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Q:
What is Renewable Energy? A:
Renewable Energy resources are virtually inexhaustible. They include solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydro-power,
wave and tidal action. In 1850, about 90% of the energy consumed in the United States was from renewable energy resources.
Today, about 8% of the electricity used in the US is from renewable energy resources, the rest is a combination of non-renewable
nuclear & fossil fuels: coal, natural gas and oil. (NREL, 2009)
Q:
Why use Renewable Energy? A: It's CLEAN. The more energy we use from renewable resources, the less we will
need to rely on fossil-fuel based energy. We can reduce carbon-dioxide emissions, reduce global warming and keep the air that
we breathe cleaner. It's SECURE. We can reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Renewable Energy
is produced from resources that are available right here in the United States. It's SUSTAINABLE. Renewable
Energy sources such as, wind, solar, water and biomass can never be depleted. If we wish to ensure an unlimited
supply of energy resources for future generations, RENEWABLE ENERGY is the way to go.
Q: What is a 'Net-Zero Energy' home? A: A Net-Zero Energy home is designed and constructed to produce at least
as much energy as it consumes.
Q: How do solar photovoltaic panels work? A: When sunlight strikes the solar panel electrons are
displaced producing electricity that
you can use in your home.
Q:
How does wind power work? A: Wind turbines use the wind's lift force to rotate aerodynamic
blades that turn a generator which creates electricity. Most small wind turbines generate direst current (D/C) electricity.
An inverter must be used to convert the D/C electricity in to alternating Current (A/ C) electricity, which is used in our homes.
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