RESOURCE LINKS
South Carolina Energy Office - The SC Energy Office advances South Carolina's energy strategy through education and outreach.
SOLAR.SC.GOV - Resources for deciding what solar system to use, costs and incentives, and installation/maintenance of a solar system.
Consumer Protection - Helps protect consumers from scams when purchasing solar panels.
Red Flags for Solar Scams - Things to lookout for when purchasing solar panels.
US. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy - The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable energy seeks to transition the United States into a prosperous clean energy economy.
DOE Solar Information Resource Center - Provides resources to become more familiar with solar energy, find a job in the industry, or learn more about the science behind solar energy.
Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) - The applied research and development laboratory at the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River Site.
SETO Spotlight - Highlights the Office of Energy and Renewable Energy's extensive work in solar panels on homeowner's rooftops.
Top 6 Things You Didn’t Know About Solar Energy - Facts about the history of solar energy and current solar projects across the United States.
Test Your Solar IQ - Test your knowledge of solar panels and energy in the United States.
Thinking About Going Solar?
Community Solar programs in SC - Offers information about becoming a member of a solar community in South Carolina.
Consumer Guide to Solar for the SC Homeowner - This guide provides information about what to consider when installing solar panels. This guide does not offer technical specifications but rather acts as a general resource for consumers.
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency - DSIRE gives a list of different financial and regulatory incentives available when installing solar panels in the United States, specifically South Carolina.
Rural Energy for America Program Loans and Grants - The Rural Energy for America Program gives grants and loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for those wishing to install solar panels and renewable energy systems in rural areas.
Solar Home’s Value - Zillow provides statistics on how having solar panels can increase a home’s value.
Solar Tools
Energy Sage - Compares solar installers so consumers can find the installer that meets ones specified needs.
NREL: REopt Lite Tool - REopt Lite offers a free tool to help commercial building managers evaluate commercial viability of grid connected clean energy projects. This tool can also be used to identify system sizes, battery dispatch strategies, and how long a system could sustain itself during a grid outage.
Photovoltaics Economics Calculator (PVWatts) - NREL's PVWatts Calculator estimates energy production of photovoltaic energy systems for homeowners and small building owners.
Southern Environmental Law Center: Rates of Solar - Tells consumers in the south-east if their energy provider charges an additional fee for having solar panels.
United States Solar Atlas - Provides the average solar irradiance throughout the US.
National & State “Green” Societies
American Solar Energy Society - A nonprofit organization that advocated for renewable energy and sustainable living in the United States.
Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) - IREC works to make clean and efficient energy available to low to moderate income renters and multi-family dwellers as well as those in undeserved communities.
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) - Offers certifications and credentials for skilled professionals in the field of renewable energy.
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) - SEIA works to implement solar policy, increase social awareness of solar panel systems, and help makes solar energy projects low cost through tax credits.
Southface - Southface provides vocational training, certification training, and continuing education to promote renewable energy projects. Additionally, Southface provides technical assistance to organizations working for green energy initiatives.
South Carolina Clean Energy Business Alliance (SCCEBA) - SCCEBA works to implement policy initiatives and supports education about clean energy industry in South Carolina. They are non-profit made up of clean energy businesses and industry leaders dedicated to growing South Carolina's clean energy economy.
SC Solar Business Alliance - SBA represents the interest of solar companies in South Carolina State legislature by providing recommendations and lobbying for policy reforms.
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) - The U.S. Greed Building Council seeks to ensure buildings are designed in an environmentally responsible way by certifying projects either silver, gold, or platinum. Recognition from USGBC can increase the value of the building or project.
South Carolina Chapter (USGBC-SC) - The USGBC-SC chapter seeks to ensure buildings are designed in an environmentally responsible way in South Carolina.
Working in Solar
Solar Jobs Census 2018 - Provides a detailed map of the number of solar jobs in areas throughout the United States. This map also gives the average price of electricity in each state and the demographics of solar workers.