Development Tools

Tools and Resources for Renewables

​Developing renewable generation is a complicated process that involves many facets and stakeholders. The following resources are designed to help individuals, businesses and state, local and Federal agencies make informed decisions.

• Economic modeling
• Energy data sharing
• Maps
• Performance
• Transmission

Economic Modeling

• CREST [nlr.gov]
  Cost of Renewable Energy Spreadsheet Tool models economic cash flow to help analyze project economics, design cost-based incentives (e.g., feed-in tariffs) and evaluate the impact of state and Federal support.
• LCOE Calculator [nlr.gov]
  The leveled cost of energy calculator provides a simple calculator for utility-scale and distributed generation renewable energy technologies that compares the combination of capital costs, operations and maintenance, performance and fuel costs.
• PV JEDI [nlr.gov]
  The Jobs and Economic Development Impact models estimate the economic effects of building and operating power generation and biofuel plants at the local and state levels.

Energy Data Sharing

• Energy Analysis [nlr.gov]
  Analysis from the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) encompasses a broad range of scientific research and reporting activity in support of the Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, NLR programs and initiatives and the analysis community.
• OpenEI [openei.org]
  Open Energy Information is a knowledge-sharing online community providing access to energy-related information via geographic discovery, visualizations and apps and topic-oriented gateways.
• Renewable Resource Data Center [nlr.gov]
  NLR compiles an extensive collection of renewable energy resource data, maps, and tools for locations throughout the United States.
• Tracking the Sun [emp.lbl.gov]
  Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory annual Tracking the Sun report summarizes installed prices and other trends among grid-connected, distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the United States.
• Tribal Energy Program – Assessing Energy Resources [energy.gov]
  Learn about the potential for renewable resource development on tribal lands; including biomass, geothermal, hydropower, solar and wind.

Maps

• Clean Energy in my State Map
  State-specific resources on energy efficiency and renewable energy; including statistics, renewable resource maps, policies and incentives and U.S. Department of Energy projects and activities.
• Dynamic Maps, GIS Data & Analysis Tools [nlr.gov]
  Maps, data and tools for renewable energy resources from NLR to help determine which energy technologies are viable solutions in domestic and international regions.
• EPA Contaminated Lands Renewable Potential Map [epa.gov]
  RE-Powering Mapper makes it possible to view Environmental Protection Agency information about renewable energy potential on contaminated lands, landfills and mine sites, alongside other information contained in Google Earth.
• Energy Information Administration Map [eia.gov]
  The U.S. Energy Mapping System offers many features and options through the “Layers/Legend” menu including recommended map views on a variety of subjects and the ability to customize mapping layer options to better suit your energy needs.
• Map Apps at NLR [nlr.gov]
  NLR’s interactive mapping tools give users the data they need to evaluate renewable development potential throughout the United States for solar, hydropower, hydrogen, geothermal, biomass and wave power.
• NRDC Renewable Energy Map [nrdc.org]
  See where and how harvesting homegrown, clean, renewable energy makes economic sense for you.
• Renewable Energy Atlas [nlr.gov]
  NLR’s layered map of the United States shows the location of a variety of resources, as well as tribal lands, federal lands, contaminated sites, U.S. counties and congressional districts.
• USDA Energy Investments Map [usda.gov]
  The USDA Energy Investments web map contains information regarding USDA programs that provide assistance to renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

Performance

• SAM [nlr.gov]
  The System Advisor Model software makes performance predictions and cost-of- energy estimates for grid-connected power projects based on installation and operating costs and system design parameters.

Transmission

• ReEDS [nlr.gov]
  The Regional Energy Deployment System helps policymakers optimize and visualize the build-out of U.S. electricity generation and transmission systems.
• Smartgrid.gov [smartgrid.gov]
  Information on cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to increase reliability, efficiency and security of the country’s electrical system; and allow clean energy sources and electric vehicles to be integrated into the grid.