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
Lighting Your House

A 2-page factsheet explaining the potential savings of switching to LED light bulbs in the home, with tips for selecting the right bulbs

Touchstone Energy Cooperative, Advanced Energy
Factsheet
PDF icon Download (774.68 KB)
Living Comfortably: A Consumer's Guide to Home Energy Upgrades

This guide from the Department of Energy serves as a starting place for consumers seeking to learn the basics of air sealing, insulation, appliance energy usage and choosing a professional energy auditor.

U.S. Department of Energy
Guide or Toolkit
Lowering Your Electric Bill

Blog by Advanced Energy including a breakdown of typical home energy use, as well as the most effective low- and high-cost improvements

Jonathan Susser, Advanced Energy
General
Microhydro Equipment & Design

This article from issue #181 of Home Power Magazine covers the process of installing a microhydropower system, from the intake to power electronics.

Hugh Piggott, Home Power Magazine
Guide or Toolkit
PDF icon Download (3.43 MB)
Microhydro Factsheet

Factsheet explaining microhydropower technology, site assessments, informational resources and western North Carolina installers

WNC Renewable Energy Initiative
Factsheet
Guide or Toolkit
Microhydropower Systems

Learn about the different components and types of turbines used in a microhydro system.

Department of Energy
General
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)

MACRS is a U.S. tax policy allowing businesses to recover investments in certain renewable energy technology systems through depreciation deductions.

Department of Energy
Policy or Regulation
N.C. Building Performance Association — Member Directory

Directory of NCBPA-associated installers, contractors, auditors, nonprofits and consultants for a variety of building performance needs

North Carolina Building Performance Association
Guide or Toolkit
NABCEP — Associate Directory

Directory of NABCEP-certified solar PV, solar thermal and small wind energy professionals

North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
Guide or Toolkit
National Agricultural Library — Energy Resources

List of resources exploring types of renewable energy, energy policy, energy funding and energy efficiency for sustainable agriculture practices

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Report
Factsheet
Policy or Regulation
Guide or Toolkit

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