1. Solar Training Glossary
2. Solar Training Resources-2018
Tools, Apps, and Software
Net Zero Info from US Department of Energy, Building America Technical guides, sales-flyers, much more
EasySolar is a cloud-based web platform and mobile app for creating PV designs
HOMER Legacy: a modeling software for microgrid design optimization involving different energy resources
Hybrid2: performs detailed long-term performance and economic analysis on a wide variety of hybrid power systems
i-Pals WEB: PV simulation including layouts, estimations, simulating power generation and shadow deterioration
NOAA Solar Calculator: An easy tool to find the latitude/longitude for any place on earth
Polysun Online helps you plan and calculate PV installations in a few steps; free and paid simulation options
PVWatts Calculator estimates the energy production and cost of energy of grid-connected PV energy systems
SolarDesignTool: Creates PV system designs and panel layout diagrams including data from electrical specifications
Solargis pvPlanner – a simulation tool for planning/optimizing PV systems using climate and geographic data
Solarmodel is an internet platform for designing solar PV installation and for evaluating investment
Renewable Energy Ready Home Solar Site Assessment Tool, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
SolarResilient: a sizing tool for solar PV and battery storage systems (funded by U.S. DOE SunShot)
System Advisor Model (SAM): a free performance and financial software for professionals
Skelion a SketchUp plugin that allows for solar thermal or solar PV installation design starting from a 3d model
Solaripedia: Tools for solar architecture and green building. Free and fee-based tools to design and build sustainably
Reports / Books / Papers
2015 International Solar Energy Provisions (ISEP): ICC’s solar code book, including the 2015 I-Code Solar Energy Provisions, and Solar Rating & Certification Corp (SRCC) standards
Here Comes the Sun, A State Policy Handbook for Distributed Solar Energy (8/2017), by the National Association of State Energy Officials and National Conference of State Legislatures for legislators, legislative staff, officials, others
The Design Professional’s Guide to Zero Net Energy Buildings by Charles Eley
Inside the BIPV Market by Amy Florence Fischbach, answers the question “Is this technology ready for prime time?”
Profiting from the Sun: How building developers can unlock the country’s largest potential for renewable energy; a summary of economic value and financing for commercial PV, especially Building Integrated PV (BIPV)
Solar Ready Buildings Planning Guide, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL): identifies the important aspects of building design and construction to enable installation of solar after the building is constructed
Why have greenhouse emissions in RGGI states declined? An econometric attribution to economic, energy market, and policy factors
Analysis of the Public Health Impacts of the RGGI
Information / Educational Resources
Building Integrated Photovoltaics, A New Design Opportunity for Architects – a primer on BIPV
Code Compliance Brief: Installation of Photovoltaic Systems | PNNL: info to help ensure that residential PV systems can be verified as compliant with safety codes and standards
Eight factors to consider when designing solar-ready roofs | AIA – for designers
George Washington University Solar Institute: pragmatic policy solutions to catalyze the adoption of solar energy
How Does Solar Photovoltaic Energy Work? | National Council for Solar Growth – basic info on benefits of PV solar
PACENation Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) finances 100% of a project’s costs; available in some states
PVeducation.com for solar installers, students, homeowners, and others; advice from one solar designer
Philadelphia Solar Installation Guidebook for developers; procedures for planning, permitting, metering, & more
Reneweconomy – Australian-based website focusing on clean energy news and analysis worldwide; podcasts, more
Solar Information for Consumers: A Guide for States – for use by municipalities, counties, and municipal utilities
Solar Instructor Training Network (SITN) – for finding solar jobs and training
Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) – information and fact sheets
Solar Photovoltaic Technology Basics | EERE – from the US Department of Energy
Solar Photovoltaic Technology Basics | NREL- basic info from the National Renewable Energy Lab
State Renewable Portfolio Standards and Goals, by National Conference of State Legislatures
Solar Training Courses
Ambassador Energy Solar Training – offers solar training for people at all skill levels
Architecture/art Arch 20 – a collective effort to which students/academics contribute; free training available
Association of Energy Engineers Certified Renewable Energy Professional Preparatory Training Program
greenCE design education offers a free online course including continuing education credits
Heatspring Online Training a free online course on the basics of solar PV for newcomers to the industry
Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) PV Online Training for Code Officials (free), (including CEUs)
IREC/IAFF Solar PV Safety Training for Fire Fighters
Solar Energy International (SEI) offers free online courses on the basics of renewable energy
Solar Photovoltaics | Autodesk Sustainability Workshop: design and engineering resources for designers
Best Practices for Permitting Solar PV Systems
APA Planning for Solar Energy for planners, public officials, and other community stakeholders
Chicago Solar Express: accelerating solar installations by streamlining/standardizing the permitting process
CSE California Solar Permitting Guidebook for local building departments
IREC Model Inspection Checklist for Rooftop PV Systems: for municipalities across the U.S.
Pennsylvania Municipal Guidebook for Solar Zoning and Permitting: ordinances, permitting applications, more
Solar Friendly Best Planning Practices for New Hampshire Communities: for Municipal Officials in NH
Solarpermit.org a free database of info on city and county solar permitting requirements
Renewable Energy Organizations
- AIA 2030 Commitment
- Architecture2030.org
- American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE)
- American Solar Energy Society
- Architectural Solar Association
- International Association of Electrical Inspectors
- Interstate Renewable Energy Council
- American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
- New Buildings Institute
- Smart Electric Power Alliance
- Solar America Board for Codes and Standards
- Solar Energy Industries Association
- Southern Alliance for Clean Energy