A helpful tool for estimating your electricity usage when you don't have old utility bills handy - and an essential tool for planning a system that will meet your electricity needs.
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Plan a Renewable Energy Project
A basic overview of the components needed for an off-grid (or stand-alone) system.
A basic overview of the components needed for an utility grid-connected system.
Figure out which renewable energy system is right for you and find links to contact us for any kind of system design and quote you need.
Maps of insolation and solar PV potential across the United States.
Solar insolation data for many large U.S. cities.
Maps of insolation and solar PV potential across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.
Maps of insolation and solar PV potential across South America.
Worldwide maps of insolation and solar PV potential.
Helpful wind speed resources for assessing the viability of a small wind system for your location in the United States.
Large scale overview of wind power resources for all of Mexico.
"The right tool for the job makes all the difference."
Read more about the deep-cycling batteries used in solar and other renewable energy applications and the differences between flooded lead-acid and sealed batteries.
If the battery bank is oversized, you risk not being able to keep it fully charged; if the battery bank is sized too small, you won't be able to run your intended loads for as long as you'd planned.
If you’ve added new appliances, purchased an EV, or have more people living in the house now than when you first designed your system, your batteries may not be able to keep up with your new energy demands.
Accurately knowing the state of charge of your batteries and keeping them properly charged can extend their life, keep your system running properly, and save you money.
Tips on locating and installing lead acid batteries for an off-grid renewable energy system.
All inverters convert direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, but that's where the similarities end between inverters. These days, a huge number of brands and options are available to consumers, and the correct choice for you depends on how you intend to use it.
Unlock the mysteries behind the jargon and acronyms of voltage!
Short answer: It depends on the size of the system and what type of loads you want to run...
Quickly find the the typical power rating (in Watts) of many common household appliances. Use this information to help estimate how large your alternative energy system needs to be.
Preparation for any off-grid electric system begins with assessment and calculation of your energy needs. The primary tool used for this task is a Loads List.
Learn some tips for using solar or wind power systems in your RV or boat - and what's different about this application from using one of these systems in your home.
Sizing a solar panel array is easier than you might think.
A: This is a trick question! There is no direct correlation between square footage and watts of solar to power the home.
Determine where true solar south is for your specific location.
What is magnetic declination, and why is it important when mounting solar panels?
Facing true south in an unobstructed location is extremely important to the proper functioning of a solar electric system.
How exactly should you mount your solar panels?
Solar panel arrays can be mounted in many ways, so it's important to understand considerations like materials, costs, and orientation before deciding on a mounting system.
Helps you size the battery bank, Watts of solar power, and the solar charge controller you'll need for an off-grid solar electric system.
Fill out this form with as much information as you can, and we'll get back to you with a system design!
Our Grid-Tie System Calculator helps you size a grid-connected solar panel system.
Fill out this form with as much information as you can, and we'll get back to you with a system design!
Fill out this form with as much information as you can, and we'll get back to you with a system design!
U.S. Department of Energy handbooks for improving new home efficiency, comfort and durability in various climates zones.
Solar-powered pumps provide a welcome alternative to fuel-burning engines, windmills, and hand pumps. They produce best during sunny weather, when the need for water is greatest.
Fill out this form with as much information as you can, and we'll get back to you with a system design!
The design considerations you should take into account when deploying the accessories needed in a solar water pumping system.
Use this chart to size the correct diameter pipe for your solar water pumping system.
Wind turbine systems for homes are one of the more cost effective forms of generating electricity from a renewable energy source if you have the right site.
A few key tips on how to locate a wind turbine for your location to optimize the power it will generate.
Definitions of many of the frequently used terms within renewable energy.