This page collects the tools, resources, and books we think are genuinely useful for homeowners researching clean energy upgrades. We keep it short on purpose — everything here is something we’d actually recommend, not a list padded for length.
This page is updated as we find things worth adding. Last updated: February 2026.
Solar Tools
EnergySage Solar Marketplace
The most transparent way to get solar quotes. You submit one request and receive competing bids from vetted installers — with full pricing visible upfront. Useful for comparing costs without talking to a salesperson first. Free to use.
SolarReviews
Independent installer reviews from verified homeowners. Good for checking the reputation of a local installer before you sign anything. Also has a basic solar calculator to estimate system size.
Google Project Sunroof
Free tool from Google that estimates your roof’s solar potential based on satellite data. Good starting point to see if your home is a strong solar candidate before getting quotes.
EV Charger Resources
Qmerit
A national network of certified electricians who specialise in EV charger installation. Useful if you want a vetted installer rather than a random quote from a general electrician. They handle permitting and utility coordination.
PlugShare
Community-maintained map of public and home charging stations. Not directly useful for installation decisions, but good context for understanding Level 1 vs Level 2 in practice before you install.
ChargePoint Home Flex
Consistently one of the best-reviewed Level 2 home chargers. Flexible amperage (16–50A), works with any EV, and has a solid app. Worth researching as a benchmark when comparing other chargers. Available on Amazon — no affiliate link yet, just a recommendation.
Tax Credits & Rebates
DSIRE — Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
The most comprehensive database of state-level solar, heat pump, and EV incentives in the US. Run by NC State University. If you want to know exactly what your state offers beyond the federal IRA credits, start here.
IRS Form 5695
The official form used to claim the Residential Clean Energy Credit (solar) and the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (heat pumps, EV chargers). Download directly from IRS.gov. Have your installer provide the cost breakdown before filing.
EnergySage Rebate Finder
Simpler than DSIRE for most homeowners. Enter your zip code and it surfaces the rebates and incentives available in your area. Good for a quick check before diving into the full DSIRE database.
Recommended Reading
These three books are the best background reading we’ve found for homeowners thinking seriously about clean energy and home efficiency. None of these are quick reads — but each one will change how you think about energy in your home.
The Home Energy Diet by Paul Scheckel
The most practical book on home energy efficiency available. Covers insulation, heating, cooling, appliances, and behaviour — with real numbers. Written for homeowners, not engineers. If you only read one book before making any home energy upgrade, this is it.
Electrify by Saul Griffith
The clearest argument for why electrifying your home — heat pumps, EV, induction cooking, solar — is both a personal financial win and a larger climate imperative. Griffith is an engineer and the numbers are real. Very readable.
The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy by Dan Chiras
Comprehensive and practical. Covers solar, wind, solar hot water, and backup systems in detail. More technical than Electrify but written for a homeowner audience. Good if you want to understand the systems deeply before talking to contractors.
Resources on this page are recommendations only. Acara Institute is not affiliated with any tool, service, or publisher listed here unless explicitly noted. See our Affiliate Disclosure for full details.