One aspect that many say is standing in the way of solar going mainstream is the need to further educate the public on renewable energy. Myths and misinformation make many homeowners hesitant to go solar, and people just don’t know where to start.
In response to this problem, sites are popping up to fill the literacy gap for the general public and help connect them with local contractors. One has received funding from the DOE, another site zones in specifically on solar with impressive tutorial videos and apps that may appeal to DIY enthusiasts and students, still others host consumer reviews of solar companies and components.
Here are a few sites I’ve checked out. Take a look and let us know which you like best.
EnergySage.com
-Provides in-depth information so consumers can research technology options (solar, small wind, geothermal, biomass and more) to see which is most feasible for them, and learn about the economic advantages for solar
-Features profiles, ratings and reviews of products and installers, as well as a zipcode-searchable database of detailed case studies on existing clean energy installations
-Provides transparency in prices, costs and benefits as well as the quality of the products and installers
-Quotes from installers are presented in a clear, apples-to-apples format with key evaluation metrics calculated automatically to assist in comparing quotes
-Community of clean energy users can share knowledge and experience with others through case studies and Q&A forums
(read more about EnergySage in our interview with EnergySage’s founder here)
TheSolarPlanner.com
-Easy-to-follow tutorials, links to free apps, free downloadable how-to guides and a growing archive of YouTube videos
-Homeowners, DIY enthusiasts and students can find details about purchasing and installing grid-tied solar power in one central place
-Excel worksheets help size a system (including wire sizing), perform a utility bill audit, or a conduct a cost/payback/profit analysis
-Links to rebate programs, tax credit info and low-interest loan sponsors
-A listing of suppliers, manufacturers, government agencies, U.S. nonprofits, contractors and job boards
-Optional home PV cost estimate and advisory service
SolarReviews.com
-More than 10,000 consumer reviews reach 600,000 unique visitors each year interested in going solar
-Find local installers in your area with a solar installer directory
-Reviews on solar panels and inverter models
– Solar & Wind Estimator tool will estimate the size and cost to install an energy system for your home or building
-Non-profit directory
-Blog covers hottest topics in renewables
-Educational resources on financing, rebates and more
CustomSolarLLC.com
-If you’re looking to not get too technical, and feel like taking a DIY approach to solar you may want to take a look at this one.
-The goal of both the business model and the website is to answer questions, help them choose the right equipment, engineer their project and to help them purchase all of their equipment at contractor’s prices.
-DIY instructions for rooftop, grount-mount and off-grid solar
-Services for design, consulting and equipment procurement
-Detailed discussion of solar components
-DIY solar blog
Generaytor.com
-Get the most out of solar, through collaborative performance monitoring, comparing and sharing.
-Have a solar array? Monitor its performance and compare with the performance of other installations in your community.
-Don’t have an array? Test one our on your home by installing one virtually to see your roof’s potential!
-Solar blog with tips and insight into the solar market and going solar
-Share your array’s performance through social media, or join the discussion to gain the confidence you need to start producing green solar energy, saving money and the planet.
I appreciate the efforts of all these websites as they aim to educate the public about solar.
Which one is best? I’ll let you be the judge.
truax78 says
SolarReviews
truax78 says
SolarReviews