Sundance Power Systems :: Solar, Wind, Hydro-Electric Power & Radiant Floor Heat
resources
Sundance maintains a growing list of useful links to help you learn more about renewable energy. Check back frequently - the list is updated regularly.
Click a topic to view its associated links:
• Resources: Renewable Energy Organizations
State: North Carolina
The North Carolina Solar Center
Created in 1988, the North Carolina Solar Center serves as a clearinghouse for solar and other renewable energy programs, information, research, technical assistance, and training for the citizens of North Carolina and beyond. Through its programs and services, the Solar Center seeks to stabilize energy costs for consumers, stimulate local economies, reduce dependence on foreign fuels, and mitigate the environmental impacts associated with fossil fuels.
North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association
Founded in 1978, The North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association is a non-profit membership organization of individuals, businesses, government and non-profits interested in sustainable energy. Located in Raleigh, but active throughout the state, NCSEA works to ensure a sustainable future by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in North Carolina through education, public policy and economic development.
Regional
The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) has been a leading voice for energy reform to protect the quality of life and treasured places in the Southeast for more than 20 years. Founded in 1985, SACE is the only regional organization primarily focused on developing clean energy solutions throughout the Southeast.
National
The Solar Energy Industries Association
SEIA works to expand the use of solar technologies, strengthen research and development, remove market barriers, and improve education and outreach for solar.
Established in 1954, the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nation's leading association of solar professionals & advocates. Thier mission is to inspire an era of energy innovation and speed the transition to a sustainable energy economy.
ASES leads national efforts to increase the use of solar energy, energy efficiency and other sustainable technologies in the U.S
Interstate Renewable Energy Council
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is a premier resource for current information, education, credentialing and best practices regarding renewable energy. Founded in 1982, IREC is a non-profit organization creating renewable energy programs and policies targeted at the adoption of uniform guidelines, standards and quality assessment.
International
The Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Organization
Founded in 2008, the Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Organization (IREO) aims to promote and deliver sustainable renewable energy programs worldwide, ensuring a cleaner and more energy efficient world.
SEI has been providing hands-on workshops and online courses in renewable energy and sustainable building technologies since 1991. Through their outreach programs, SEI works with grassroots and development organizations to promote sustainability and improve quality of life around the world.
International Sustainable Energy Organization
Specialized Agencies, Programs, Funds and Commissions of the United Nations have the mandate from 190 nations of coordinating and solving global issues, such as labour, gender, food, culture, education, health, financing of development infrastructures, currency harmonization, maritime rules, weather, peace promotion and justice - in short - to ascertain the survival on planet Earth in happiness and prosperity.
This online magazine offers daily international news coverage and in-depth information, a job's board, company and product listings, videos and events for renewable energy topics.
• Resources: Solar Photovoltaics
US Department of Energy; Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
This site contains information on system design, economics and operations of solar electric systems.
Own Your Power! A Consumer Guide to Solar Electricity for the Home
Published by the United States Department of Energy, this guide addresses solar electricity for the home. It includes information about types of solar electric systems, how to choose a system, financing, and costs.
The Solar Electric Power Association
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is a non-profit resource for information about solar technologies, policies, and programs. SEPA focuses on working with electric utilities, but provides value to all businesses that have an interest in solar electricity.
PV Watts Performance Calculator
Offered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, this tool calculates how much energy will be produced by photovoltaic solar panels in a given geographical area by taking into account the amount of sun in the area and average electric rates. Researchers at the NREL developed PVWATTS to permit non-experts to quickly obtain performance estimates for grid-connected PV systems.
The Solar Pathfinder has been the standard in the solar industry for solar site shade analysis for decades. Its panoramic reflection of the site instantly provides a full year of accurate solar/shade data.
Kyocera is one of the world's largest vertically-integrated producers and suppliers of solar energy products. Kyocera Solar, Inc. is staffed by the most experienced and talented engineers, technical support, and sales personnel within the solar electric industry. The Company's expertise is based upon designing, manufacturing, and installing the most technologically advanced solar electric power systems available today. With thousands of successful installations worldwide, Kyocera continues to be the leader in the solar electric industry.
