interest organizations, government and industry associations, professional societies, labor groups, businesses, and the public.
The Solar Alliance is a state-focused alliance of solar manufacturers, integrators and financiers dedicated to accelerating the promise of photovoltaic (PV) energy in the United States. They help legislators, regulators and utilities make the transition to solar power by providing the technical and policy expertise to create programs that are in the best interest of residential, commercial, and government customers and Americans as a whole.
Austin Energy Green Building Program is America's #1, award winning, Green Building Program. They offer guidance and education on sustainable building practices and energy upgrades. If you are lucky enough to live in their territory, don't pass up the opportunity to learn from them. If you don't, there is still much to learn from their website and programs.
