Start Here

Solar questions come in every size, from “will panels work on my roof?” to “how does my country regulate grid storage?” This page gets you to the right part of the library fast.

If you are thinking about solar for your home

1. Understand the basics. Read How Solar Works to learn the difference between a grid tied system, a system with battery backup, and an off grid system.
2. Estimate your system. Use the Solar Calculator with your last twelve months of electric bills.
3. Check the money. Look up your country, state or province on the incentives page, then check your utility’s net metering or net billing terms.
4. Decide on storage. If outages are common or exports earn little, read Batteries.
5. Get quotes the smart way. Buying Solar Wisely explains how to compare three quotes and spot pressure tactics.

If you farm or ranch

Start with Agrivoltaics to see how crops and livestock can share land with panels, then look at solar water pumping on the Solar Technology page. If you are curious about making your own fuel or fertilizer, the Green Hydrogen page walks through a farm scale project step by step, with an estimator. In the United States, ask about the USDA Rural Energy for America Program; the incentives page has details for other countries.

If you run a business, school, church or city

Commercial systems follow different rules. Demand charges, time of use rates and backup power needs often make batteries pay off. Read Energy Storage and Inverters, then find your regulator on the agencies page. Nonprofits and public bodies should check whether they can receive credits as direct payments.

If you study, teach or make policy

Solar vs Other Energy Sources summarizes the major studies on cost, emissions, land use and safety. New Solar Technology tracks what is coming out of the labs, and the glossary defines every term. The agencies directory covers every country in the Americas plus regional bodies such as OLADE and CCREEE.

If you want to help others

The nonprofits directory lists groups that train installers, run neighborhood solar co ops and bring power after hurricanes. Share your own experience in the Community Discussion.