As you might imagine, there’s a ton of solar information available to business leaders—sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin. Here are five great sites that offer insight into the latest solar incentives and policies, in addition to the activism that’s shaping them both.
Whether you’re just starting out or well on your path to going solar, taking advantage of these resources can help you make, and support, your renewable energy decisions.
- Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
www.seia.org
SEIA is a nonprofit trade association of the U.S. solar industry, and its site offers up-to-date insight on policies and advocacy nationwide. For businesses just starting down the road to solar, it’s a quick and easy way to learn more about your state’s renewable energy policy. For those who’ve already gone solar, it provides a great way to stay informed about—and involved in—the protection and expansion of solar in the U.S.
- Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)
www.dsireusa.org
Run by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, DSIRE is a great starting point for finding the local, state and federal renewable energy initiatives—including solar—in your area. Search by city, state or ZIP code for the latest policy and incentive information to help guide your solar projects. Be sure to check out the Other Resources page for links to state, federal and international clean energy organizations.
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Resource Center
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-energy-resource-center
The DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy has a mission to “create and sustain American leadership in the transition to a global clean energy economy.” And that effort certainly applies to business leaders looking for more details about what it takes to go solar. Inside the Solar Energy Resource Center, you’ll find research and resources on solar basics, standards and codes, solar incentives, financing options, project planning, permitting and much more.
- GTM
www.greentechmedia.com/articles/category/markets-and-policy
Greentech Media offers market analysis, business news and in-person events that “inform and connect players in the clean energy industry,” with a focus on solar power. Its website provides coverage written by journalists, expert contributors and analysts from its own research group and is a great place to stay current on what’s happening—and what’s ahead—in the world of renewable energy.
- Union of Concerned Scientists
www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy
Founded in 1969 by faculty and students from M.I.T., the Union of Concerned Scientists is a nonprofit advocacy organization made up of professional scientists and private citizens. Their work on clean energy initiatives, resulting policies and the adoption of those policies is helping move governments and businesses toward renewable energy. This site offers insight into their latest thoughts, work and activities.