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.
Renewable Energy Calculators & Tools
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sizing MPPT Charge Controllers
When sizing MPPT charge controllers in renewable energy systems, understanding battery voltage, input voltage and output current is key.
Wire Sizing Chart for 12V, 24V, and 48V DC Systems
Information on wire sizing and a universal AWG/mm2 wire sizing chart to help in designing a 12V, 24V, or 48V DC renewable energy system.
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.
Recommended Inverter Cable, Breaker & Fuse Sizing
This DIY solar resource helps DIY solar installers to size cables, breakers, and fuses for a battery-based 12V, 24V or 48V solar inverter.
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 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.
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.
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.
Will Solar Work in My Location?
Solar energy can be generated in any location, so the question is: How well will solar work in your location? The answer comes down to insolation.
Components for Your Solar Panel (Photovoltaic) System
Whether you plan to DIY or hire an installer, you'll benefit from understanding the components for your solar panel (photovoltaic) system.
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.
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.
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.