Category Archives: Renewable Energy

Articles about non-solar electric renewable energy technologies and resources, including wind, hydro, biomass, etc.

What is solar energy?

Simply put, solar energy is energy from the sun. It’s the most abundant energy resource on Earth and can be converted from radiant energy from the sun to electrical or thermal energy. We use solar energy for many purposes, such as powering and heating homes, businesses, utilities, and more. Solar power is a renewable resource and, as such, is a critical part of our clean energy future. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about solar energy, including how it works and its applications.

Continue reading →

What are the pros and cons of renewable energy?

Wind power, geothermal energy, solar energy, hydropower, tidal energy, hydrogen, and other renewable technologies are a widely popular source of energy throughout the world today as we move toward a zero-carbon future. Countries, corporations, and individuals are adopting clean energy for a number of great benefits, from reduced air pollution to financial savings. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy.

Continue reading →

What to know about Hawaii’s clean energy transition

If you’ve ever lived in or visited Hawaii, you know it’s a special place. One of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, with a number of endemic species, Hawaii is a key place that needs to be preserved. But, just like everywhere in the world, Hawaii’s ecosystems face significant risks due to the Earth’s warming climate.

Continue reading →

Home wind turbines: are they right for you?

Not every property is suitable for solar panels. However, that does not mean that you won’t be able to generate clean energy on your property. One renewable energy technology that’s becoming an increasingly popular alternative for homeowners looking to generate their own clean electricity is small wind turbines.

Continue reading →

Economic benefits of renewable energy

As renewable energy becomes more widely adopted throughout the United States, it is worth pausing to take stock of the economic benefits associated with increased levels of solar, wind and other renewable energy resources. From providing lower cost electricity to generating reliable, local jobs and to avoiding costly externalities associated with emissions from burning fossil fuels, renewable energy is an economic boon.

Continue reading →

Solar energy vs. wind energy: which is right for you?

Installing a renewable energy system on your property is one of the best ways to save money on your electricity bills while reducing your impact on the environment. Often, your decision will be between solar energy and wind energy. If you’re a homeowner weighing your renewable energy options, you already know that thorough research is the best way to find the right system for your home. Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits of residential wind vs. solar so that you can make your decision with confidence.

Continue reading →

Concentrated solar power (CSP): what you need to know

Many people are familiar with solar photovoltaic (PV) or solar hot water systems. But in sunny spaces across the world, another lesser-known technology exists as a different way to take advantage of the sun’s energy: concentrated solar power (CSP). In this article, we’ll describe how concentrated solar power technology works, the types of concentrated solar systems, and how the technology compares to the solar photovoltaic panels you might install on your property.

Continue reading →

Solar thermal energy: what you need to know

There are two key methods for harnessing the power of the sun: either by generating electricity directly using solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or generating heat through solar thermal technologies. While the two types of solar energy are similar, they differ in their costs, benefits, and applications.

Continue reading →

Solar vs. nuclear: battle for the best carbon-free power

Over the last few years, solar capacity in the United States has truly taken off. Over 58 gigawatts (or million kilowatts) of solar capacity are currently installed across nearly 2 million projects, and at least 3.7 gigawatts more are in the pipeline as of late 2018. At the same time, the fate of nuclear power in the country is at a crossroads. Only one single nuclear unit has been completed in the U.S. since the 1990s, and the two most recent projects are experiencing delays, cost overruns, and ultimately cancellations.

Continue reading →

Comparing solar energy and geothermal energy

Like solar energy, geothermal energy is a renewable source of power that can be installed for residential use. However, the two technologies differ in what they are capable of doing and who they are best suited for. Read on to learn how geothermal energy works, along with the similarities and differences for solar vs. geothermal.

Continue reading →