-
Homeowners can save utility costs and reduce their environmental impact by using the power of the sun.
Type: White Paper
-
Broan solar-powered attic ventilators (SPAV) operate without fuel, waste, or pollution. Lower attic temperatures mean less ambient heat makes its way into your home's living space.
Type: Catalog
-
This fact sheet offers insight into how a net zero home can be both architecturally distinctive as well as be energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
Type: Fact Sheet
-
Home photovoltaic systems convert light energy directly into electricity and offer consumers the ability to generate electricity in a clean, quiet, and reliable way.
Type: Fact Sheet
-
Photovoltaic energy generating systems (PV systems) convert the sun's energy directly into electricity and can be off-grid or grid-connected. Both types of systems require specific components such as …
Type: Fact Sheet
-
Homes designed with passive solar principles use the changing position of the sun allowing a home to make the most use of the sun's heat in the winter, and at the same time, making sure the building …
Type: Fact Sheet
-
Using the sun to heat a swimming pool can be an effective way to use solar energy. Solar pool heaters can be connected to the pool's existing water circulation system, need very little maintenance …
Type: Fact Sheet
-
Whether the task was pumping water, drying crops or cooking, those who live off the land have always relied on three things: the sun, the wind, and the rain. Agricultural producers have long been on …
Type: Fact Sheet
-
Solar cookers can be used everyday or for solar picnics, they come in many types, and are easy to build or can be store bought. Above all, solar cooking works well, and is easy, fun and good for the …
Type: Fact Sheet
-
Solar water heaters are an inexpensive way for home owners to lower the cost of heating water by replacing the cost of gas or electricity with free energy from the sun, and a variety of simple and …
Type: Fact Sheet
-
The systems and appliances installed in a home can dramatically affect the amount of energy that the building will consume over its lifetime, but there are several approaches and products that can be …
Type: Fact Sheet
-
Learn more about solar energy and how it works to provide a clean source of energy.
Type: White Paper
-
A solar hot water system can provide 40 to 70% of a household's annual hot water needs. These systems use the sun to heat water for home use. Solar hot water systems connect to the home's existing …
Type: Fact Sheet
-
Photovoltaic (PV) technologies directly convert energy from sunlight into electricity. This fact sheet discusses the various types of semiconductor materials used in the PV panels, their application …
Type: Fact Sheet
-
Solar water heating is the most cost effective and environmentally responsible method to heat water for residential and commercial use. A properly designed and installed solar water heating system …
Type: Fact Sheet
-
Homeowners or businesses that install qualifying solar energy systems are eligible for a federal tax credit that can mean substantial savings on their tax bills, and repeal of the credit cap means …
Type: Fact Sheet
-
Enough solar radiation strikes the earth every day to meet our energy needs for a whole year. Photovoltaic (PV) systems are renewable generation systems that directly convert energy from sunlight …
Type: Fact Sheet
-
Using the sun for water heating is a natural way to conserve resources, protect the environment, and save money on monthly utility bills. Although a solar water heating system may cost more upfront …
Type: Fact Sheet
-
The California Solar Initiative is helping to make the clean, reliable, and inexhaustible energy of the sun into a power source for homes and businesses statewide. Making your home or business energy …
Type: Guide
-
Good solar homes only reach their potential when the house plan and building lot are properly integrated to create a successful solar house. This fact sheet answers questions about building a passive …
Type: Fact Sheet
-
A passive solar home must be carefully planned and designed to balance the collection area with the storage mass. Otherwise, the house may overheat, underheat, or have undesirable temperature swings …
Type: Fact Sheet
-
Passive solar retrofit is the adding of solar features to an existing house which can lower heating costs. Before you begin a passive solar retrofit, you should make sure that your house is energy …
Type: Fact Sheet
-
Solar thermal technologies harness the energy of the sun to provide energy for water heating, space heating and cooling, and pool heating, and are an integral part of a clean energy future.
