# NREL Energy Data MCP > NREL Energy Data gives your AI agent access to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's massive dataset. Use it to track alternative fuel stations (Electric, Hydrogen, E85) globally; calculate solar production using PVWatts® estimates; get detailed solar radiation data (GHI/DNI); and retrieve current utility rates and service areas. It’s a single source for planning sustainable energy projects. ## Overview - **Category:** the-unthinkable - **Price:** Free - **Tags:** renewable-energy, solar-power, fuel-stations, sustainability, energy-efficiency ## Description NREL Energy Data gives your AI agent access to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's massive energy dataset. You use this server when you need hard data to plan sustainable projects, whether it’s setting up solar farms or figuring out where to put a hydrogen station. It pulls from deep archives of alternative fuel and resource information. ### **Mapping Out Fuel Infrastructure** You can track alternative fuels—Electric, Hydrogen, and E85 sites—everywhere. Start by running `list_alt_fuel_stations` if you just want to see every single station recorded in the NREL database; it'll dump a complete list for you. If you have an address or specific coordinates, use `get_nearest_stations`, and your agent will find all the fuel spots closest to that point. Once you pinpoint a facility using its unique ID, run `get_station_details` to pull every single piece of metadata about it—you'll get operational specifics and comprehensive details. ### **Calculating Solar Power Potential** Want to know how much energy your solar array is gonna make? Use `get_pvwatts_estimates`. You input the system size and the coordinates, and it calculates the projected annual AC energy output. It's a straight-up estimate of potential power. If you need more raw resource data—the stuff that feeds into those estimates—use `get_solar_resource` to grab detailed solar radiation metrics like Global Horizontal Irradiance (**GHI**) and Direct Normal Irradiance (**DNI**) for any spot on the map. You should check if the specific datasets you're looking at are even available first; run `get_solar_data_query` with your desired time period or area to make sure the data exists. ### **Utility Service and Resource Analysis** To figure out where a project can actually get hooked up, you gotta know the utility companies. Run `get_utility_companies` on a specific zip code or local area, and your agent will identify which providers service that location. After knowing who services it, you can run `get_utility_rates`. This tool retrieves the average electricity costs for three separate uses: residential, commercial, and industrial use in that exact area. If you're looking at deep geological potential, you can check geothermal resources using `get_geothermal_resource` with coordinates to assess viability. ### **Planning & Incentives** When it comes to planning a whole project, remember the incentives. Use `list_transportation_incentives` to get a list of federal and state programs for alternative fuels and vehicles. These are crucial details you need when pitching the project. It's really a single source for figuring out resource availability—from fuel spots and solar irradiance to local utility rates and geothermal potential. ## Tools ### get_geothermal_resource Checks the geothermal resource potential at a specific set of coordinates. ### get_nearest_stations Finds and lists alternative fuel stations closest to a provided address or location. ### get_pvwatts_estimates Calculates the projected annual energy output for a photovoltaic system at given coordinates and size. ### get_solar_data_query Checks if specific solar datasets are available for a requested time period or area. ### get_solar_resource Retrieves detailed solar radiation metrics (GHI, DNI) for any given geographic coordinates. ### get_station_details Fetches all metadata and specific operational details about a known fuel station using its unique ID. ### get_utility_companies Identifies which utility companies service a specified local area or zip code. ### get_utility_rates Retrieves the average electricity rates for residential, commercial, and industrial use in an area. ### list_alt_fuel_stations Lists all alternative fuel stations recorded in the NREL database without needing coordinates. ### list_transportation_incentives Provides a list of federal and state incentives related to alternative fuels and vehicles. ## Prompt Examples **Prompt:** ``` Find all electric vehicle charging stations in Asheville, NC. ``` **Response:** ``` Searching NREL database... I've found several EV charging stations in Asheville, NC, including 'Asheville City Hall' and 'Whole Foods Market'. Would you like the detailed access info and charging levels for any of these? ``` **Prompt:** ``` Estimate solar energy production for a 5kW system at latitude 35.6, longitude -82.5. ``` **Response:** ``` Running PVWatts® estimation... For a 5kW system at those coordinates, the estimated annual AC energy production is approximately 7,200 kWh. The average monthly production peaks in July. Shall I provide the full monthly breakdown? ``` **Prompt:** ``` What are the average electricity rates for residential buildings in zip code 28801? ``` **Response:** ``` Retrieving utility rates... For zip code 28801, the average residential electricity rate is $0.12 per kWh. The commercial rate is $0.10 and the industrial rate is $0.08. Would you like to identify the utility companies serving this area? ``` ## Capabilities ### Locate Fuel Infrastructure Find nearby or list all alternative fuel stations (Electric, Hydrogen, E85) using geographical coordinates. ### Estimate Solar Output Calculate the potential annual AC energy production of a photovoltaic system based on its size and location. ### Analyze Resource Potential Check geothermal or solar radiation data (GHI, DNI) for any given geographic coordinate to assess resource viability. ### Map