To give you a better understanding of renewable energy, we have described the most common forms available. For additional guidance in any of these subjects please feel free to contact our office for more information and technical assistance.
- Biodiesel
A form of biomass energy derived from natural oils, such as soybean or grains, biodiesel can also be made from wastegrease, including that which is collected from restaurants. Any regular diesel enegine can use biodiesel without any necessary modifications. Using biodiesel rather than conventional fuels substantially decreases the amount of hazadorous emissions — including hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate — being released.
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Biomass Energy
Also known as "bioenergy," it is the energy created by plants and plant-derived materials. It is considered the oldest form of energy used by humans (the burning of wood to keep warm and to cook). Although wood still remains the largest source of biomass energy, it can also be derived from food crops, grass and woodplants, residues from agriculture and the organic component of industrial wastes. By converting biomass to biofuels — the only renewable liquid fuels available to meet transportation needs — dependence on foreign oil can be significantly reduced.
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Geothermal Energy
This energy comes directly from the earth. This internal heat has a few different sources including geothermal reservoirs located beneath the earth's surface. In the United States, the majority of geothermal reservoirs are located in the Western states and Hawaii. California is the state that produces the most electricity from geothermal energy.
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Hydropower
Also known as hydroelectric power, this energy is derived from the force of moving water. Water is captured and channelled through a system, forcing it against blades in a turbine that, in turn, move, spinning a generator to create electricity. It is one of the oldest sources of electricity and the United States currently generates about 10 percent of its energy with hydroelectric power.
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HERS
HERS (Home Energy Rating Systems) provide a standardized evaluation of a home's energy efficiency and expected energy costs. An energy rating can maximize the value of the largest single investment most home owners are likely to make in their entire lifetime. HERS Ratings provide a relative energy use index called the HERS Index - a HERS Index of 100 represents the energy use of the "American Standard Building" and an Index of 0 (zero) indicates that the proposed building uses no net purchased energy (a Zero Energy Building).
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ENERGY STAR
To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes.
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Northwest ENERGY STAR
The Northwest ENERGY STAR Home program encourages the construction of homes to ENERGY STAR standards designed specifically for the Northwest. The Northwest ENERGY STAR homes program is a four-state regional program operating in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.
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Solar Energy
Solar energy is generated from sunlight. A variety of technologies fall under this catergory including:
Passive solar heating and daylighting
This technology captures the heat from the sun to warm buildings. Buildings that are designed to use passive solar technology incorporate features like large south-facing windows (this side of the building receives the most sunlight) and trombe walls, which are made from materials that effectively absorb the sun's heat and slowly release it throughout the structure. Passive solar designs can also incorporate natural ventilation systems for keeping structures cool as well.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems
These systems utilize solar cells to directly convert sunlight into electricity. Solar panels usually consist of solar cells. An average house will use between 10 and 20 solar panels to power it properly. A 1 kWh PV system producing 150 kWh each month prevents 150 pounds of coal from being mined, 200 pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere and 105 gallons of water from being consumed.
Solar hot water
Water is heated by solar energy. Solar hot water panels are the most cost-effective method for using the sun's energy. A solar collector and a storage tank are the two main components of a solar hot water system. The solar collector attracts and captures the sun's heat to warm the water that is being piped through it. The heated water is funneled to a storage tank that keeps it hot even after the sun has set. When a solar water heater replaces an electric water heater, the electricity displaced over a 20-year period represents more than 50 tons of avoided CO2 emissions.
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Wind Energy
Wind energy is the power generated by air in motion. This energy can be used to generate electricity, charge batteries, and pump water, among other uses. Wind turbines are used to collect the wind's kinetic energy. Wind flows over the blades of these machines causing them to turn. The spinning blades are attached to a generator which also spins and produces electricity. Using a 100 kWh of wind power each month is the equivalent to planting a half acre of trees or not driving 2,400 miles.
Wind turbines
Wind turbines are the machines used to generate electricity from the wind. Large, modern wind turbines work together on wind farms to produce electricity for utilities. Small turbines are used by individual homeowners and remote towns to meet specific energy needs. The following factors affect the output of wind turbines: the speed and force of the wind, the location (a high altitude, free of obstructions is best) and the size of the rotor.
