Green energy or renewable energy is a hot topic. And for a good reason.
As more and more people look into ways to lessen climate change and move away from fossil fuels, the demand for green energy rises.
If you are looking for information on the types of renewable energy, read on to learn more.
Renewable Energy Sources
Solar: Solar power is created by the sun shining on solar panels, which convert the sunlight into electricity.
Wind: Wind turbines generate electricity from wind power by converting kinetic energy into mechanical motion and then using a generator to produce electricity.
Biomass: Biomass is organic material that can include wood or plant matter that may be burned for fuel.
Hydropower: Hydropower channels the power of moving water to produce electricity.
Geothermal: Geothermal energy is the heat inside the earth.
Let's get to know these energy sources in more detail.
Biomass
Biomass energy is one of the first energy sources humanity relied on for heat and cooking.
Biomass energy comes from organic materials like wood, decomposing crops, animal waste, etc. It is renewable because these sources can always be replanted or continuously produce energy. They are converted by burning or turning into gaseous, solid, or liquid fuels.
Here is what the U.S. Energy Information Administration says - "In 2020, biomass provided about 4,532 trillion British thermal units (TBtu), or about 4.5 quadrillion Btu and equal to about 4.9% of total U.S. primary energy consumption."
See a few of the benefits of biomass energy below -
- Readily Available
- Carbon Neutral
- More Cost-Effective Than Fossil Fuels
Wind Energy
When discussing wind energy, the image of the large white turbines slowly spinning immediately comes to mind.
People have been channelling the power of the wind on land and sea for countless years. Sails catching the air and propelling boats across the ocean and picturesque windmills that dot farming landscapes across the world have been helping humanity do what must have seemed impossible once upon a time.
Today, this renewable energy source produces about 8.4% of the energy the United States generates.
The benefits of wind energy:
- Sustainable Energy
- Clean Energy
- Low-Cost Energy
Geothermal Energy
Tapping into the boundless energy just underneath the earth's crust can generate power to heat, cool, and produce electricity.
The Department of Energy states - "Geothermal power plants produce electricity consistently, running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The power output of a geothermal power plant is highly predictable and stable, thus facilitating energy planning with remarkable accuracy."
Three of the top benefits of Geothermal energy are:
- Less Dependent on Foreign Oil Sources
- Renewable Energy
- Fewer Emissions
Hydropower
The energy in moving water is also known as hydropower. Because of this, the plants that collect this energy build near bodies of water.
Hydropower was a great energy source for years and years, like biomass energy. People incorporated hydropower into running a paddleboat and grinding grain. Over the years, hydropower has dipped in popularity with the rise of other renewable energy including solar panels.
The benefits of hydropower:
- Clean Energy
- Flood Management & Irrigation Assistance
- Affordability
Solar Energy
Many of us are familiar with the sightings of solar panels. We see them on family homes in the neighbourhood, businesses in town, and sometimes we even use them to power road signs.
Solar energy is a phenomenal renewable energy source because of the sun's limitless power. Solar panels have reliable longevity and require minimal to no maintenance. Solar batteries can store any excess energy for later use based on one's energy usage.
The Solar Energy Industries Association, SEIA, states that the solar industry has set a goal of reaching 20% energy generation in the next eight years.
Three top benefits of solar energy include:
- Increased Home Value
- Sustainable Energy
- Produce No Emissions
As the world starts the slow move away from heavy reliance on fossil fuels, the more knowledge we all will have about green energy, the better.
Clean energy is being generated and used not only in homes throughout the world but also by big named companies. The benefits of sustainable energy are crystal clear and, hopefully, end climate change.
Contact us when you are looking for solar energy arrays and solar batteries! Yellowlite is a quality installer of solar panels with many successful installations. Please find out more by visiting our website, www.yellowlite.com.