Sharp offers a vast portfolio of proven solar solutions, including both monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon. Since 2003, Sharp has maintained solar module manufacturing in Memphis, TN. All Sharp solar modules qualify under the "Buy American" clause of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Uni-Solar laminates are flexible photovoltaic modules for building integrated pv solutions. Flexible laminates can be bonded to most roof tops.
Enphase EnergyThe Enphase Microinverter shifts DC to AC conversion from a large, centralized inverter to a compact unit attached directly to each solar module in the power system. The Enphase Energy Microinverter System solves solar power challenges by performing Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) at each solar module. MPPT is an algorithm used to calculate and respond to temperature and light changes detected on a solar power system, and to determine how much power to draw from the module
For over 65 years, Fronius has been developing power conversion technologies. Fronius is all about electric power - harnessing and exploiting it in the form of solar electronics, highly functional grid tied inverters battery charging systems.
OutBack Power Systems is a designer and manufacturer of reliable power electronics for renewable energy applications. OutBacks' products have been installed in homes, businesses, industrial and government facilities around the world. Outback offers a line of inverter products delivering pure sine wave power for off-grid residential and commercial installations, off-grid inverters with battery back-up, grid-tie inverters with battery back-up, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) charge controllers, communications/network products and a complete line of integration hardware.
PVPoweredPV Powered offers grid-tied PV inverters for the residential, commercial, and utility markets. PV Powered offers a wide range of inverter sizes for optimal stringing and design flexibility, system monitoring, and smart combiner boxes.
SMA is continually on the cutting-edge with industry-leading efficiencies of 98% and superior German engineering ensure reliable and carefree operation. Inverters convert the direct current electricity generated by solar panels info grid-compatible alternating current. SMA system monitoring offers a wide range of possibilities: wireless or Internet-based, compact or complex, concise or elaborate.
Direct Power and Water Corporation is a Photovoltaic system integrator and a manufacturer of Photovoltaic racks and equipment/battery enclosures. DPW provides innovative mounting solutions for any PV solar application including commercial, industrial, government, utility and residential applications.
Unirac collaborates with installers and system integrators on a variety of mounting solutions. Unirac delivers custom-designed solutions using highly engineered mounting technology, backed by excellent end-to-end technical support.
• Resources: Wind Power
American Wind Energy Association
The American Wind Energy Association is a trade and advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. whose mission is to promote wind power growth through advocacy, communication, and education. AWEA represents the U.S. wind energy industry and individuals who support clean energy in the Legislative/Regulatory, Public Relations, and International arenas.
EERE Wind and Water Power Program
To help meet America's increasing energy needs while protecting our Nation's energy security and environment, the U.S. Department of Energy's Wind and Water Power Program is working with wind industry partners to develop clean, domestic, innovative wind energy technologies.
Small Wind Energy « Interstate Renewable Energy Council
IREC provides a forum to exchange information on small wind energy issues. IREC organizes an annual Small Wind State Stakeholder Meeting and facilitates a group working to establish certification for small wind turbines. On this page, you'll find the latest news, resources, links and a quarterly newsletter about wind turbines rated 100kW or less.
Wind energy information and resources from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
The North Carolina Small Wind Initiative is a public service program, sponsored by Appalachian State University and the NC State Energy Office, to raise awareness about the benefits and feasibility of wind power in the southern Appalachian region.
Windustry® promotes progressive renewable energy solutions and empowers communities to develop and own wind energy as an environmentally sustainable asset. Through member supported outreach, education and advocacy we work to remove the barriers to broad community ownership of wind energy.
Southwest Windpower is a leading producer of small wind turbines. Since 1987, they've pioneered new technologies to make renewable energy simple. Whether you're looking to reduce your home electric bills or power a home, boat or business off the grid, they offer a range of wind power systems to help you. Makers of Skystream, AIR and Whisper wind turbines
Bergey Windpower is one of the world's leading suppliers of small wind turbines, wiith 30 years experience, installations in all 50 U.S. States and more than 100 countries. Bergey Windpower, offers advanced-technology products that let homeowners and businesses generate their own clean power with turbines that can be used for off-grid homes, for rural electrification, and to boost the performance of solar electric systems.
This Department of Energy site is a good place to start investigating micro-hydro energy and includes several references.
