I have searched several links in the internet related to solar energy development...The Solar Estimator - Spinning Back Towards Savings! Find Solar Solar Energy Technologies Program Solar America Initiative Concentrating Solar Power Research Concentrating Power & Sun Lab Southwest Concentrating Solar Power 1000-MW Initiative Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES) West Texas A & M Alternative Energy Institute UT Austin's Solar Energy Laboratory Solar Austin Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) Florida Solar Energy Center ENERGY STAR Austin Energy El Paso Solar Energy Association (EPSEA) Solar San Antonio (SSA) Distributed Generation (a PUC page with all the policies that are in place) Student Solar Car Teams Junior Solar Sprint/Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car Competitions Texas A & M University Solar Motorsports Team University of Texas at Austin Solar Vehicles Team The Winston School Solar Car Team Photovoltaics (PV) National Center for Photovoltaics Renewable Energy Vendors & Services NREL's Photovoltaic Research Find Solar Opportunity on the Horizon: Photovoltaics in Texas Solar Costs and Payback of Solar Energy PV - On and Off the Grid Distributed Generation Interconnection Manual Photovoltaics - Attaching to the Electric Grid Making the Utility Connection for Larger Systems Going off the Grid - Making Your Own Clean Electricity Connecting to the Grid Guide 2007 Photovoltaic Project Model Software PV Power Systems & the 2005 National Electrical Code PV Now SolTrex NCPV Hotline Sandia National Laboratories Photovoltaic Program Southwest Region Experiment Station (SWRES) PV Economics Calculator PV Frequently Asked Questions Sustainable Building Sourcebook: Photovoltaic Systems PV Codes & Standards PV Installations, A Progress Report A Guide to Photovoltaic System Design and Installation. PV Solar Energy Video PV Systems—Should They Be Grounded? Photovoltaic Fundamentals PV Fact Sheets Renewable Energy Vendors & Services Find Solar NEW! TroughNet Web Site Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) Distributed Generation Interconnection Manual IREC's Connecting to the Grid Program The Borrower's Guide to Financing Solar Energy Systems Ask an Expert! Looking for solar energy photos? Texas Renewable Energy Resource Assessment Solar Analysis Tools and Data Solar Power Resources The Solar Guide Solar Glossary of Terms Get Your Power From the Sun: A Consumer's Guide House-Energy Savings Using Solar Types of Solar Electric Systems Hybrid Solar Lighting Solar Heating Solar Videos Solar Opportunity Assessment Report PowerHouse: Texas Schools Solar Secure Schools: Strategies and Guidelines Solar Radiation Resource Information Solar Domestic Hot Water Fact Sheet Solar Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating System Fact Sheet Solar Cookers International (SCI) Making the Utility Connection for Larger Systems Passive Heating & Cooling Passive Solar Strategies Passive Solar Heating Project Model Software Passive Solar Heating for Farmers and Ranchers Passive Solar Cooling A resource offered by DOE, the American Solar Energy Society and the Solar Electric Power Association to give you an idea of price, savings and system size. Solar Air Heating Project Model Software Solar Water Heating Project Model Software Renewable Energy Education in Texas - Universities and Organizations Renewable Energy Vendors & Services USDA Rural Development, Section 9006 USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service Associations, Institutes & Non Profit Organizations Rural Development Organizations Renewable Energy Events Online RE Educational Sites Publication Links Renewable Energy Resources Teacher's Resources Scholarship Sources Women's Organizations Links For Kids
The Find Solar web site is a user-friendly way for homeowners and businesses to learn more about solar energy economics and available incentives that can help make it work for you. The site can also lead you to qualified professionals who can install and service such systems. Find Solar is a joint partnership among: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), American Solar Energy Society, Solar Electric Power Association, and Energy Matters LLC.
A U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) web site.
The President's Advanced Energy Initiative and the 2007 Budget proposes a new $148 million Solar America Initiative (SAI) — an increase of $65 million over the FY06 budget. The Solar America Initiative will accelerate the development of advanced solar electric technologies, including photovoltaics and concentrating solar power systems, with the goal of making them cost-competitive with other forms of renewable electricity by 2015.
