Renewable energy and efficient clean energy technologies are quickly evolving and expanding as sources of power for businesses and consumers. Renewable energy sources now generate over 20 percent of electricity used in the United States, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Renewable energy comes from a variety of sources, all of which produce power without depleting natural resources. We will take a closer look at what renewable energy is, the types of renewable energy generally in use, its benefits, and how you can take advantage of renewable energy options.
Renewable Energy Defined
Renewable energy is power that comes from sources that don’t get used up during the production of power. Solar power, hydropower, and wind power are well-known examples of renewable energy.
Humans have harnessed these power sources for thousands of years. Egyptians designed structures to make optimal use of the sun for heat. Flowing water powered Roman grain mills. Wind drove the boats to every ocean on the planet.
Renewable energy is often described as “green energy” or “clean energy,” but these terms are not interchangeable. The differences between green and renewable energy are important to understand. For example, green energy comes from sources with minimal environmental impact, while clean energy is energy derived from non-renewable sources that do not create carbon emissions during the process of generating electricity. This means that renewable energy, which comes from a variety of sources and produces power without depleting natural resources, can be both green and clean.
Types of Renewable Energy
Of all the alternative energy sources, these are the most common, dependable, and commercially accessible types of renewable energy.
- Wind energy. Wind that turns the blades of modern-day windmills can efficiently power turbines that produce electricity. Wind energy is variable by nature and has a few pros and cons, but it has an important role to play in powering the grid.
- Solar energy. The sun’s rays can heat homes and water and can be captured and turned into electricity. Among the pros and cons of solar energy, the biggest limitation is that it isn’t available at night.
- Hydropower. Like wind, water is a renewable resource that can be used to power electricity-producing turbines.
- Biomass energy. Waste, such as sawdust from sawmills and landfill gas can be turned into low-carbon energy.
- Geothermal energy. Energy from the earth’s interior can be used to heat water. That hot water or steam can power turbines to create electricity.
- Tidal and wave energy. The ebb and flow of tides and energy from waves can be used to produce electricity.
The benefits of renewable energy are driving investments in new ways to harness new sources, to do it more efficiently and dependably, and to minimize any environmental impacts.
What are the Benefits of Renewable Energy?
The great promise of renewable energy is that there is no limit to supplies. We won’t run out of wind and solar any time soon, so these sources are feasible for the long term. In the near term, they help us power our businesses and homes while fostering energy independence.
Because they produce little harmful emissions, use of renewable energy reduces air pollution and helps prevent global warming. The immediate impact is a healthier environment today with a long-term benefit of protecting the planet.
Renewable energy may help reduce energy bills. As the technology improves, efficiency increases and costs go down.
Businesses and homeowners who invest in renewable energy on their properties can sometimes sell back excess power to utilities, creating a revenue stream that offsets the cost of installing and operating these systems.
Constellation and Renewable Energy
Homeowners across the country can take advantage of Constellation’s residential renewable energy options. We offer programs that give you access to clean renewable energy so that you can contribute to a healthier environment.
Another option is taking advantage of our programs for designing, installing, financing, insuring and maintaining a residential solar system for your home. We make it simple to go solar in eight states and possibly save money on your power bill.
Renewable energy is a fast-evolving field. We continue to make investments for improving its effectiveness and efficiency so that we can serve you better while caring for our planet.