Renewable Energy
Renewable energy (RE) effectively uses natural resources such as wind, solar and geothermal heat which are naturally replenished. RE technologies include: solar photovoltaic (PV) electrical generation systems, solar thermal hot water systems, wind turbine electrical generation systems and geothermal heat pump systems. Large scale and small scale hydroelectricity, biomass and biofuels are also examples for RE.
Currently, about 13% of the world's primary energy comes from RE, with most of that coming from biomass (wood burning). Large scale hydropower provides 2-3% and solar, wind power provide less than 1%.
Things are changing. As fossil fuel power generation becomes more expensive, RE markets are beginning to develop both commercially and residentially. Additionally, federal, state and local governments are providing grants and tax credits for RE installations.
With appropriate cost incentives, installing a RE system(s) makes sense. You'll reduce future energy costs, provide green/clean energy for the power grid, help offset environmental damage, and possibly gain energy independence.
RE systems are also well suited for off-grid power applications. Their time has arrived!
Links
Website |
Details |
|---|---|
| www.findsolar.com | Find a solar contractor |
| www.nrel.gov | National Renewable Energy Laboratory info |
| www.prsea.org | Potomac Region Solar Energy Assoc. |
| www.pbs.org | Nova's "Saved by the Sun" documentary - a great primer on everything solar |
| www.dsireusa.org | Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency |
| www.ases.org | American Solar Energy Society |
| www.awea.org | American Wind Energy Association |