Appendices
Appendix A: Other Solar Related Resources
| Resource Provider | Resources | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Federal, State, and Local Government | U.S. DOE Community Solar Basics The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Community Solar Partnership Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs Solar for All State and Local Energy/Sustainability Departments | Official government websites and databases offering information on community solar programs at the national, state, and local levels. |
| Local Utility Energy Efficiency Programs | Local Public Utility | Rebates and incentives, energy Audits |
| Online Directories and Marketplaces | EnergySage EnergySage Community Solar Marketplace Shared Renewables HQ Groundswell Low Income Financing and Transactions for Solar Access Everywhere Toolkit Rewiring America Solar United Neighbors | Online platforms to search, compare, and learn about community solar projects and policies. |
| Nonprofit and Advocacy Groups | Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) SEIA Community Solar Low-Income Solar GRID Alternatives | Organizations dedicated to promoting solar energy, including community solar, that provide resources and information. |
| Other | Neighbors Community Events | Additional avenues to explore for information on local community solar initiatives. |
Appendix B: Home Performance with Energy Star
The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The program connects homeowners with qualified contractors who can improve their homes’ energy efficiency. In 2024, over 40 utility companies and nonprofit organizations sponsored the program, working with a network of 1,500 certified home improvement contractors nationwide.
Since 2001, the program has served as the gold standard for home energy improvements. It works by having qualified contractors perform comprehensive home evaluations and complete recommended upgrades. These improvements make homes more energy-efficient while enhancing safety and indoor air quality. As more states adopt the program, the network of contractors continues to expand.
ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED HOMES PROGRAM is designed for properties built with energy-efficient measures and specifications.
Appendix C: Certifying Energy Contractors and Energy Auditors
Who certifies energy contractors and energy auditors? The following table shows certifying organizations specializing in energy efficiency and home performance training and certification.
| Certifying Organization | Areas of Focus | Certification Types |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Energy | HVAC system design, installation, and maintenance | Quality Assured Contractor Advanced Energy’s Quality Assured Professional |
| Air Conditioning Contractors of America ACCA | HVAC system design, installation, and maintenance | Residential Service and Installation (RSI) Commercial Service and Installation (CSI) HVAC System Design |
| Building Performance Institute (BPI) | Whole-home performance, energy efficiency, health, and safety | Building Analyst Envelope Professional Heating Professional AC/Heat Pump Professional Multifamily Building Analyst |
| Insulation Contractors Association of America (ICAA) | Insulation installation best practices and standards | Certified Insulation Installers |
| National Comfort Institute (NCI) | HVAC system performance testing and optimization | Air Balancing Combustion Performance and CO Safety HVAC System Performance |
| North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) | Renewable energy technology installation and sales | PV Installation Professional PV Design Specialist PV Commissioning and Maintenance Specialist Solar Heating Installer |
| North American Technician Excellence (NATE) | HVAC and refrigeration technician certification | Air Conditioning Air Distribution Heat Pumps Gas Heating Oil Heating Hydronics Gas Hydronics Oil |
| Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) | Ultra-low energy building design and construction | Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC) Certified Passive House Builder Certified Passive House Rater |
| Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) | Home energy ratings and efficiency improvements Whole-home performance, energy efficiency, health, and safety | Home Energy Rater (HERS Rater) Energy Smart Contractor Home Energy Survey Professional Building Analyst Envelope Professional Heating Professional AC/Heat Pump Professional Multifamily Building Analyst |