Renewable Energy - a primer
Renewable energy sources are those that produce electricity or thermal energy without depleting resources. Renewable energy is expected to comprise a larger portion of the global market share in the near future as alternative energies gain momentum in replacing traditional fossil fuel-based methods of energy production. Solar, wind, low-impact hydro, earth and biomass power, and energy from waste are examples of renewable energies available for a variety of residential, commercial and industrial applications. The most common residential uses of renewables include solar, wind and earth energy.
Solar Energy
Some common uses of solar energy in residential applications include:
Solar electric/photovoltaics:
Photovoltaic energy is the conversion of sunlight into electricity through a photovoltaic, or solar, cell. Sunlight is composed of particles of energy that are absorbed by the solar cell and directed to flow in a path, which is defined as electricity. The system is comprised of a series of collector panels, wires, batteries and devices that convert electricity into its alternating current (AC) form for use in powering household appliances and lights. Solar electric power is clean and renewable, with no adverse environmental effects such as greenhouse gas emissions or smog-causing pollutants.
Solar Thermal:
Solar thermal energy is generated by exposing a collecting device to the sun and using the heat absorbed to warm water. These systems are comprised of a series of collector panels, pumps, wires, tubing, heat exchangers and insulated storage tanks to hold heated water for use in future energy production. Like solar electric power, solar thermal systems harness the sun’s heat and convert it to energy that is clean, reliable and renewable.
Solar Energy Society of Canada
Wind
Wind energy is derived from harnessing the power of wind to produce energy. This clean power source is gaining popularity around the world, mainly due to its abundance and thus accessibility. With greater investment in and uptake of wind power, this energy source has the potential to provide 20% of the electricity used in Canada. Wind power does not produce air emissions, hazardous waste, or greenhouse gases and in place of conventional energy reduces contributions to smog and acid rain.
Canadian Wind Energy Association
Earth Energy
Earth or geothermal energy is renewable energy that comes from the earth. The energy from the sun that is absorbed into the ground is harnessed through a geothermal unit and ground loop, or intricate system of underground pipes. The unit transfers heat through the house using standard air ducts, and reverses its role in the summer by removing heated air from the house and directing it back into the ground, leaving the home cool.
Earth Energy Society of Canada
Ontario Solar Energy Systems Rebate
As an added incentive to Ontario residents who install or upgrade existing solar energy systems on their homes, the Government of Ontario is offering a rebate on the retail sales tax (RST) paid for the system. This incentive emerged in 2002 out of a recognition by the government that there is a need to increase support for alternative and renewable energy, and has been extended until 2010.
Learn more about the provincial government’s RST rebate on residential solar energy applications.
More About Renewable Energy
For more information about renewable energy, visit Citizens For Renewable Energy (CFRE) or Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW).