DSIRE Launches New Solar Site
The DSIRE website has gone solar. DSIRE SOLAR is a new component of the DSIRE project that provides solar-specific policy information to consumers, policy makers, program administrators, the solar industry and other stakeholders. Sue Gouchoe, DSIRE’s program lead and a very laid-back kind of gal, was enthusiastically handing out cards at the ASES 2009 conference…
The DSIRE website has gone solar.
DSIRE SOLAR is a new component of the DSIRE project that provides solar-specific policy information to consumers, policy makers, program administrators, the solar industry and other stakeholders.
Sue Gouchoe, DSIRE’s program lead and a very laid-back kind of gal, was enthusiastically handing out cards at the ASES 2009 conference in Buffalo this week announcing the new addition to the DSIRE website.
“DSIRE SOLAR has been in the works for more than a year,” said Gouchoe. “In fact, we’ve redesigned the entire DSIRE site, and added the new DSIRE SOLAR site.”
The new DSIRE SOLAR site still has all the features of the DSIRE site, including the interactive US map, but now displays solar incentives only. “Users can also select whether you want PV or solar thermal or both (incentives) when using the state-by-state map,” said Gouchoe.
The solar policy guide is another key feature, condenses information like conference papers in one place, giving users an overview of policy options promoting solar, as well as status and trends, examples, resources, and links. “It’s a comprehensive resource for policy makers and stakeholders,” said Gouchoe.
Unique to the site is the solar policy comparison tables, a feature that solar program managers will appreciate. “The solar policy comparison tables highlight the two most popular and effective statewide incentive options: rebates and tax credits,” said Gouchoe. “Not only can you find eligible recipients and system sizes, incentive amounts, there’s also data on how many systems were installed last year, and how much was spent.”
Gouchoe said a search feature is built into the site, and the option to create a custom list of solar programs by technology or incentive type.
“We want to know how the site is doing,” said Gouchoe, “so there’s a place where users can give us feedback and let us know about updates. We’re encouraging users to take some time on the site and let us know what they think.”
“We’re really excited about this new DSIRE site,” said Gouchoe. “With the ramp-up of renewable energy activity at the federal level, it’s timing for release couldn’t be better.”
About DSIRE: The DSIRE database, a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency since 1995, is an ongoing project of the NC Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc., is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
