Glossary of Alternative Energy Terms
A glossary of alternative energy and renewable energy terms, definitions, and synonyms for use as a resource in a DIY renewable energy projects.
Other Renewable Energy Systems
Deciding Which Solar Electric System is Right for You
Interested in solar but need help deciding which kind of solar electric system is right for you? Start here for helpful info & resources.
Beginner's Guide to Utilizing Solar and Wind Generated Electricity
This beginner's guide to solar and wind renewable energy systems covers assessing power needs, planning costs, net metering, and more.
Which Types of Alternative Energy are Right for You?
Selecting what types of alternative energy to power your home with is more about what's available and economic than about what you want.
Can Solar Electric Panels (PV) be Used for Water or Space Heating?
There are far more efficient ways of using the sun's energy to directly heat air and water than with solar electric panels (photovoltaics).
5 Things to Consider When Preparing for a Renewable Energy System
There's a lot to consider when planning a DIY renewable energy system, but special consideration should be given to these 5 concepts.
The Big 4: Demystifying Voltages
Voltage-schmoltage! Read more about the four main voltages used in RE systems.
Batteries: Series and Parallel Connections
What is connecting batteries is series vs. connecting batteries in parallel? Learn how wiring batteries in series vs. parallel affects voltage.
Power Ratings for Common Appliances
Use this database of power ratings for common appliances to estimate the Watt-hours your renewable energy system needs to supply.
Should I Wire My Home for AC or DC Loads?
While DC appliances are usually more efficient than their AC counterparts, they're typically more expensive and harder to find.
How to Select an Inverter for Your Needs
With all the types on the market (string, battery-based, hybrid, RV/marine), it can be hard to select the right inverter for your needs.
Maximum Ampacity (Current Capacity) for Wire & Cable
These tables show the allowable ampacity (maximum current the cable can carry) for wires in conduit, raceway, cable or directly buried.
Solar Water Pumping: A Practical Introduction
Find out why solar is often the ideal power source for water pumping with this practical introduction to solar water pumping systems.
Building Best Practices Series
A collection of handbooks on energy efficient building best practices for buildings in hot, humid, dry, mixed, and marine climates.
How To Size Pipe for Solar Water Pumping
A table of friction loss in plastic pipe with standard inside diameter (SIDR), useful for sizing pipe in a solar water pumping system.
Solar Water Pumping: Water Storage, Control and Monitoring
Learn about the water storage/management, plumbing, and monitoring aspects of a DIY solar water pumping system.
An Introduction to Wind Power Turbines
Residential wind power turbines are one of the most cost-effective generators of renewable energy - in the right location.
Solar Water Pumping System Quote Request
Get a free solar water pumping system quote with this interactive tool and we'll help you plan, design & shop for your solar water pumping system.
A Primer on Small Wind Turbines
Learn about the history, costs, and types of small wind power systems in the U.S. with this small wind turbines primer.
Residential Wind Turbines: Are They Practical for You?
Determining whether a residential wind turbine is practical for you requires understanding potential environmental and legal implications.
Tips on How to Site a Small Wind Turbine for Your Location
Positioning a wind turbine properly on your land optimizes the wind power it generates. Learn how with these wind turbine siting tips.
Wind Resource Maps for USA, Puerto Rico & US Virgin Islands
Maps of wind speeds and wind power potential in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands for planning wind power systems.
Wind Resource Map for Mexico
A large scale overview of wind power resources for all of Mexico, including a map and table for wind power classes at 10 meters & 50 meters.
Micro Hydro Power Systems Overview
Micro hydro power systems are almost always the most cost-effective type of renewable energy system. Learn about micro hydro power systems here.
How to Determine How Much Hydro Power is Available at a Site
Learn how to determine the hydroelectric power potential of a stream or river by estimating head and flow with these formulae.
An Introduction to Solar Thermal: Solar Heaters and Solar Water Heaters
There are two kinds of solar thermal system: solar water heating and solar air heating. Solar thermal is less common than solar PV but more efficient!
Solar Air Heating Overview
Solar air heating works in tandem with traditional heating systems to use the sun's energy to aid in in-home heating and lower heating costs.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Guide to Solar Water Heating Systems
Learn about the types and components of solar water heating systems and find links to solar water heating system design and analysis tools.
Solar Water Heating Overview
Learn the basics of solar water heating. Solar water heating is highly efficient and cost-effective, and doable as an advanced DIY project.
Solar Pool Heating System Overview
A solar pool heating system can heat your swimming pool efficiently using the sun's energy. Get an overview of solar pool heating here.
Solar Maps for the USA
Solar maps helpful for planning a solar panel installation in the USA, including a solar insolation/irradiance map and a solar PV potential map.
Solar Insolation Data for US Cities
A table of the high, low, and average solar insolation measurements for many large cities in the United States.
Solar Maps for the Caribbean, Mexico & Central America
Solar insolation/irradiance and PV potential maps helpful for planning a solar panel installation in the Caribbean, Mexico & Central America.
Solar Maps for South America
Solar maps helpful for planning a solar panel installation in South America, including a solar insolation/irradiance map and a solar PV potential map.
Solar Insolation Map for the World
Solar maps helpful for planning a solar installation anywhere in the world, including a solar insolation/irradiance map and a solar PV potential map.