Many people are interested in using renewable energy to meet their home or business energy needs, but sometimes the process is not clear and people don't know where to turn for help. Use the steps and links below as a guide to help you discover whether renewable energy can work for you.

LEARN.
It is important to be an educated consumer. Find out as much information as you need to feel comfortable with your energy decision.

Energy Efficiency: It is important to make sure your home, farm or business is energy efficient before investing in any renewable energy system. To learn about energy efficiency for your home, visit the residential energy efficiency section and, for your farm or business, visit the business energy efficiency section. 

Solar Hot Water Systems: To learn more about solar hot water systems, visit the Renewable Energy Info Library and read fact sheets and case studies about solar hot water systems.

GET A SITE ASSESSMENT.
The best way to find out whether you have a good location for renewable energy is to have a site assessment. To learn more about site assessments, download Assess Your Property's Renewable Energy Potential and visit the Site Assessment page.

FIND AN INSTALLER.
Finding a reputable installer is as easy as visiting the Focus on Energy Full Service Installer lists or the Renewable Energy Yellow Pages. These lists allow you to find a contractor near you and select lists of Full Service Installers who provide a whole package of design, equipment, installation and maintenance services for renewable energy systems. Focus suggests obtaining bids from two to three installers.

CHECK ZONING, ETC.
Your renewable energy system installation will need to comply with state and local zoning, plumbing and building codes. Your installer should be able to assist with these items.

SECURE FINANCING.
There are several places to turn for funding your renewable energy system - a home equity loan, a capital improvement loan, federal tax incentives and/or depreciation and Focus on Energy's financial incentives.

To learn more about Focus on Energy's financial incentives for solar electric installations, visit the Renewable Energy Financial Incentives for solar hot water systems page.

MAINTENANCE.
Ask your installer to give detailed, written instructions on how to maintain your system properly and safely. Be sure to learn basic safety requirements and procedures, like how to shut down the system in emergencies and how to power up the system after it has been shut down.

Renewable Energy Projects: Guiding You Through The Process
This fact sheet outlines the detailed steps involved in preparing for your renewable energy system.