Research Guides: Energy and Alternative Energy: Websites

Evaluating Websites

Need to figure out if a website is offering scholarly, quality information?

Follow the 5 W's:

Who:

Who is responsible for the creation of the site? Do they have listed credentials? Are they associated with a reputable institution? Can you contact them?

What:

What is the purpose of this site? What is the URL of the site and what might that tell you about its purpose? What aspects of the site make it difficult/easy to use? (For example: typos, easy navigation, nice layout, images, too much advertising, etc.)

Where:

Where is this information coming from? Is there a bibliography or listed references? Is the site listed with an established institution?

When:

When was the site last updated? Does the site even have a date? Does the currency of the information directly impact your subject?

Why:

Why is this website useful for your research? Is it necessary for your research or could you find the information through a better source?

Energy Websites

Department of Energy: Energy in Brief
Energy in Briefs explain important energy topics in plain language. Each Brief answers a question relevant to the public and recommends resources for further reading. Please use the tools to the right to give us feedback, share with others, or sign up for notices as new Briefs are released.
Energy Information Administration
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) collects, analyzes, and disseminates independent and impartial energy information to promote sound policymaking, efficient markets, and public understanding of energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment.
Renewable Resource Data Center
The RReDC provides information on several types of renewable energy resources in the United States, in the form of publications, data, and maps. An extensive dictionary of renewable energy related terms is also provided. The News section announces new products on the RReDC.
Council of State Governments Knowledge Center: Energy
The Knowledge Center provides the tools and information you need to better understand complex policy situations and help you make better decisions. Specific products and services from CSG’s policy group are wide ranging: national and regional meetings, national policy task forces, state specific forums and training, national reports, fact sheets, interactive websites, interstate compact legislation, policy projects assisting states in the creation of policy, and numerous educational efforts tied to key issues.
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association
We were founded in 1990 to educate the public about the benefits of renewable energy and provide a networking opportunity for those already involved in the field. Thus the first Energy Fair was held at the fairgrounds in Amherst, Wisconsin in 1990. Soon after the first Energy Fair, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) was formed with a mission to promote renewable energy and sustainable living through education and demonstration.
DOE: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) invests in clean energy technologies that strengthen the economy, protect the environment, and reduce dependence on foreign oil.
Solar Power Calculator
Ever wonder what size a solar panel system you need or how much one costs? Use our solar calculator to estimate the solar cost and size of a solar energy project in your area.
National Solar Radiation Database
The updated 1991-2005 National Solar Radiation Database holds solar and meteorological data for 1,454 locations in the United States and its territories
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association
For more than thirty-five years, NESEA has supported and inspired a growing network of sustainable energy and sustainable building professionals committed to responsible energy use. NESEA is committed to advancing three core elements: a multi-disciplinary network of professionals, sustainable energy solutions for the built environment, and proven results in the field.