kWh Calculator
This kWh calculator answers the question 'How much solar power do I need?' by helping to calculate your home electricity usage in kWh.
Plan a Renewable Energy Project
Components of an Off-Grid Solar Power System
For most DC-coupled off-grid solar systems, it comes down to 4 main components. Learn about off-grid system components with altE DIY resources.
Components of Grid-Tied Solar Systems: A Guide
Grid-tied solar systems use the grid as a virtual battery and the most cost-efficient way to install solar panels. Learn about grid-tie solar system components with altE DIY.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Tools for a Successful Solar Electric Install
Planning to install a DIY solar electric system? This checklist of tools for a DIY solar power system installation can help your project.
Deep Cycle Batteries Introduction
An introduction to deep cycle batteries: Types, how they're different from car batteries, and why they're used in renewable energy systems.
How to Size a Deep Cycle Battery Bank
Learning how to size a deep-cycle battery bank correctly is one of the most important parts of DIY solar or renewable energy system design.
Expanding a Deep Cycle Battery Bank
It’s possible to expand a deep cycle battery bank that's in use. Learn what to know before expanding a battery bank with new lead acid/lithium batteries.
Batteries: Measuring State of Charge
Tips for measuring state of charge in FLA, AGM & Li batteries (voltage isn't the best way of measuring state of charge in solar batteries).
How to Store Solar Batteries
Learn how to store solar batteries safely in cold weather. Storing deep-cycle lithium, flooded lead acid, and sealed lead acid batteries is covered.
Decoding Solar Panel Output: Voltages, Acronyms, and Jargon
Why are there so many voltages listed on solar panels? What is open circuit voltage, voltage at max power for solar panel output?
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.
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.
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.
Power, Energy, and the Loads List
A loads list is an essential calculation for off-grid renewable energy systems. It determines the electricity needs the system must meet.
Renewable Energy Systems in RVs and Boats
Solar and wind renewable energy systems in RVs and boats work just as well as on homes - in some ways better. But there are important differences.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need in Your Solar Array?
To size a solar panel array you will need your electrical consumption in Watt-hours and an understanding of the available local insolation.
How Much Will Solar Cost for a 2000 Square Foot House?
Learn about the average cost of solar panels for a 2000 square foot house, or a home of any other size to help you plan your home solar panel system.
Solar South Calculator
The Solar South Calculator is an easy tool that allows you to quickly determine what direction solar south really is for your location.
Magnetic Declination: Finding True South
Magnetic declination, the angle difference between magnetic south and solar south, must be taken into account when orienting solar panels.
Solar South Calculator
The Solar South Calculator is an easy tool that allows you to quickly determine what direction solar south really is for your location.
Locating and Positioning Your Solar Array
For the best power output you should locate a solar array facing true south at a tilt angle equal to your latitude with respect to the horizontal position.
Selecting Your Solar Module Mounting Structure
Pros and cons of each type of PV mounting structure to help in selecting the best solar module mounting structure for your DIY system.
How to Mount Solar Panels
Mounting solar panels comes with many considerations. Learn how to mount solar panels with the altE guide to solar panel mounting.
Off Grid Solar System Sizing Calculator
This Off-Grid Solar System Sizing Calculator helps you size the battery bank, Watts of solar power, and charge controller you need for an off-grid solar system.
Off Grid Solar Power System Quote Request
Get a free off grid solar power system quote with this interactive tool and we'll help you plan, design & shop for an off-grid solar system.
Grid Tied Solar System Sizing Calculator
This Grid Tied Solar System Calculator helps you determine the Watts of solar power and number of solar panels needed for a grid-tied solar power system.
Grid Tied Solar Power System Quote Request
Use this free grid tied solar power system quote tool whether you're just learning about grid-tied solar systems or want help planning one.
Battery Backup Power System Quote Request
Get a free battery backup power system or hybrid system quote. Battery backup works whether or not you have solar or are grid-connected.
Building Best Practices Series
A collection of handbooks on energy efficient building best practices for buildings in hot, humid, dry, mixed, and marine climates.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.