USEFUL LINKS

Database of Renewable Energy Incentive Programs by State 

30% Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

​Duke Energy Solar Rebates for the Carolinas

​U.S. Department of Energy NREL's PVWatts Calculator (to estimate solar energy production at your home or business address)

U.S. Department of Energy Glossary of Solar Energy Terms

10 REASONS TO USE SOLAR ENERGY:

1.) It's a wise investment, as conventionally produced electricity is expected to become more expensive and solar energy systems are expected to become less expensive and more efficient, investment in a solar system provides a hedge against future energy rate increases.

2.) Electricity produced by a solar system displaces electricity from other power-generating technologies with negative environmental impacts such as nuclear, coal, and natural gas.

3.) Solar energy is an environmentally friendly technology that produces energy without noise or pollution.

4.) Solar systems are very flexible and can be adapted to many different applications, including stand-alone, grid-tied, or bimodal.

5.) The modular nature of solar system components makes systems easy to expand for increased capacity.

6.) There are no moving parts, making solar systems extremely reliable and long lasting with minimal maintenance.

7.) Solar systems offer energy independence; supplemental systems can be designed to reduce vulnerability to utility power outages and stand-alone systems can completely eliminate dependence on electrical utility companies.

8.) For remote locations, a solar system can save consumers a great deal of money compared to the cost of installing a utility connection.

9.) Solar energy does not pose any of the public health risks that are associated with the production and use of other energy sources such as coal, nuclear, and natural gas.

10.) In the words of solar pioneer and lover of peace, the late Paul Wilkins, "Nobody has to die for solar energy."