Every day,
cleaner renewable energy becomes more cost-effective through
innovation and rising oil prices. Some renewable energy systems
can be applied directly to your household, while others are
tied into the design of the larger electricity grid. Below
is a brief description of several renewable energy sources
including links to learn more about them.
Solar
Solar photovoltaic cells convert the sun’s radiation
directly into electricity. You can use solar panels to power
your home. Arrays of panels called “solar farms” can
also generate electricity for the grid.
Turbines transfer wind energy into mechanical and electrical
energy. “Wind farms,” or strings of wind turbines,
are popping up all over the country. Each turbine can be up to
100 meters in height!
Geothermal converts energy stored as heat within the Earth’s
crust into electricity. Wells are drilled up to one mile deep
to capture the energy within hot rocks that have been heated
by the Earth’s core.
Biomass solutions use the energy stored within plant matter
to produce energy. Plants are harvested and burned, creating
heat that is converted into electricity.
Biofuel liquids are generally created from the breaking down
of organic material through chemical reactions, fermentation,
and heat. Our bus runs on biofuels!