Type: Fact Sheet
-
A 30% federal income tax credit is available to homeowners who install qualified residential solar energy systems before 12/31/2016.
Type: Fact Sheet
-
Solar water heating uses energy from the sun to heat water, reducing the amount of natural gas or electricity needed. While California has established a reputation as a leader in reducing fossil fuel …
Type: White Paper
-
You've read lots of product literature and many scientific white papers and you still wonder, "Is solar right for me?" This document, including survey results from 147 real people who own energy …
Type: White Paper
-
Although the initial cost of solar water heaters is higher than that of conventional water heaters, the fuel is free, and when the environmental benefits are factored in, solar water heaters are …
Type: Fact Sheet
-
Regardless of where you live, you can purchase green power to
encourage greater use of renewable energy technologies.
Type: Special Report
-
Colorado homeowners follow national trends in preferring renewable energy over conventional energy sources. An extensive survey showed residents would most frequently select photovoltaic, wind and …
Type: Special Report
-
Homes featuring a good passive solar design maximize the home's natural heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting options, and are typically healthier and more comfortable.
Type: Fact Sheet
-
This fact sheet from Build It Green describes the considerations in designing the interior of a passive solar designed home.
Type: Fact Sheet
-
This brochure describes the benefits of using solar electricity in your home.
Type: Brochure
-
This brochure describes the benefits of using solar power to heat your residential swimming pool.
Type: Brochure
-
This brochure describes the cost-saving and energy-saving benefits of using solar heated water in your home.
Type: Brochure
-
This guide offers information about roofing systems and suggestions on how to be more energy-efficient with this component of your home.
Type: Guide
-
This directory features suppliers and installers for a variety of green products, identifies a number of firms with expertise in the design and construction of green buildings, and includes a variety …
Tags: Appliances,
Arlington County Department of Environmental Services Green Building Program,
Consultants,
Flooring,
Heating & Cooling,
Indoor Air Quality,
Landscaping,
Lumber and Structured Panels,
Solar Power,
Sustainable Products,
Windows & Doors Type: Catalog
-
The New American Home is a "real-world" laboratory demonstrating concepts, materials, designs and construction techniques that can be replicated--in whole or in part--in housing built any place and …
Type: Brochure
-
This low maintenance house, built in Cannon Beach, Oregon, produces as much energy as it uses. This home incorporates a number of basic technologies in an innovative way to produce heat, hot water …
Type: White Paper
-
There are many simple things you can do to make your existing home or building more energy efficient.
Type: Brochure
-
This brochure, developed specifically for residential home builders, provides information on basic solar facts, selling tips and important resources when incorporating solar technologies into …
Type: Brochure
-
The objective of the water heating systems evaluation project is to compare energy performance and time-of-day electric loads by conducting side-by-side tests of solar and conventional domestic hot …
Type: White Paper
-
This consumer guide about solar electricity for the home includes information about the types of solar electric systems, how to choose a system, financing and costs.
Type: Brochure
-
Homebuilder’s Guide to Going Solar is designed
to help you assess the benefits to your business
and customers of installing solar equipment or
making your houses solar-ready.
Type: Guide
-
In addition to increasing a home's energy efficiency, homeowners may also want to consider renewable energy options such as, geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, and small wind systems.
Type: Guide
-
There are several ways that you can reduce operating and maintenance costs, lower water consumption, and conserve heat if you heat your swimming pool. Solar pool heaters are an option to heat the …
Type: Guide
-
There are a handful of solar water heaters available for residential systems. Knowing their various components will help you decide which is right for your home.
Type: Guide
-
Financing a residential photovoltaic (PV) system remains a challenge despite the various financial incentives available to homeowners at both the state and federal level. This report examines the …
Type: Research
-
Installing a solar electric system that is connected to the utility grid can save energy and money, and even earn you money back. Upfront, the systems are expensive, however. This guide outlines …
Type: Guide
-
This document will provide details to the residents of Florida on how to earn points for complying with the Florida Green Home Designation Standard. While Florida living is unique in many respects …
Type: Guide
-
If you're thinking about buying a solar electric system, this guide provides basic information to make sure you get the best system possible for your home.
