Alternative Energy
Quick Links
Alternative energy is energy derived from nontraditional sources (e.g., compressed natural gas, solar, hydroelectric, wind).
Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC)
From the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). More than 3000 (research) documents and several interactive tools covering ... alternative transportation fuels, alternative fuel vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, idle reduction technologies, fuel blends, and fuel economy. Includes "an alternative fuels station locator and route mapper, current lists of available alternative fuel vehicles, online decision-making tools, and links to related Web sites."
Clean Power Estimator
From the California Energy Commission. Site of the evaluation software program that provides "California residential and commercial electric customers a personalized estimate of the costs and benefits of investing in a photovoltaic (PV) solar or small wind electric generation system."
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy
Site has the most comprehensive information on state, local and utility incentives that promote renewable energy, including definitions and project descriptions.
Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
From the U.S. Department of Energy. Articles and data about what is new in the energy fields of building technologies, energy management, solar energy technologies as well as wind, hydropower, geothermal, hydrogen, fuel cells and infrastructure technologies.
Energy Crossroads
From the Department of Energy. A list of federal government resources, statistics, fuel economy guide and data from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
Energy Tutorial
From the National Fuel Cell Research Center (NFCRC), University of California, Irvine. A browsable overview of energy sources, featuring photographs, statistics, and quizzes. Topics include fossil fuels, oil shale, nuclear, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and wastes, hydroelectric, fuel cell, combustion, gasification, reciprocating engine, and turbines. Also explores environmental impacts and trends.
Fresh Energy Resources
From the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Covers energy matters by topic as well as progress reports about energy.
Home Resource Efficiency
From the Rocky Mountain Institute, an energy policy research organization. Consumer guide to sustainable and energy-efficient home design, with fact sheets on appliances and lighting, home cooling, household greenhouse gas emissions, water efficiency, construction of new homes, environmentally-friendly building materials, renewable energy (such as solar and wind power), indoor air quality, and recycling.
Local Government Commission
Site offers energy information, case studies, and information on funding resources for renewable energies that is geared towards local government in California.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
The site features updates and publications about research and development programs in areas such as solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydrogen and fuel cells. Also includes materials about applying technologies in building, transportation, and infrastructure. NREL is "the nation's primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency R&D."
Renewable Resource Data Center
This U.S. Dept. of Energy-sponsored resource contains data relating to natural energy sources such as solar radiation, biomass, geothermal, and wind power. There's an illustrated glossary of alternative energy-related terms, and links to projects and information for students and teachers. Consumers preparing to install solar panels can estimate their savings by using the "PVWatts" link, which calculates the electricity produced by any photovoltaic solar system.
Solar and Wind Energy System Credit (SB17x2 Tax Credit)
From the California Energy Commission. "For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2001, and before January 1, 2006, the California Personal Income Tax Law and the Corporation Tax Law allow a nonrefundable tax credit for certain approved solar or wind energy systems." This site provides an explanation of the credit, a sample credit worksheet, a fact sheet on the program, and links to appropriate forms from the Franchise Tax Board.