This is a DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) web site. NREL collaborates with industry to further the research and development of concentrating solar power (CSP) plant and solar thermal technologies and supports DOE in its concentrating solar power deployment efforts.
This DOE web site gives detailed information on large-scale concentrating solar power installations. SunLab is a partnership developed by the U.S. Department of Energy to administer its concentrating solar power R&D and analysis activities.
U.S. Department of Energy's goal to install 1,000 megawatts (MW) of new concentrating solar power systems in the southwestern United States, including Texas, by 2010.
TREIA is a statewide non-profit organization that represents over 200 member companies, organizations, agencies and individuals that provide renewable energy products, services and information, and sustainable (green) building design and construction.
TXSES promotes solar and other renewable energy applications. Membership includes educators, engineers, researchers, students, bankers, electrical contractors, architects, builders, building inspectors, home owners and solar enthusiasts. TXSES publishes a quarterly newsletter and engages in educational projects and conferences.
AEI is involved in research, development and design of renewable energy systems, classes, seminars, workshops, training programs, publications, and information dissemination. AEI offers two introductory courses, one for wind energy and one for solar energy.
The Solar Energy Laboratory was established in 1982 by the University of Texas at Austin. It includes space and equipment for solar energy related projects, and research. Recent research emphasizes solar radiation measurements at several sites across Texas. Archived data may be accessed through the Texas Solar Radiation Data Base.
Solar Austin is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy and information organization for renewable and sustainable energy. Solar Austin works to accelerate the transition to clean renewable energy, building healthy communities, strong economies and energy independence.
SEIA is the national trade association of solar energy manufacturers, dealers, distributors, contractors, installers, architects, consultants, and marketers. SEIA work to expand the use of solar technologies in the global marketplace.
This web site researches and promotes energy efficiency and solar energy in Florida; yet the site appeals to a national audience for its excellent solar energy information, on-line research reports, software demos, news and events.
Energy Star offers businesses and consumers energy efficient solutions - helping to save money while protecting the environment for future generations. Energy Star is a voluntary labeling program of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy that identifies energy efficient products. Energy Star programs and products help save the environment and save consumers money by using less energy through advanced design or construction.
Austin Energy is an Austin community-owned electric utility with a comprehensive energy efficiency program. Austin Energy provides energy conservation information for both homes and businesses, equipment purchasing guidelines and conservation ideas, and rebates and low-interest loans to help residential and business customers make energy efficiency improvements. Also see the Solar Rebate Program
EPSEA furthers solar energy and related technologies with concern for the ecological, social and economic fabric of the region (West Texas, Southern New Mexico, Northern Mexico). In addition to monthly meetings and seminars, EPSEA conducts technology demonstrations and project development work related to renewable energy technologies in the Southwest U. S. and Northern Mexico. EPSEA publishes a monthly newsletter on solar energy and EPSEA activities.
Solar San Antonio is a leading advocate of sustainable communities and facilities powered by renewable energies. SSA initiates meetings, educational events, and outreach opportunities that increase awareness of the benefits of a green, clean and sustainable economy.
List of Distributed Generation Contact Persons in the Utilities
DOE Photovoltaics Program
A DOE web site.
SECO does not link directly to vendors, but you can visit the Texas Renewable Energy Industry Association web site and select the Search Our Members tab. There you can search by the type of renewable energy that interests you. You can also find vendor contact information on the Texas Solar Energy Society web site and select the Find Vendors link for their database of vendors who provide products or services related to renewable energy. Of course, when talking with a vendor, always be sure to ask for references.
DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) Photovoltaic (PV) research is focused on decreasing the nation's reliance on fossil-fuel generated electricity by lowering the cost of delivered electricity and improving the efficiency of PV modules and systems. NREL's PV research contributes to these goals through fundamental research, advanced materials and devices, and technology development.