Published by Home Power Magazine, this article gives a great introduction to micro-hydro electric systems.
This informative fact sheet was compiled by the Renewable Energy Initiative at Appalachian State University and focuses on water resources in Western North Carolina.
Energy Systems and Design has been producing micro-hydroelectric components since 1980. The Stream Engine is capable of outputs over 1 kilowatt, and the LH 1000 model uses a low head propeller design.
Thomson and Howe Energy Systems Inc.
Thomson and Howe is a source for highly advanced, standardized small hydro control equipment.
• Resources: Solar Thermal
SOLAR TODAY is the award-winning magazine published by the American Solar Energy Society, the nonprofit organization leading the renewable energy revolution.
US Department of Energy- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
This site contains information on system design, economics and operations of solar hot water systems.
Heat Your Water with the Sun: A Consumer's Guide
Published by EERE, this is a comprehensive guide for residential solar hot water systems.
The Solar Pathfinder has been the standard in the solar industry for solar site shade analysis for decades. Its panoramic reflection of the site instantly provides a full year of accurate solar/shade data.
FSEC is one of the nation's leading testing and certification laboratories for solar products and equipment. The center's expertise is based on nearly 30 years experience conducting solar energy testing and certification programs, including the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation (SRCC) for solar thermal technologies.
Alternate Energy TechnologiesAlternate Energy Technologies, LLC, established in 1975, is one of the top manufacturers of flat plate solar thermal collectors in the United States. AET products have been regarded as America's premier solar thermal equipment. AET collectors are comprised of the highest quality materials and are manufactured in Jacksonville, Florida.
For three generations Vaughn has built water heaters of the heaviest gauge steel with seamless one-half inch thick Hydrastone lining and bronze fittings at all water openings. Vaughns unique manufacturing process has continually combined this old fashioned quality with ongoing advanced technology in providing the longest lasting and environmentally friendly heater available. This unequalled combination of quality and technology and continuous commitment to the solar industry has always set Vaughn apart from other solar water heater manufacturers.
Since 1977 RESOL has been standing for intelligent solar thermal control technology, offering high quality differential temperature controllers. RESOL products optimize the control of about 2.7 million active solar heating and swimming pool systems in 50 countries world-wide.
Taco, Inc., headquartered in Cranston, RI, develops and manufactures hydronic-based components for use in heating and cooling applications across the building spectrum--residential, commercial, industrial and institutional. Its wide range of hydronic components include pumps, heat exchangers, expansion tanks, flow measurement devices, air separators and valves, and zone control products. It is one of the best-known brands in the hydronic industry, long associated with continual product innovation and development.
• Resources: Radiant Floor Heating
Coming Soon!
• Resources: Tax Credits & Incentives
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency www.dsireusa.org
• Resources: Renewable Energy Credits
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An excellent discussion on RECs, their history, and their future. Demonstrates the market mechanisms that impact REC prices, and contains dozens of links to each of the concepts discussed.
NC GreenPower is an independent, nonprofit organization established to improve North Carolina’s environment through voluntary contributions toward renewable energy and the mitigation of greenhouse gases
• Resources: Green Building & Living
An excellent resource for calculating your personal and household impact on the environment. Their calculator is based on a series of questions which adds your subtracts from a national average to show how you compare with your fellow countrymen. Each answer shows your impact immediately so the calculator demonstrates how even small changes in your lifestyle and choice of products can have a dramatic impact on your emissions profile.
The Climate Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit working towards a more stable climate. Our mission is to provide climate change solutions by purchasing high quality greenhouse gas (GHG) offsets from projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing sound offset policy. Their website offers a “carbon counter” calculator to help you discover your personal contribution to global warming.
The online version of Green Living magazine, dedicated to providing information on how to adapt a greener lifestyle, including energy, beauty & fashion, home & garden, family, health & nutrition, getting around and business.
An online environmental store with a wide selection of environmentally responsible products including apparel, appliances, bath, bedding, furniture, home furnishings, home improvement, housekeeping, institutional, kids, kitchen, lighting, office, personal accessories, pest control, pets, and yard and garden departments.
