The cost of renewable energy systems continues to drop as the price of electricity is rising. Whether you’re concerned with increasing electricity prices, planning a remodeling project, or thinking about retirement planning, the decision to install a renewable energy system can be an attractive and affordable investment.
Like any investment, you want to know about the costs, incentives, and expected return on your investment. You’ll also want to choose the right partners to help you make the most of your money and perform quality work. It is crucial to work with professionals who understand federal, state, and local incentives, and who have the skills to install a system that will save you money for decades to come. To protect your investment, you’ll want to hire someone who is NABCEP Board Certified. You can find many local NABCEP Board Certified Professionals on our Board Certified Professional Directory.
NABCEP has included links to a few trusted resources below to help you understand the renewable energy incentives available in your area (DSIRE), the licensing requirements for each state (IREC), and a State and Local Solution Center provided by the Department of Energy (DOE). If you have any questions or would like some clarification about the incentives or licensing requirements on the resources listed below, we recommend you reach out to these organizations for help. For questions about NABCEP and how to find a NABCEP Board Certified Professional, please email us at info@nabcep.org or call us at (800) 654-0021.
DSIRE is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University and is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
IREC’s National Solar Licensing Map provides the latest requirements, policies, and programs that affect the industry. This comprehensive tool is designed for policymakers, stakeholders, practitioners, students, consumers and anyone looking for solar licensing information in the United States.
States establish licensing requirements for contractors to protect consumers from unsafe practices and to ensure systems are installed properly. As these requirements continue to develop and evolve, researching state-specific information can sometimes be complicated and time-consuming. The map provides valuable data providing the public with the latest industry standards and regulations available.
Whether you live in Alaska or Maine, this useful resource details what you need to know about new legislation, certification requirements, permitting and incentive programs. The resource also includes useful links to related documents and relevant organizations to help facilitate licensing requirements.
The Department of Energy’s State and Local Solution Center provides resources to enable strategic investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies through the use of innovative practices across the United States by a wide range of stakeholders, in partnership with state and local organizations and community-based nonprofits. To contact the Department of Energy, please email stateandlocal@ee.doe.gov.
