American Solar Energy Society The American Solar Energy Society (ASES), established in 1954, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the use of solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies in the U.S. ASES leads national efforts to promote solar energy education, public outreach, and advocacy. ASES publishes the SOLAR TODAY magazine, organizes and presents the ASES National Solar Conference, and leads the ASES National Solar Tour – the largest solar energy event in the world.
Find Solar A national list of solar installers. 1) Get a list of solar installers in your community and set up an appointment to see how you can use solar energy to reduce your monthly utility bills. 2) Get a free online estimate of what the price range may be to install a photovoltaic (solar electric) or solar hot water system for your home or building. Payback periods can vary significantly based on local utility rates, state incentives, and normal energy use.
Finding a Green Collar Job Information on job opportunities, and how to explore finding a job in the renewable energy industry.
Go Solar - Getting Started with Solar A good resource page from the American Solar Energy Society, with information on: how solar energy works; how to find a solar installer; how much solar costs; supporting businesses that support ASES; solar rebates; how solar energy is used in your community; getting a job in the solar sector; staying informed about solar; and how solar panels are made.
NEWS - tax credit extended 8 yrs, $2k cap removed 10/6/08 – Homeowners battling against soaring energy prices and a struggling economy just gained a powerful new tool to help harness free, renewable energy from the sun, the wind and other sustainable resources. The U.S. House and Senate just passed historic legislation that will massively increase the use of solar energy all across the America. Renewable energy provisions in H.R.1424 include an eight year extension of the 30% solar tax credit and removal of the monetary cap for residential solar electric installations. The President signed it into law on October 3.
PicoTurbine - wind/solar education kits Company offers plans, books, and kits for renewable energy education and homebrew projects including wind and solar kits. Free, downloadable do-it-yourself plans, and kits that include all the materials for a modest charge. We also sell plans and kits from other vendors. The PicoTurbine is an 8-inch tall, fully functioning wind turbine, the produces enough electricity to light up a bicolor LED that flashes red and green to show the alternating current. It has been used by universities such as MIT and Caltech, as well as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for summer youth programs.
Renewable Resources Directory The American Solar Energy Society's Renewable Resources Directory. The Directory helps you to find ASES members who can help you with your renewable energy or sustainability project. All of the individuals listed are ASES Professional or Business members in good standing.
Solar Energy: Saved by the Sun (2007) An EXCELLENT documentary by NOVA, watchable online and also available as a DVD. Coverage includes: National Renewable Energy Lab in Colorado, with an explanation of how silicon solar cells work; a tour of two solar-powered houses; a journey inside Kramer Junction in the Mojave Desert - the world's largest solar thermal plant, powering some 150,000 Los Angeles-area homes. There is also mention of Germany, showing how it has become a solar leader, with the government encouraging many citizens to put up solar panels with incentives.
Solar Staffing Information on Green Collar Employment for the Renewable Energy industry, including job opportunities, training and certifications.
Sundance Solar Solar and wind power kits and toys, as well as a variety of solar-powered consumer electronics items, books, etc.
The Pros and Cons of Solar Power (2007) Excellent overview of how solar power works -- easy read, written for a youth audience but clear and concise, helpful for adults. Good discussion of pros and cons.
