| Solar Photovoltaic |
Photovoltaic (PV) systems, often referred to as rooftop solar panels, convert energy from the sun into electricity. Systems are usually connected to your utility-provided electric service. Other systems include battery storage with capability of operating when there is no utility connection.
Make it efficient: install solar so it has a minimum Total Solar Resource Fraction (TSRF) of 75%. TSRF is the
fraction of usable solar energy that your panels should collect, based on
shading and the tilt and orientation of the panels. Your solar installer will help find the best set-up for you.
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| Solar Water Heating |
Solar domestic water heating systems use roof-mounted solar collectors to heat water using the sun's energy. Connected to a backup storage tank water heater, hot water is always available.
Make it efficient: A solar water heating should meet the standards set by the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation Standard-300 System .
Your installer can help you choose a model that meets the standards. The system should also have a minimum Total Solar Resource Fraction (TSRF) of 75%. TSRF is the fraction of usable solar energy that your panels should collect, based on shading and the tilt and orientation of the panels. Your solar installer will help find the best set-up for you. |
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| Active Solar Space Heating |
Active solar space heating systems use
solar energy to heat liquid or air, and transfer the solar heat directly to a
home or to a storage system for later use. An auxiliary or back-up system
typically provides additional heat. Active solar systems are used with radiant
heating systems, boilers with hot water radiators, or to supplement forced air
heating systems.
Make it efficient: An active solar space heating system should produce energy savings equal to at least 15 percent of the annual energy used for heating your space. Solar arrays should also have a minimum Total Solar Resource Fraction (TSRF) of 75%. TSRF is the fraction of usable solar energy that your panels should collect, based on shading and the tilt and orientation of the panels. Your solar installer will help find the best set-up for you. |
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| Passive Solar Space Heating |
Passive solar space heating is
a home design method that takes advantage of sunshine to heat a home. Heat from
the sun enters a home through south-facing windows, and warms materials that
store heat, such as concrete, stone, and tile. The heat radiates into the home
throughout the day and night.
Make it efficient: A passive solar space heating system should produce energy savings equal to at least 20 percent of the annual energy used for heating your space. |
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| Wind |
Wind energy systems harness the wind to spin turbine blades, which drive an electricity generator. This renewable energy can supplement or replace the electricity you buy from a utility.
Make it efficient: wind systems work best on tall towers (at least 70 feet) and sites where average annual wind speed is 10 miles per hour or more. |
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| Geothermal/Ground-source Heat Pumps |
Geothermal heat pumps, also known as ground-source heat pumps , use the temperature of the earth to heat or cool a space. They can be more efficient than an air source heat pump because the ground maintains an almost constant temperature of about 54 degrees. Typical geothermal heat pumps move fluid through buried pipes, absorbing the earth's temperature. The fluid is then used in the heat pump heat or cool your home or business.
Make it efficient: a geothermal heat pump should have a coefficient of performance
(COP) rating of 3.3 or higher; 3.5 for direct expansion (DX) systems. Your installer can help determine the best model for you. |
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