Solar-electricity, or photovoltaics (PV) converts sunlight directly into electricity. You may be more familiar with PV cells as solar cells that power watches and calculators. But PV can do much more. It can provide electricity for residential and commercial buildings, including power for lights and air conditioning. PV can also be a convenient source of power for pumping water, electrifying fences, or aerating ponds in remote applications.
As an energy-conscious consumer, you want to do all you can to use energy efficiently and add more clean, renewable energy to your life. This section contains information and analysis tools to help you evaluate your options and make an informed decision. If you've already decided to install solar electric panels (also called photovoltaic or PV panels) on your roof, you've given it careful thought and considered all the benefits of using a reliable, abundant, and environmentally smart source of energy — the sun. If you haven't decided yet, we hope the information in these pages will help you make a decision about purchasing PV panels for your home or business.
How does it work?
Here you can view entertaining and educational presentations about how solar energy is produced.
How can I learn more?
To learn more about the fundamentals of photovoltaics, please visit our PV Basics section for a more in depth look. And, if you are interested in educational materials for the classroom, please visit our educational section for students and educators.
How do I get and use it?
If you're interested in putting renewable energy to work in your home or office and want to know more about solar and other renewable technologies, see So You Want to Put PV on Your Roof!
Why is solar electricity important?
In addition, if you would like to read about the environmental, socio-economic, and security impacts of PV and other solar energy technologies on the world we live in, please see our "Why PV is Important" section.
What kind of impact am I making on the environment?
We compiled several useful "calculators" and decision-making tools so you can evaluate how much energy you consume and its environmental impacts. Some good energy-saving tips are also included with these decision-making tools.
Printable Version
Thin-Film Photovoltaic (PV) Laminate is fast and easy to use....
One of the newest products to come onto the market is thin-film photovoltaic (PV) laminate. This new technology does not require the heavy panels and unwieldy racks of previous "older" systems. The "peel and stick" laminate adheres right onto the panels of a traditional standing-seam metal roof. Requiring only a few minutes installation time per panel, this solution is lightweight, quick and easy and demands considerably less labor than previous.
Solar for Home or Office: Decision-making Tools
Here are some decision-making tools to aid you in the process of learning about and using energy-efficient and solar electric technologies and products. Your home's energy efficiency is very important; because energy efficiency reduces the costs of energy use, it should be taken into consideration as you decide on the best solar electric power system for your needs. In fact, we recommend making your house as energy efficient as possible before considering a photovoltaic or PV system, because then you might not need such a large system, especially for heating and cooling.
Consumer Software for Residential Energy Analysis
This list of computer software programs can help you analyze your home's energy use and the impact of energy-efficient design features.
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE)
DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy.
Economics of Solar Pool Heaters
Here are some resources on installing a solar pool-heating system, including financing and incentives, solar resources, orientation of the pool and collector, and state and community codes.
Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home
This online guide can help you make your home more energy efficient.
FindSolar.com Solar Estimator
Estimate the price, savings, and system size of solar energy systems to produce electricity, heat your water, or heat your spa or pool. From the American Solar Energy Society, the Solar Electric Power Association, Energy Matters LLC, and the U.S. Department of Energy
Home Energy Saver
To use this online do-it-yourself home energy audit tool, all you need is your zip code. Based on your zip code, the tool can tell you how you can make your home more energy efficient.
NASA's Surface Meteorology and Solar Energy Data
This is a renewable energy resource web site sponsored by NASA's Earth Science Enterprise Program that contains over 200 satellite-derived meteorological and solar energy parameters, monthly averaged from 10 years of data, and data tables for a particular location.
PVWATTS: A Performance Calculator for Grid-Connected PV Systems
You can use this online calculator to determine how much electrical energy a grid-connected solar electric system can produce. It applies to areas within the United States and its territories.
Renewable Resource Data Center (RReDC)
The RReDC provides information on several types of renewable energy resources in the United States, in the form of publications, data, and maps.
RETScreen Renewable Energy Project Analysis Software
This free software can be used worldwide to evaluate energy production, life-cycle costs, and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions for various types of renewable energy technologies.
Simply Insulate
The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association provides information on how to lower your energy usage by properly insulating your home. Included are calculators to determine your energy savings through home insulation, and ways to determine the recommended amount of insulation depending on the state you live in. The site also includes resources on state financial incentives for installing and purchasing insulation.
from eere.energy.gov
Illinois Incentives for Renewables
Illinois Solar Energy Association
Illinois Solar Energy Association Basics
US Dept of Energy Solar Energy Technology Programs
The Chicago Solar Partnership
ComEd Wind & Photovoltaics System
Unisolar-Uni Solar Ovonic
Product Specification Sheet-PVL124
Product Specification Sheet PVL136
Product Specification Sheet PVL68
Fine Homebuilding article
City of Chicago Permits
