Renewable Energy Technologies

There are a variety of sources of renewable energy technologies that can be used to generate electricity.

Solar – converts sunlight or solar radiation into electricity. Two common forms of solar energy are photovoltaic panels, which are semiconductors that directly generate electricity, and solar thermal plants, which use the sun to create steam to turn a turbine.

Wind – is captured by large blades which convert the kinetic energy of wind into electricity by powering turbines. As a renewable energy technology, this is one of the cheapest and fastest growing.

Biopower – uses a renewable supply of organic material, such as wood, agricultural waste and/or methane gases from landfills, to spin a turbine that produces electricity. This reduces our dependence on fossil fuels while promoting local businesses and farming. Using biomass helps reduce the amount of materials going into landfills and reduces methane, a greenhouse gas, as well.

Low-Impact & Small Hydro – channels water through a turbine to generate electricity. Low-impact or small hydro are certified to have low to no environmental impact. Hydro is the oldest and most readily available renewable energy. Some even use the power of the ocean's tides to generate power.

Geothermal – uses steam that lies below the surface of the earth in certain places to generate electricity. It emits little air pollution and has minimal impact on the environment. Incentives are available for residential geothermal heat pump installations.