Additional Resource Sites
Government Information Sites:
NorCal Solar Energy Association.org
Energy Information Administration produces very detailed reports on the solar energy industry and use of solar water heating, including the Solar Collector Manufacturers Activity Report.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) produces a wealth of information regarding solar water heating, including excellent maps and tables of the solar resource in the U.S. and around the world.
Solar Energy Industries Association offers a directory of solar hot water manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and design consultants. There are also several state SEIA chapters that are useful resources and sources of regional bidders on projects.
U.S. Department of Energy, Federal Energy Management Program has produced several publications including a Federal Technology Alert on Solar Water Heating, and case studies. FEMP also periodically conducts training courses entitled "Implementing Renewable Energy Projects" with a two-hour module devoted to solar water heating. A schedule of all FEMP training is available at the web site above.
Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (funded by the U.S. Department of Energy) improves responsiveness, effectiveness, and accessibility of codes and standards to U.S. solar stakeholders at all levels.
Equipment Certification Programs
The Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) is an independent, nonprofit trade organization that creates and implements solar equipment certification programs and rating standards. SRCC developed a solar water heating system rating and certification program, short-titled OG 300, to improve performance and reliability of solar products. Summary of SRCC Certified Solar Collector and Water Heating System Ratings, which lists performance ratings for the certified products, is available free of charge.
Solar Cells
US Companies - Dealers & Installers
Sizing Systems
RETScreen International - The RETScreen International Clean Energy Project Analysis Software is a unique decision support tool developed with the contribution of numerous experts from government, industry, and academia.
Overview Sites
Solar Radiation (Insolation) Maps (Area's showing the potential for solar energy.)
