TRAINING Opportunities
PRACTITIONER AND CONSUMER RESOURCES
In addition to extensive training, many practitioner and consumer resource guides and tools are available. Some address specific networks, such as the NeighborWorks Solar for All Resource Hub developed by GRID Alternatives. Others provide a broad overview of national programs, case studies, etc.
Below is a selection of just some of the resources available to Navigators and consumers:
Resource: a. IRA Calculator
b. Personal Electrification Planner
c. Find Contractors
Organization: Rewiring America
IRA Calculator
Personal Electrification Planner
Find Contractors
Purpose: Resources including high level and personalized home electrification and renewable energy calculators and locating qualified contractors.
Content: IRA savings calculator; personal electrification planner; locating contractors; homeowner and renter resources; API tool integration; etc.
Resource: ENERGY STAR Home Improvement Savings
Organization: ENERGY STAR
Purpose: Provide consumers with a searchable list of energy efficiency and electrification incentives by zip code.
Content: Incentive search engine; income-based assistance information; product type eligibility; etc.
Resource: Fannie Mae Energy Savings Program Finder
Organization: Fannie Mae
Purpose: Provides a list of incentives for alternative energy and efficiency programs based on four criteria: state, county, household size, and household income.
Content: Incentives search engine; additional related resources.
Resource:
CFPB Scam Reporting tool
Organization: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Purpose: Offers a centralized location for consumers to report scams and fraudulent behaviors, including solar and energy efficiency programs.
Content: Scam reporting tool; CFPB contact information.
Resource: Consumer Solar Awareness
Organization: Dept. of the Treasury
Purpose: Offers a centralized location for consumers to learn about various solar options.
Content: Scam reporting; Before You Buy resource; rooftop and community solar; power purchase agreements; etc.
Resource: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Low-Income Communities: Case Studies and Program Profiles
Organization: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Purpose: Highlight successful programs for reaching low-income and disadvantaged communities (LIDAC), particularly those programs that are replicable and sustainable and serving a variety of diverse communities.
Content: Case studies; webinar recordings; workforce development; efficiency, weatherization, and renewable energy; etc.
Resource: Residential Retrofits for Energy Equity Playbook
Organization: Residential Retrofits for Energy Equity (R2E2)
Purpose: Equitable home retrofit and renewable energy program design for community-based organizations (CBOs).
Content: Equitable engagement; program design; best practices and case studies; checklist for program design; etc.
Resource: ENERGY STAR Marketing Materials for Products
Organization: ENERGY STAR
Purpose: Resource guide for various ENERGY STAR products including marketing materials by product type.
Content: Outreach plan; certified products quick reference guide; home savings tool; fact sheets and FAQs; information by product type; etc.
Resource: ENERGY STAR Six High Impact Energy Efficiency Programs
Organization: ENERGY STAR
Purpose: Highlight the six highest impact home energy upgrades.
Content: Clean heating and cooling, home and attic insulation; super-efficient water heaters; high performance windows; smart thermostats; electric ready; etc.
Resource: ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade Service Provider Partnership
Organization: ENERGY STAR
Purpose: Partnership program with CBOs to serve as a third-party consumer resource for ENERGY STAR products, including eligibility and application process.
Content: Partnership guidelines; Service Provider Partnership application; etc.
Resource: Build for the Future Funding Navigator
Organization: U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development
Purpose: One-stop-shop for open resilience funding opportunities for affordable housing across federal departments, as well as more on incentives
Content: Repository of grants and incentives
Resource: CESA Resource Library
Organization: Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA)
CESA Resource Library
Purpose: CESA provides a Resource Library as well as case studies, newsletters, blogs, webinars and other public-facing events.
Content: Case studies; Tribal-state collaboration; equitable outcomes; etc.
Resource: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE)
Organization: DSIRE – North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center
Purpose: Provides a detailed, periodically updated list of incentive programs offered by different state, local, Tribal, and utility providers; be aware that recent changes and new programs may take time before they show up on this website
Content: State, local, and utility incentives; tax credits; SRECs; regulatory and permitting requirements; etc.
Resource: Preservation Toolkit
Organization: National Housing Trust
Purpose: Detailed toolkit on programs and options intended for affordable housing developers and state housing finance agencies (HFA). Complements IRA Bootcamp training provided by National Housing Trust.
Content: Case studies, resident engagement, funding opportunities; etc.