Dedicated to organic, natural beauty, holistic, eco-friendly green living including how-to articles, products, and a blog.
The online version of Natural Home magazine, dedicated to “Living Wisely, Living Well”, full of articles on how to replace non-sustainable products and practices with their organic and environmentally benign equivalents.
The official publication of the Natural Resources Defense Council and an excellent source of information about how local actions effect the larger issues of climate change, resource depletion and social and economic impact.
Now in its 16th year, E is a bimonthly “clearinghouse” of information, news and resources for people who want to know “What can I do?” to make a difference. A 13-time Independent Press Awards winner and nominee, E is loaded with practical information like healthy food choices, eco-friendly products, green house and home topics, eco-travel and environmental impacts on health.
An independent company committed to providing accurate, unbiased, and timely information designed to help building-industry professionals and policy makers improve the environmental performance, and reduce the adverse impacts, of buildings.
An online publication dedicated to corporate sustainability and social responsibility. The concept, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) may seem like an oxymoron, but it proposes that corporations have an obligation to consider the interests of customers, employees, shareholders, communities, and ecology in all aspects of their operations. This obligation is seen to extend beyond their statutory obligation to comply with legislation. CSR is closely linked with the principles of Sustainable Development, which argues that enterprises should make decisions based not only on financial factors such as profits or dividends, but also based on the immediate and long-term social and environmental consequences of their activities.
The official publication of the Orion Society, "It is Orion's fundamental conviction that humans are morally responsible for the world in which we live, and that the individual comes to sense this responsibility as he or she develops a personal bond with nature." This is a great source for information about conservation, sustainability and stewardship.
The Sustainable Style Foundation (SSF) is an international, member-supported nonprofit organization created to provide information, resources and innovative programs that promote sustainable living and sustainable design. SSF's mission is to educate, support and inspire people from all walks of life to make sustainable personal lifestyle choices at work, at home and at play. From fashion, food and film to interior design, travel, music and more, SSF has designs on making sustainability the next big thing, as well as a timeless trend by using the power of popular culture to influence consumer choices.
BackHome Magazine is one of the oldest and most respected sources of information for a practical and sustainable lifestyle. Published since 1990 out of Hendersonville, NC, BackHome is a magazine that’s literally changing the lives of its readers. It’s changing the way we design and build our homes, prepare our food, raise and educate our children, earn our livelihood, and live our lives. Many say that BackHome has given them the knowledge and confidence to do much more for themselves and others. Since 1990, BackHome has been very much a hands-on and how-to publication, enjoyed by readers in 50 states and over 20 foreign countries
Over the last 20 years, more than 120 issues of Home Power have been published. Each issue contains the most comprehensive, technical coverage of solar, wind, and microhydro electricity, energy efficiency, solar hot water systems, space heating and cooling, energy-efficient building materials and home design, and clean transportation options.
An excellent resource for businesses choosing to cater to the Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) - an estimated $209 billion U.S. marketplace for goods and services focused on health, the environment, social justice, personal development and sustainable living. The consumers attracted to this market represent a sizable group in this country. Approximately 19% percent of the adults in the U.S., or 41 million people, are currently considered LOHAS Consumers. LOHAS focuses on “responsible capitalism”, and provides a rich set of tools and information to help businesses do well while doing good.
Green Builder magazine, the flagship publication of Green Builder Media, is the only publication in the market today that focuses exclusively on residential sustainable development. With a circulation of over 100,000 of the most active and influential building professional firms in the country, Green Builder is the third largest publication in the residential building space. Readership consists of over 105,000 of the most active firms in the top 50 markets across the country. Green Builder is the authoritative voice on green building and sustainable development. Building professionals across the country look to Green Builder for recommendations on products and practices, guidance on green design and news, updates on legal and legislative issues, profiles of other green builders, reviews of recent and classic construction practices books, and business and marketing advice on how to sell themselves as green builders.
The U.S. Green Building Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community of leaders working to make green buildings accessible to everyone within a generation. The website enables architects, contractors and developers to certify their green buildings, join USGBC, sign up for educational courses and to become a LEED AP.
Western North Carolina Green Building Council
The Western North Carolina Green Building Council is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote environmentally sustainable and health conscious building practices through community education.
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