Residential and Commercial Applications

Solar power can be an attractive energy alternative in both new and existing buildings. Solar Systems are being chosen more often today as the technologies become less expensive and more experts are available to design systems.

Understanding when solar systems make sense is important in choosing the appropriate energy system for both residential and commercial applications.

Here are several resources to help make smart choices about solar technologies:

• Consumer's Guide to Solar Energy Systems in the Midwest, *.pdf file
  A comprehensive "Question and Answer" publication about choosing solar systems for buildings
  
  
• Case Studies of PV Applications in the Midwest
  Examples of specific PV applications across the Midwest
  • Iowa Photovoltaic Case Study, *.pdf file
  • Wisconsin Photovoltaic Case Study, *.pdf file
  • Minnesota Photovoltaic Case Study, *.pdf file
  • Nebraska Photovoltaic Case Study, *.pdf file
  • Michigan Solar Energy Case Studies (off-site)
  • Wisconsin Solar Energy Case Studies (off-site)
  
  
  
• Solar Yellow Pages, *.pdf file
  A large listing of solar designers, retailers, assistance programs and financial incentives in the Midwest.
  
  
• Consumer's Guide to Solar Water Heaters (off-site)
  Information about solar water heating systems from the U.S. Department of Energy
  
  
• Iowa Energy Center Solar Calculator (off-site)
  A tool to determine the amount of solar energy available for your local region
  
  
• USA Solar Calculator (off-site)
  A tool to determine the amount of solar energy available for your regional and local area