Utility Service Areas Identify which utility companies serve a specific zip code and what their average electricity rates are. ### Retrieve Station Metadata Get comprehensive details on a known fuel station using its unique identifier or list all available stations. ## Use Cases ### Planning a new EV depot route The client needs to run an electric bus route through three different towns. Instead of calling the local transit authority for each one, you use your agent to call `get_nearest_stations` repeatedly along the proposed path and then verify rates using `get_utility_rates`. This immediately flags service gaps or high operational costs. ### Evaluating a commercial site for solar power A client owns an empty lot (coordinates provided) and wants to know the maximum energy output. You run `get_solar_resource` first to validate GHI/DNI, then use that data point in `get_pvwatts_estimates` to provide a solid, quantified yield projection for their investment pitch. ### Assessing mixed-source energy potential The project involves a remote industrial site. You need to know if they can use solar or geothermal power. You run `get_solar_resource` and then immediately follow up with `get_geothermal_resource`. The agent compares the two outputs, giving you immediate options for alternative energy sources. ### Quickly verifying utility serviceability You get a potential address from a real estate listing. Before wasting time on site visits, you use `get_utility_companies` and `get_utility_rates` to confirm two things: 1) Does the utility actually serve this zip code? 2) What are their current rates for industrial power? ## Benefits - Automate feasibility reports. Instead of manually checking multiple government sites for rates and yields, you run `get_utility_rates` combined with `get_pvwatts_estimates` to build a cost-benefit analysis in minutes. - Map infrastructure gaps instantly. Use `get_nearest_stations` to see exactly where charging stations are relative to a route, ensuring your client's fleet never gets stranded—and list all known sites with `list_alt_fuel_stations` for comparison. - Deep dive into resource quality. Need to know if a site is worth solar power? Run `get_solar_resource` first; it provides GHI and DNI metrics, which are better inputs than just looking at a general map. - Cover the full energy spectrum. This server doesn't stop at solar. You can check geothermal potential (`get_geothermal_resource`) or confirm utility service areas using `get_utility_companies`, giving you a holistic view of site readiness. - Keep your project legally sound. Access incentive data via `list_transportation_incentives` and retrieve state laws to make sure your recommendations are both technically viable and financially supported. ## How It Works The bottom line is you get accurate, actionable energy planning data without having to visit multiple government websites. 1. First, subscribe to the server and acquire your NREL Developer API Key (you get this for free at developer.nrel.gov/signup). 2. Second, pass the required parameters—like coordinates or a zip code—to your AI client, asking it to run an analysis. 3. Finally, the agent executes the necessary tool calls and returns structured data: solar yields, rate tables, or station lists. ## Frequently Asked Questions **How do I find all alternative fuel stations using list_alt_fuel_stations?** You simply call `list_alt_fuel_stations` with no parameters. The agent returns a database listing of every known station, regardless of your specific coordinates or current location. **Is get_pvwatts_estimates used for actual installation planning?** It is designed to estimate potential annual AC energy production using PVWatts® models. Remember this gives you a projection; always cross-reference the result with local utility rates via `get_utility_rates` to account for costs. **What's the difference between get_solar_resource and get_pvwatts_estimates?** `get_solar_resource` provides raw data points like Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) or Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) for a location. `get_pvwatts_estimates` takes those inputs, along with system size, and calculates the resulting energy yield. **Do I need coordinates to use get_utility_companies?** No, you can often specify a zip code for utility lookups. Using a zip code is usually sufficient to identify local companies that serve that area. **How do I handle authentication when using get_station_details?** You must provide an NREL Developer API Key to access this server. Your AI client needs that key passed through the connection settings. Without it, any tool call will fail with an authorization error. **What happens if I use get_utility_rates for a zip code with no recorded data?** The agent handles missing inputs gracefully. Instead of failing, it returns a clear 'No Data Found' message. It often suggests checking adjacent codes or expanding your search area. **Is get_geothermal_resource compatible with different AI clients?** Yes, the tool works across all MCP-compatible agents (Claude, Cursor, etc.). The function only requires latitude and longitude inputs; the client manages the execution environment. **Can I retrieve full metadata using get_station_details?** Absolutely. This tool fetches comprehensive data beyond just location and type. It retrieves complete metadata, station descriptions, unique IDs, and any operational details needed for deep analysis. **Is the NREL API Key free?** Yes! You can sign up for a free API key at https://developer.nrel.gov/signup/. Standard limits apply (1,000 requests per hour). **What is PVWatts used for?** PVWatts estimates the energy production and cost of energy of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) energy systems throughout the world. **Can I search for EV charging stations?** Yes! EV charging stations are included in the Alternative Fuel Stations dataset. Use the `get_nearest_stations` tool to find them near a specific location.