Photovoltaics for Homeowners
![Photo of a home with a photovoltaic system.](images/photo_11005.jpg)
The photovoltaic system on this home's roof provides 6 kilowatts of electricity.
The following resources will help you install a photovoltaic (PV) system on your home. If you are unfamiliar with PV systems, see the introduction to photovoltaic (solar cell) systems.
Some of the following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Adobe Reader.
General Information
A Consumer's Guide: Get Your Power from the Sun (PDF 763 KB)
U.S. Department of Energy Consumer's Guide: Outdoor Solar Lighting
Features comprehensive basic information and resources.
U.S. Department of Energy Consumer's Guide: Small Solar Electric Systems
Features comprehensive basic information and resources.
U.S. Department of Energy Million Solar Roofs Initiative
Find out how to register your installation as one of the million solar roofs.
Evaluation Tools
NREL Solar Radiation Data Manual for Flat-Plate and Concentrating Collectors
Allows you to find out the average, minimum, and maximum amount of solar energy available at your location, by month or for the entire year.
FindSolar.com
Estimate the price, savings, and size of a solar power system in your location.
Training and Workshops
Solar Energy International
Features information about its hands-on workshops and online courses in solar building technologies.
Financing
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy
Provides information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy.
The Borrowers Guide to Financing Solar Energy Systems (PDF 501 KB)