Type: Guide
-
Today’s solar heating systems not only keep swimming pools warm — they can also heat much of your home’s water and interior space. Solar heating systems are reliable, adaptable, and pollution …
Type: Guide
-
Windows, walls and floors can be used to store and distribute solar energy through passive solar design. Unlike other solar heating systems, this design does not involve mechanical and electrical …
Type: Guide
-
Producing electricity with photovoltaics (PV) emits no pollution, produces no greenhouse gases, and uses no finite fossilfuel resources. This guide analyzes how long it takes a PV system to operate …
Type: Guide
-
The Borrower’s Guide to Financing Solar Energy provides information for lenders and consumers in financing solar systems, including thermal and photovoltaic systems. It also offers tips on how to …
Type: Guide
-
Upgrading your conventional water heater or installing a solar or tankless heater can earn you federal tax credits and noticeably reduce your monthly energy bills.
Type: White Paper
-
This guide is for lenders and consumers who need information
about nationwide financing programs for solar energy
systems.
Type: Brochure
-
In addition to saving on energy bills, there are many other financial incentives to go green.
Type: White Paper
-
Incorporating residential solar power may be cheaper and easier than you think.
Type: White Paper
-
Learn how to plan for an energy-efficient home before construction begins.
Type: White Paper
-
Green housing is sustainable to its environment, durable and healthy for occupants and environment. The Mainestream Green Housing primer grew out of MaineHousing's Mainestream Green Home Design …
Tags: Building Green,
Cost of Ownership,
Heating & Cooling,
Interior Design,
Lighting,
MaineHousing- Maine Street Housing Authority,
Maintenance & Repair,
Photovoltaic / Solar Panels,
Rebates / Tax Credits,
Remodeling,
Solar Power Type: White Paper
-
Designing green homes can be confusing, from understanding finances to choosing materials and design layouts/blueprints. Get step-by-step instructions and helpful checklists to make your green home …
Tags: Building Green,
Cost of Ownership,
Flooring,
Foundations,
Interior Design,
Lighting,
Maintenance & Repair,
Portland Office of Sustainable Development,
Rebates / Tax Credits,
Remodeling,
Solar Power Type: White Paper
-
This publication shares information from different studies of builders who have successfully integrated solar options into their operations.
Type: White Paper
-
Learn how solar heating systems work, how they're used, their benefits and how to purchase one.
Type: White Paper
-
Learn basic information on the components and types of solar water heaters currently available and the economical and environmental benefits of owning solar heaing systems.
Type: White Paper
-
Solar water heating helps to save energy, reduce utility costs, and preserve the environment. Learn the basic terminology, what buildings solar water heating is appropriate for and how much a system …
Type: White Paper
-
Solar systems prove to be an environmentally and economically sound choice for heating water in U.S. Navy housing at Moanalua Terrace in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Type: Case Study
-
Solar electric systems can save homes and businesses money, but understanding the benefits and costs involved can be confusing. Learn the basics in this publication.
Type: White Paper
-
Sunlight provides heat, light, and shade and ventilation into homes. Passive solar design can reduce heating and cooling energy bills and increase spatial vitality.
Type: White Paper
-
Energy prices are rising, and so are concerns about the impact of energy consumption on the environment. Solar electricity systems can offer a solution.
Type: White Paper
-
With new building-integrated solar technologies, state rebates, federal tax credits and energy-efficient mortgages, solar electricity is more affordable than ever.
Type: White Paper
-
Solar power technology is becoming increasingly available, but many homeowners don't know the facts. Learn the benefits of solar technology in the home, including reducing electricity bills …
Type: White Paper
-
Canadian home community of Drake Landing uses underground solar panels to store energy during the summer, and then used that energy to heat homes in the winter.
Type: Case Study