The Find Solar web site is a user-friendly way for homeowners and businesses to learn more about solar energy economics and available incentives that can help make it work for you. The site can also lead you to qualified professionals who can install and service such systems. Find Solar is a joint partnership among: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), American Solar Energy Society, Solar Electric Power Association, and Energy Matters LLC.
This is a June 2007 study produced by the University of Texas at Austin.
Looking for PV photos?
Go to DOE's Photographic Information Exchange for an on-line collection of several thousand photos related to renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. All photos are free and for public use.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) prepared this manual to guide the inclusion of distributed generation (DG) into the Texas electric system. It is intended for use by utility engineers processing distributed generation interconnection applications, as well as those considering the interconnection of distributed generation with a transmission and distribution utility. The manual includes a review of safety and technical requirements of DG installations; a copy of applicable rules, application procedures and forms; Texas utility contacts and equipment pre-certification requirements.
A Texas Solar Energy Society web page.
This is a DOE-funded article prepared by the Southwest Technology Development Institute and published in STWI's Code Corner.
This DOE web site discusses generating electricity using your own small renewable energy system fits the circumstances and values of some home and small-business owners. Although it takes time and money to research, buy, and maintain a system, many people enjoy the independence they gain and the knowledge that their actions are helping the environment. renewable energy system can be used to supply some or all of your electricity needs. Some people, especially those in remote areas, use the electricity from their systems in place of electricity supplied to them by power providers (i.e. electric utilities). These are called stand-alone (off-grid) systems.
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) has published a new edition of its Connecting to the Grid guide. The fifth edition of this guide, published in July 2007, addresses new and lingering interconnection issues that are relevant to all distributed generation technologies, including renewables, fuel cells, microturbines, and reciprocating engines. Because the interconnection of small distributed generators remains largely in the domain of states, the guide targets state regulators, other government officials, and utility representatives.
This software can be used world-wide to easily evaluate the energy production, life-cycle costs and greenhouse gas emissions reduction for three basic PV applications: on-grid; off-grid; and water pumping. For on-grid applications the model can be used to evaluate both central-grid and isolated-grid PV systems. For off-grid applications the model can be used to evaluate both stand-alone (PV-battery) and hybrid (PV-battery-genset) systems. For water pumping applications the model can be used to evaluate PV-pump systems.
This Southwest Technology Development Institute manual examines the requirements of the 2005 National Electrical Code as applied to PV power systems. The manual discusses design requirements for the balance-of-systems components in a PV system, conductor selection and sizing, overcurrent protection device rating and location and disconnect rating and location.
PV Now is a coalition of the world’s leading photovoltaic companies joined to aggressively expand North American distributed, grid-connected PV market opportunities and eliminate market barriers. PV Now is closely affiliated with the Solar Energy Industries Association.
This data-logging web site provides PV system owners, educators, students, and solar enthusiasts with the tools they need to learn about PV systems and to operate them efficiently while earning the highest possible return on investment.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory PV Research program maintains an international communications system called the NCPV Hotline to increase knowledge and awareness of PV industry and research happenings. Hotline participants receive important news items via email related to PV activities around the world. People joining the mailing list should be willing to contribute as well as receive important news items.
Sandia's photovoltaic systems project seeks to ensure that photovoltaic systems perform to their potential through thorough research and systems development integrated with the needs of manufacturers and PV users.
SWRES tests photovoltaic systems on-site and in the field. Engineers provide design assistance, systems monitoring and acceptance testing of installed systems.
This worksheet does a simple calculation of PV system economics to help you understand the various tradeoffs that may be involved in using PV technology.
John Wiles of the Southwest Technology Development Institute gets dozens of questions a week on PV systems. John uses these questions as the basis for his Code Corner articles in Home Power Magazine.
Published by Sustainable Sources.
A Southwest Technology Development Institute web site with up-to-date articles and reports.
A Southwest Technology Development Institute article.
Photovoltaics Video: Turning Sunlight Into Electricity
This 60-second video shows the function of a solar cell as part of a photovoltaic panel or module.
