Findsolar.com is a joint partnership between the American Solar Energy Society, Solar Electric Power Association, Energy Matters LLC and U.S. Department of Energy. The site serves as a convenient, user-friendly means for homeowners and businesses to learn about incentives, the economics of solar energy and find qualified professionals who can install and service systems. For no charge, consumers can send instant email inquiries to listed Solar Professionals that match their desired criteria and geographic area.

"Interested homeowners and building owners now have a place to gain credible easy-to-use calculations on the net costs of solar for their building, in their county, with their utility rates. It's all there - over 3,100 electric utility rates, county-level solar radiation data, and any available local, state and federal tax incentives," said Brad Collins, executive director of the American Solar Energy Society. We expect significant initial consumer traffic now, noting that more than 40,000 hits have come to the site in the past few months during the beta testing phase. FindSolar.com will be featured as part of the National Solar Homes Tour and the Solar Decathlon.

Currently the energy calculators on the site encompass solar electric (PV), solar domestic hot water and pool/spa heating. Additional capabilities for solar space heating/cooling systems will be added in the future. Solar professionals and companies can be listed by providing a minimum amount of information. A Pre-screened status enhances the listing if certain criteria concerning the company's experience and customer satisfaction are met. Solar system and component manufacturers, meanwhile, are also listed in the web site's manufacturer directory.

FindSolar.com provides two innovations to the solar industry: (1) the site matches interested consumers to solar professionals, and (2) the site provides consumers, nation-wide, with a single site capable of estimating the costs and savings from a solar system in their specific geographic area.

"The two most common questions we receive from the public are, 'Where can I find solar for my home or business?' and 'How much will it cost?" said Julia Judd, executive director of the Solar Electric Power Association. "Now we have the answer for consumers: Findsolar.com. The site also has a significant set of educational links and answers to dozens of consumers' questions about going solar."