Renewable Energy Explained

Renewable energy sources come from nature much like gas and coal. Renewable energies are almost the holy grail of power, we can harvest them, use them and they will regenerate without harm. However, these energy sources are not all that common place. In fact, in 2009, around 8 percent of the energy used in the U.S. came from the four major sources of renewable energy, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The Different Types of Renewable Energy

Solar Power

Solar energy comes from the heat of the sun. Solar energy can be harvested in smaller quantities for a single home or in large quantities to power an entire neighborhood. For smaller homes, builders install solar panels covered in photovoltaic cells in sunny areas, usually on the roof. The panels harvest heat from the sun's rays and convert the heat into energy that can heat water or provide electricity. Larger areas use huge solar farms full of solar panels or large mirrors to harvest the heat.

Wind

Wind creates kinetic energy. A windmill can collect this kinetic energy and use it to power a generator that generates electricity. The electricity from the generator is sent directly to an electric power grid which provides electricity. Large wind power farms exist across the west coast where wind is a common occurrence. However, wind energy is not a reliable source for many areas of the world. Since wind farms take large amounts of land, highly developed areas simply do not have the space needed for the windmills.

Hydropower

Hydropower is the process of creating electricity from water. Hydropower is a common source of renewable energy. In 2009, hydropower made up 7 percent of the electricity created in the U.S., according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. To create hydropower, builders place a large turbine in front of a quickly moving stream of water, such as a dam. When the water pushes against the turbine, the blades spin a generator that produces electricity.

Biomass

Biomass is the process of burning organic material to create energy. We've used this renewable energy source for hundreds of years by burning wood to create heat. Today, many areas burn landfill waste to create heat which they then convert into electricity. Ethanol is also a form of modern day biomass. Ethanol and other Biodiesels come from plants like corn and sugar cane and offer an alternative to gasoline.

What is Renewable Energy?, U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Wind Explained, U.S. Energy Information Administration.