Install and Invest

For those considering making energy efficiency upgrades or installing renewable energy systems, this compilation of guides, toolkits, cost calculators and maps is made just for you. Visit our Energy Conservation and Efficiency Guide and Solar Energy Installation Guide below to check out the steps we suggest for making your own personalized clean energy plan. If you need additional information, more helpful resources can be found by searching the database below.

Install & Invest Resource Database

Resource Source and Description Audience Topic Type Additional Tags File
Solar Savings Calculator

The Energy Sage solar calculator provides a ballpark estimate of potential savings from going solar based on location, cost, and other variables. You can also download the True Cost of Solar Guide for North Carolina to find more information on sizing a solar system and estimated costs in the state.

Energy Sage
Tool or Calculator
Solar Photovoltaic Technology Basics

A primer on the basics of solar energy technology

Department of Energy: Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
General
Solar Information Resources

The Solar Energy Technologies Office provides useful guides to going solar, introductory information about the technologies involved, and resources for local governments and solar professionals.

Department of Energy: Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Report
Guide or Toolkit
Map
Solar Benefit Estimate Calculator

A calculator to help estimate costs and benefits of a solar system over time for homes, businesses and nonprofits, this estimate tool includes itemized system payback by year, tax benefits by year, energy savings, loan repayment and more.

Appalachian Institute for Renewable Energy
Tool or Calculator
Small Wind Guidebook

A guide for homeowners, small businesses and farms to decide if wind energy will work for them

Department of Energy: WINDExchange
Guide or Toolkit
Small Wind Electric Systems

An overview of the components of a small wind system, as well as links to planning and installation guides

Department of Energy
General
Small Community Wind Guidebook

A guide for communities, nonprofits, businesses, farms, municipal utilities and electric cooperatives to decide whether small community wind projects are right for them

Department of Energy: WINDExchange
Guide or Toolkit
Self-Assessment Guide for Energy Savings

This guide is designed to encourage leaders to engage their organizations in more efficient use of energy resources, thereby improving financial performance, pursuing cleaner air and reducing dependency on foreign energy.

N.C. Department of Administration, U.S. Department of Energy, Land-of-Sky Regional Council
Factsheet
Guide or Toolkit
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

REAP provides renewable energy and energy efficiency loans and grants to agricultural producers with at least 50% of gross income coming from agricultural operations, and small businesses in eligible rural areas.

USDA
General
RESNET — Certified Home Energy Professional Member Directory

Find a Residential Energy Services Network member near you.

Residential Energy Services Network
Guide or Toolkit

Looking for something we don't have?

Looking for something we don't have in our Online Resource Center? Let us know!