Learning About PV: Adult Education Classes and Vocational Training
Whether you're considering a career in the installation or maintenance of solar electricity or want to add a solar electric system to your home, ranch, or farm, here are some resources for you.
This online publication from the California Energy Commission covers elemental design and installation issues such as systems with and without battery backups, mounting options, estimating output, estimating energy and dollar savings, using pre-engineered systems, utility coordination and material and equipment recommendations.
Photovoltaic Worksheet
This PV worksheet assists homeowners determine the size of a photovoltaic system that would best need their needs.
An article by John Wiles of the Southwest Technology Development Institute.
A Florida Solar Energy Center web site.
Checklist for Designing and Installing a PV System
This is a DOE-funded article prepared by Southwest Technology Development Institute.
SECO does not link directly to vendors, but you can visit the Texas Renewable Energy Industry Association web site and select the Search Our Members tab. There you can search by the type of renewable energy that interests you. You can also find vendor contact information on the Texas Solar Energy Society web site and select the Find Vendors link for their database of vendors who provide products or services related to renewable energy. Of course, when talking with a vendor, always be sure to ask for references.
The Find Solar web site is a user-friendly way for homeowners and businesses to learn more about solar energy economics and available incentives that can help make it work for you. The site can also lead you to qualified professionals who can install and service such systems. Find Solar is a joint partnership among: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), American Solar Energy Society, Solar Electric Power Association, and Energy Matters LLC.
This DOE web site is a technical resource for the evaluation of parabolic trough solar power plant technologies. TroughNet features an overview and answers to frequently asked questions about parabolic trough technology, as well as data and resources and technical publications. Parabolic trough solar technology offers the lowest cost solar electric option for large power plant applications.
Search for state and federal efficiency incentives by state, technology type, and incentive type with links to program web sites, legislation, tax credits and deductions, rebates, grants, low-interest loans, property and sales tax exemptions, and bond programs.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) prepared this manual to guide
the inclusion of distributed generation (DG) into the Texas electric system. It is intended for use by utility engineers processing distributed generation interconnection applications, as well as those considering the interconnection of distributed generation with a transmission and distribution utility. The manual includes a review of safety and technical requirements of DG installations; a copy of applicable rules, application procedures and forms; Texas utility contacts and equipment pre-certification requirements.
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) Connecting to the Grid program provides services and resources to facilitate the development of interconnection standards and net metering for renewable-energy systems and other forms of distributed generation (DG). This page of the IREC web site serves as an information clearinghouse on interconnection and net-metering issues.
This U. S. Department of Energy document provides information that can assist assist both lenders and consumers in financing solar energy systems, which include both solar electric (photovoltaic) and solar thermal systems. The guide also includes information about other ways to make solar energy systems more affordable, as well as descriptions of special mortgage programs for energy-efficient homes.
This DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Information Center answers questions on EERE's products, services, and technology programs, refers callers to the most appropriate EERE resources, and refers qualified callers to the appropriate expert networks.
Go to DOE's Photographic Information Exchange for an on-line collection of several thousand photos related to renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. All photos are free and for public use.
This SECO study evaluates Texas renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, biomass, water, geothermal and building climatology. The report includes numerous maps and charts.
This Build It Solar web site includes calculators, analytical tools for solar work, climate and solar radiation data, properties for materials used in solar projects, wire and pipe tables, and reference books on solar engineering.
An informational site, updated daily.
This website makes solar energy accessible and understandable. The Solar Guide aims to give consumers the practical information they want, about buying solar and renewable energy systems.
A DOE site with definitions of terms having to do with electricity, power generation, concentrating solar power, solar heating, solar lighting, and solar electricity (PV).
This DOE booklet can guide you through the process of buying a solar electric system.
This new generation of solar lighting combines both electric and solar power. It is currently being developed and tested by Oak Ridge National Laboratory in collaboration with DOE and several industry partners.
A DOE web site.
This Arizona Solar Center web site offers four solar energy videos. 
