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Library

This library contains research reports produced by the Building America program and other building science resources used to support this Solution Center. The materials cover both new construction and existing homes. Use the search box and/or the filters to explore hundreds of residential building resources. Access to some references not produced by Building America may require purchase from the publisher. Documents are listed alphabetically. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

Showing results 1 - 50 of 64

Author(s)
Soltaro
Organization(s)
Soltaro
Publication Date
Description
Website article comparing DC and AC batteries and explaining that DC batteries have black start ability to restart from solar power while providing AC batteries need grid power to restart if fully discharged.
Author(s)
Miller
Organization(s)
Mayfield Renewables
Publication Date
Description
Website article describing the advantages and disadvantages of AC and DC battery energy storage systems and inverters for solar power systems.
Author(s)
Koser,
Uthe
Organization(s)
NYSERDA
Publication Date
Description
Report investigating implemention of advanced power strips for entertainment and home office electronics would reduce energy consumption across the residential market.
Author(s)
Clean Energy Reviews
Organization(s)
CER
Publication Date
Description
Website providing comparison charts and reviews of battery energy storage systems for solar power systems.
Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation
Publication Date
Description
The Builder's Guide provides the building industry with the latest and best practical information on how to apply building science principles to structures as systems in hot-humid climate regions.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
A website describing a list of common vocabulary used when describing light bulbs.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
A simple three-step guide for homeowners who are looking to replace existing light bulbs with more energy-efficient, higher-performing bulbs.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Description
A website explaining the various shades of light, from warm to cool colors, with a visual diagram illustrating the various shades of light.
Author(s)
Aldrich Robb,
Williamson Jim
Organization(s)
Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Description
Research report anayzing the results of a large retrofit project, turining an old school into near zero energy consumption apartments in Greenfield MA.
Author(s)
Lutron
Organization(s)
Lutron
Publication Date
Description
Website discusses differences between CFL and LED bulbs.
Author(s)
Barkaszi Stephen F,
Dunlop James P
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
Description
A research paper exploring the installation and mounting of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on rooftops and the challenges faced by system designers and installers.
Author(s)
Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
A list of clothes dryers that made the EnergyStar Most Efficient list for 2021, delivering cutting technological innovation along with energy efficiency.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
A website calculator that can calculate how much you can save by switching to ENERGY STAR certified products.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Description
A website explaining why homeowners should install ENERGY STAR certified lightbulbs, which helps to save homeowners on utility bills and protect the environment.
Author(s)
Aldrich Robb
Organization(s)
Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA
Publication Date
Description
Brochure on specifications for PV systems.
Author(s)
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Fact sheet defining a grid-interactive efficient building and its benefits.
Author(s)
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Website highlighting the DOE Building Technologies Office Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings Initiative, including technical reports, other publications, resources, and presentations.
Author(s)
Clean Energy Reviews
Organization(s)
CER
Publication Date
Description
Website providing comparison charts and reviews of hybrid inverters for solar power systems.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
A website explaining the measurement of light bulbs, measurable in lumens, & brightness levels that ENERGY STAR products produce.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
A website explaining the basics of LED lightning, their lifespan, their use in general lighting applications, the amount of heat produced, and why you should choose ENERGY STAR certified LED products for your home.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
A fact sheet providing information on ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs & how to find the right one to fit your lighting fixture.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
A website exploring the use of lighting controls products like dimmers, motion sensors and timers to save energy in the home.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
A website explaining basic lighting principles and terms & how they are applied to the home.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
A website explaining lumens & how to compare the amount of light that lightbulbs can produce when shopping for replacements.
Author(s)
Sutherland Karen,
Parker Danny,
Chasar Dave,
Hoak David
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
Description
Report describing a lighting and smart power strip retrofit evaluation that was conducted on 56 all-electric, existing Florida homes to see how lighting and miscellaneous electric loads might be reduced.
Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Factsheet describing smart practices for minimizing damage to residential electrical service components during coastal and riverine flood events.
Author(s)
Brooks William,
Dunlop James
Organization(s)
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners,
NABCEP
Publication Date
Description
This Photovoltaic (PV) Installer Resource Guide is an informational resource covering basic requirements for PV installations intended for individuals pursuing the Photovoltaic Installer Certification credential offered by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
Author(s)
National Fire Protection Association
Organization(s)
NFPA
Publication Date
Description
This standard provides a benchmark for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection to protect people and property from electrical hazards and has been adopted in all 50 states.
Author(s)
Clean Energy Reviews
Organization(s)
CER
Publication Date
Description
Website providing comparison charts and reviews of off-grid inverters for solar power systems.
Author(s)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Organization(s)
OSHA
Publication Date
Description
A fact sheet educating the public on the proper operation of chainsaws to reduce the risk of injury from use.
Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Report aiming to "de-mystify" technology and economic considerations of residential PV systems.
Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph,
Brennan Terry
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Document with important building science considerations, designed for members of the residential construction and remodeling industries, as well as owners and managers who work in affordable housing.