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A quick guide to renewable energy
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| Photovoltaic (PV) |
Using the sun’s rays to create electricity. When sunlight hits solar cells made of refined silicon, it creates electricity. Once this electricity passes through an inverter (changing DC current into AC current) it can then be used in common household or commercial appliances. |
| Grid-Tied Solar |
Using PV (photovoltaic) panels to create electricity that can be used on site or pushed back onto the utility grid, running your utility meter backwards. |
| Battery Back-Up |
For both on-grid and off. Batteries enable us to store electricity produced while the sun is shining and use it while the grid is down, or during cloudy weather or night time (for off-grid situations.) |
| Solar Thermal |
Using the sun’s rays to heat our lives. Taking the heat from the sun to heat water for everyday use. Ideal for hot weather. Radiant heating, hot tubs, pools, and any other application where you want to make the warmth of the sun last into cold nights. |
| Hydroelectric |
The largest contributor to our national renewable energy portfolio. While large scale hydroelectric systems come with their own significant environmental problems, small scale hydroelectric systems are environmentally friendly and can be a superb addition to your home electrical system. By using run of the river penstocks to create pressurized water to spin a turbine, you can create electricity while the water returns to the stream/river. If you are lucky enough to have a water source, you will likely have clean power available as long as the water flows. |