This 67-page report, issued by the Solar Catalyst Group attempts to answer the question of how to transform solar energy from a niche resource into a mainstream energy technology.
This Texas Lower Colorado River Authority program gives middle school students a hands-on understanding of home energy and environmental impacts. Thousands of Central Texas students have learned how to use less energy and save natural resources, thanks to PowerHouse presentations in 38 schools. Visit the SolTrex Web site to view graphs and download data for the PV system at your school or look around at other schools in Texas and across the country.
A DOE report on the unique safety and security benefits of schools that incorporate solar energy.
DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory offers extensive solar radiation resource information, links, publications and archived data.
SCI spreads solar cooking awareness and skills worldwide, particularly in areas with plentiful sunshine and diminishing sources of cooking fuel.
This is a DOE-funded article prepared by the Southwest Technology Development Institute and published in STWI's Code Corner.
An Austin Energy's Green Power Program publication. Passive solar design refers to the use of the sun's energy for the heating and cooling of living spaces. In this approach, the building itself or some element of it takes advantage of natural energy characteristics in materials and air created by exposure to the sun. Passive systems are simple, have few moving parts and require minimal maintenance.
This software can be used world-wide to easily evaluate the energy production (or savings), life-cycle costs and greenhouse gas emissions reduction for passive solar designs and/or energy efficient window use in low-rise residential and small commercial building applications. The model can be used where there is a relatively significant heating load. The model calculates, for both retrofit or new construction projects, the difference in heating and cooling energy consumption between a proposed passive solar building design (or energy efficient window use) and an identical building but without the passive solar (or energy efficient window) features.
This DOE web site offers resources to help you incorporate passive solar heating and daylighting into the buildings on your farm or ranch.
This DOE web site discusses design strategies that minimize the need for mechanical cooling systems.
Passive Solar Architecture - Heating
An Arizona Solar Center web site.
Passive Cooling
An Arizona Solar Center web site.
Passive Solar Heating & Design
A Whole Building Design Guide web page.
Sun Control and Shading Devices
A Whole Building Design Guide web page.
This software can be used world-wide to easily evaluate the energy production (or savings), life-cycle costs and greenhouse gas emissions reduction for two basic applications: ventilation air heating and process air heating. The model is designed specifically for the analysis of transpired-plate solar collectors. This technology has been successfully applied in a range of applications from small residential to larger commercial/industrial scale ventilation systems, as well in the air drying processes for various crops.
The software can be used world-wide to easily evaluate the energy production, life-cycle costs and greenhouse gas emissions reduction for three basic applications: domestic hot water, industrial process heat and swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), ranging in size from small residential systems to large scale commercial, institutional and industrial systems.
An Infinite Power of Texas web page with energy calculators as well as links to energy calculators and software.
This is a list of Texas universities and organizations that offer programs involving renewable energy.
SECO does not link directly to vendors, but you can visit the Texas Renewable Energy Industry Association web site and select the Search Our Members tab. There you can search by the type of renewable energy that interests you. You can also find vendor contact information on the Texas Solar Energy Society web site and select the Find Vendors link for their database of vendors who provide products or services related to renewable energy. Of course, when talking with a vendor, always be sure to ask for references. For Austin and San Antonio, Solar San Antonio offers this web page with a list of solar installers in these areas.
This is the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) web site for the Section 9006: Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Program with information on grant and guaranteed loans for agricultural producers and rural small business to assist with purchasing renewable energy systems and making energy efficiency improvements. The information includes details on project and applicant eligibility, application procedures, required forms and other useful information to assist in the application process.
This USDA web site provides information to assist farm, ranch and small business in the area of renewable energy and efficiency. This program promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and community-managed lending pools and offers technical assistance and information to help agricultural and other cooperatives get started and improve the effectiveness of their member services
consulting services
(cited from many resources)
Solar drying is an excellent way to preserve food and its technology supports creating of a sustainable world. This blog is dedicated to every one who is interested in solar drying development and related issues. Any comment and suggestion are welcome. Enjoy _________________________________________________________________________________________________
General Solar Energy Links
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