•  The Energy Information Administration's Kid's Page is a collection of energy facts, figures and fun for students in grades 3 through 8. The web site features comprehensive overviews of all energy sources, a 15 question energy quiz and a series of virtual visits to energy facilities such as an oil refinery, nuclear power plant, coal mine liquefied natural gas storage facility and a plant that turns garbage into electricity.www.eia.doe.gov/kids 

•  The Department of Energy's State Alternatives web site is an invaluable tool for locating renewable energy resources and projects. Answers on solar, wind, biomass and geothermal assessments for each of the 50 states is only a click away. The site also details each state's electric utility sector by providing rates and fuel resources used to produce electricity, emissions and more. The information on current Nebraska renewable energy projects provides links to wind projects in Springview and Lincoln. All in all, this web site is an excellent one-stop source for a renewable energy overview of any state.www.eere.energy.gov/state_energy

• A new web site, Nevada Energy Efficient Housing Connection, is now available on the Internet. The Connection presents complete and concise information on the benefits of residential energy efficiency, building energy codes, the Model Energy Code and links to other building code web sites. One nifty tool, the Model Energy Code Check, or MECcheck, computer software is downloadable. This simple program can help you determine whether a house complies with the model energy code based on the square footage, R-values of walls, windows and ceilings and the performance of heating and cooling systems.www.natresnet.org/nevada

• The American Wind Energy Association has added a number of new tools to its web site that will help visitors access current wind energy industry information. The new tools include Association members and a map of the United States locations of all major wind energy projects in 18 states with links for specific project information on each project.www.awea.org

• A new, powerful simulation tool for consumers, Home Energy Savers, will help homeowners and renters identify the best technologies to save both energy and money. The software computes a home's total energy use based on information supplied by the consumer. After providing a zip code, a quick and easy quiz is generated which allows the computer to calculate current energy bills for a home. The software also points to the savings a consumer can achieve with a few simple home improvements. The more information entered such as the number of occupants, the type of heating and air conditioning equipment and fuel prices the more these recommendations become tailored to the house. Time-saving links to hundreds of web sites with practical, detailed information about energy efficient homes, products, service providers such as the Nebraska Energy Office and on-line materials are also a part of the web site. www.homeenergysaver.lbl.gov
  

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse

The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse provides fact sheets, brochures, videos and publications on energy efficiency and renewable energy.

• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse
  P.O. Box 3048, Merrifield, VA 22116
  Phone between 7am-4pm CT,
• Monday-Friday. 1-800-363-3732 or for the hearing impaired call 1-800-273-2957 8am-6pm.
• Fax 1-703-893-0400
• Internet: www.eere.energy.gov/erec/factsheets/factsheets.html

The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy or EERE is a gateway to energy efficiency and renewable energy information sources.

• Internet: www.eere.energy.gov

This material was prepared with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Grant No. DE-FG47-92CE60410. However, any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of DOE.

In accordance with the American Disabilities Act, the state will provide reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in any program or activity listed in this publication, please contact the Energy Office at 402-471-2867 to coordinate arrangements. Upon request, this publication may be available in alternative formats.

New Solar Publications

Two new publications by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory make it easier for people to purchase solar energy systems and tap into energy from the sun.

The Borrower's Guide to Financing Solar Energy Systems  provides information for lenders and consumers about nationwide financing programs for photovoltaic systems and solar thermal systems that heat indoor air and water. In addition to traditional sources for home mortgage funds, eight federal government organizations - Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Small Business Administration offer programs for financing solar energy systems and other energy efficiency improvements. The Guide  includes a glossary and a two-page capsule of all federal financing options. The Colorado Consumer's Guide to Buying A Solar Electric System  provides basic information about the who, what and why of financing, purchasing and installing photovoltaic or solar electric systems. While the Consumer's Guide  is specific to Colorado, it does include essential information on solar systems such as evaluating if your home is a good candidate for an installation, how to estimate dollar savings and how much systems cost. Other sections in the Consumer's Guide address selecting a contractor and things to consider before attaching your solar system to a utility grid.

To obtain copies of these publications, contact the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Document Distribution Service at 303-275-4363 or by email sally_evans@nrel.gov  ¶

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