In the 1970s, photovoltaic systems grew rapidly. President Jimmy Carter put a solar water heater on the White House’s roof and set a goal of 20% solar energy usage by the year 2000. However,...
There are many factors that should be considered when developing renewable energy sources. The types of renewable energy resources available vary greatly depending on the location and the specific customer base. For example, geothermal...
Renewable energy is energy produced from sources other than fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are produced naturally, but these processes are not fast enough to replenish the supply as humans use them. That means that...
Energy is a physical quantity that is not limited by the size of a molecule. It can be transferred from one system to another and is recognizable through its performance of work, or in...
Many utility companies have introduced time-varying rates to mirror the cost of electricity production. Using a PV solar array to produce electricity can offset the most expensive electricity. In the U.S., an average solar...
The sun provides us with enough energy to power our homes. An hour and a half of sunlight can supply the world with enough energy to power all of its energy needs. Solar technologies...
Renewable resources include land, water, and energy. The most common resource is sunlight, which we harness to generate solar energy for homes and buildings. Solar energy is also useful for generating electricity, although the...
During human history, most sources of energy were renewable. Biomass was burned for heat and to feed animals. As nonrenewable sources began to dominate the world’s energy supply in the early 1800s, renewable energy...
Energy is the quantitative property of matter that can be transferred from one system to another. It is recognizable in the form of heat, light, and work. Energy is a conserved quantity – it...
If you want to install solar panels on your property, you’ll need to understand how it works. This type of system creates large amounts of electricity and has low operational costs. The panels themselves...