Other Renewable Energy Sources

In the United States, photovoltaic solar panels are the most popular and mature form of home renewable energy generation. However, many other renewable energy sources are already practical on both a residential and a utility scale. Huge wind power installations are being planned and built across the U.S., from California to Texas to Nebraska to off the shore of New Jersey and Massachusetts. Geothermal power for homes is already financially viable for many homeowners. Concentrating Solar Power provides a different way of harnessing the sun’s energy on a massive scale, and systems harnessing tidal energy and wave power are being constructed around the world.

In this section, we offer information on renewable energy beyond solar photovoltaics, from renewable energy projects already in production to new and speculative alternative energy technologies.

Top Five Small Home Wind Turbines

They have been around for centuries, but they are quickly becoming the darlings of the eco-friendlies and clean energy nuts. Windmills, or in this case, wind energy generators, come in all shapes and sizes. But, how feasible and cost-effective would it be for you to integrate a small wind system at your home, cabin, or camp? It might actually be easier than you might think.

Introduction to Geothermal Energy and Ground Source Heat Pumps

Although they sound like they are different terms for the same thing, geothermal energy and ground source heat pumps are two different systems, with little in common other than that they are making use of what lies below the surface of the Earth.

Wind Power Generation Basics

Wind power is one of the cleanest—yet oldest—forms of energy. Once only found on rural farms, wind turbines are making their way into backyards, modern landscapes, and many, many, business plans. How wind power became one of the fastest growing energies in the world, and where it goes in the future has a lot to do with its historical roots, complicated mechanics, and consumer interest from people like you.

News

Interstate Electric Transmission Lines Essential to Growth of Renewable Energy Technologies

Solar Updraft Tower (New and Improved Solar Chimney) Planned in South Melbourne, Australia

Geothermal Energy - It Ain’t Sexy But It’s Smart

Solar Thermal Islands Could Improve Efficiency of Concentrated Solar Power

Solar Power goes to Extremes: Concentrated Solar Power

Top 10 Renewable Energy Technology Gadgets

Texas Wind Power Boom Creates Rural Job Opportunities

New Business Harvests Waste Heat to Run Electric Generators

PVDF Membranes Harvest Power from Raindrops

SeaGen Tidal Power Project in Great Britain

Are you a California homeowner interested in solar? Get a free solar financial analysis from Renewzle and find installers in your area.

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Recent News

  • Renewable Energy Increases Home Values

    BuildingGreen.com features a story on the value that renewable energy can add to a home. Amy Levin, a realtor who completed a LEED platinum registered gut rehab in Washington, DC, had her home appraised at 10% higher value than comparable properties. Interested buyers made offers that exceeded her green investment costs, even [...]

  • Top 10 Renewable Energy Technology Gadgets

    There are a lot of cool gadgets out there, but there’s a fine line between what’s cool and what’s useful. This is a green list of gadgets that are useful, but boast the extra-cool factor of using renewable energy. No batteries required!
    10. The Ship has Landed
    The lightship is a solar-powered LED mounted on suction cups. [...]

  • National Renewable Energy Lab Sets Record for Solar Cell Efficiency

    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the United States has announced that a new device developed by its scientists can convert 40.8 percent of light that hits it into electricity. This bests the previous record of 40.7 percent set by a different organization.
    According to NREL spokesman George Douglas, the new device is both thinner and [...]

  • 1 Block Off the Grid Rolling Out California’s Largest Community Solar Initiative

    San Francisco-based 1 Block Off the Grid (1BOG) announced today that it is teaming up with Real Goods Solar for a 100-home solar campaign in the city. 1 Block Off the Grid is an initiative set on driving renewable energy adoption for residential use through the use of education, private finance, and community purchase programs.
    Essentially, [...]

  • Solar Power Clothing Makes Charging Electronic Devices Easy

    Solar-powered clothing could be the next big trend for environmental enthusiasts. Researchers at North Carolina State University have designed a process called digital textile printing that makes it possible for solar panels to be fitted into jackets and ties.
    The wearable solar panels act much like batteries when energized. With a consistency similar to paper, the [...]

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