Energy Calculators  Thinking of investing in solar but wondering about the benefits of choosing a Solar photovoltaic (PV) system over a Solar thermal system for your home …or vice versa? Already have a Solar installation but need help monitoring your systems' usage each month? While state-specific calculators are not always available everywhere in the U.S., the links below can help you determine everything from how to offset your carbon footprint, analyze the energy efficiency of your household appliances, or create a personal profile of your Solar power system.Click on some of our favorite Renewable Energy sites. Be Green - Calculate your carbon footprint based on electricity usage, vehicle you own, air travel and heating system. Offset your carbon footprint by buying carbon credits and reducing consumption.  Bonneville Environmental Foundation - How much CO2 and other greenhouse gasses (CO2e) do your activities create? Fill in the blanks in this CO2 emissions calculator to find out. Each section in this calculator will ask you to fill in information about your energy use. If you do not complete all of the sections, the calculator will indicate your CO2 emissions for the sections that you choose to complete.  Department of Energy (DOE) – The U.S. government has designed a host of helpful public websites for consumers, homeowners and business professionals interested in conserving energy and investing in Solar. The calculators and tools on these pages can help you evaluate your energy usage and whether energy efficient products or renewable energy are right for you. ________________________________________ Energy Efficient Calculator – Thinking of investing in energy efficient appliances but wondering if the up-front cost is worth the long-term cost savings? Now you can see how your current washer, dryer, refrigerator, light bulbs, air conditioner and many more appliances measure up against the newer, energy efficient versions with PPL Electric Utilities’ easy-to-use energy calculator that does the math for you. ________________________________________ Solar Energy Estimator – The user-friendly calculators and tools at Find-Solar.com will help you understand if Solar power is right for your home or business. Equipped with a Solar Power Incentives map, Solar Calculator and Solar Power Rating comparison calculator, the website allows you to accurately estimate the price, savings and system size of solar energy systems needed to produce electricity or heat your water, spa or pool. ________________________________________ Solar Energy Calculator - The PVWatts Version 1 Calculator was designed by researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to help non-experts gain performance estimates for grid-connected photovoltaic systems. These solar calculators allow you to determine the output of a solar system based on local sunlight statistics, local rates, and solar panel characteristics. ________________________________________ State Specific Energy Calculators: Many individual states have excellent tools available. These can be valuable even if you do not live in the state, and are listed here for reference. |
