Our Favorite Resources
Solar Energy Storage
Recommended by Rosemary
Information on batteries for solar PV systems.
Local Energy Codes
Recommended by Gina
Daylighting Controls
Recommended by Francis
Don't understand how Daylighting controls work? Not sure if you've triggered them or not? This is the fact sheet for you. This document is invaluable in helping with one of the more tedious lighting controls.
What's Changed in 2019
Recommended by Francis
Code change year is here again and a lot is changing, especially for residential projects. This document is a great snap shot for what is coming down the pipeline. Get ahead of the game!
Quality Insulation Installation | QII
Recommended by Francis
A video put together by the WISE (Workforce Instructions for Standards and Efficiency), funded by the California Energy Commission, providing guidance on the principals and practical application of quality insulation installation.
Calcerts QII Handbook
Recommended by Francis
[found in resources tab] The QII Handbook contains real-world graphics, gives detailed explanations on common insulation installation defects, as well as how to minimize air infiltration/exfiltration in the residential building envelope.
Northern California Solar Energy Association
Recommended by Rosemary
The National Fenestration Rating Council
Recommended by Ari
This website is clunky but it gets the job done. If you have ever wondered what the benefit of tested window is, what the CMA method is, or whether your preferred product line is certified, this is the resource for you! Whether you are looking to increase your understanding of the rating process or search certified products directory, NFRC.org has you covered.
Building Green
Recommended by Rosemary
Building America Solution Center
Recomended by Gina
Who knew the Federal Government could be such a wealth of wisdom ?. Department of Energy provides an almost overwhelming library of energy performance resources including CAD details for high performance envelopes.
Tools Ace
Recommended by Fiona
Keeping track of all the Energy Codes is hard enough, but there are also reference manuals, appendices and Title 20 that have so much more information. Reference Ace puts all of that in one location in a searchable format which makes it easier for me to find all the information I need.
California Energy Codes & Standards
Recommended by Gina
Free stuff! Building Science Corporation shares most, if not all, of their research into building science and have articles that can't be missed as we approach much tighter building enclosures.
MAEDBS Quick Search
Recommended by Jim
MAEDBS is not only the all in one resource for looking up approved appliances, it’s also a great way to confirm specs or get more information on a piece of equipment. From JA8 lighting to HVAC efficiencies, this site is my #1 go to for Residential and Non-Residential projects!
UC Davic - California Lighting Technology Center
Recommended by Gina
Another open source website supporting lighting. CLTC is associated with US Davis and has amazing research projects that they then share via publications. A must for understanding nonresidential lighting requirements.
Meetings & Workshops
Recommended by Gina
This is where you can see what future code might look like! You can get involved and have a say by signing up for this website.
CEC Local Ordinance
Recommended by Marina
The list of cities that have "beyond code" requirements is constantly changing and this website keeps me up to date with which city ordinances are pending Energy Commission approval, which city ordinances are already approved, and the approved language of each ordinance's and their requirements.