Type Definition Examples

Solar
energy that comes
from the sun
People use an active home heating system or a
passive home heating system to change solar
power into heat. They also use phototvoltaic cells
to convert solar energy to electricity. Finally, solar
thermal systems are used to harness solar power.
Hydropower
energy that comes
from the force of
moving water
An example of Hydropower is when dams with
turbines are built. When the water flows through
the turbine, or water wheel, it moves and the
kinetic energy of the water becomes mechanical. A
few other examples are OTEC and tidal power, but
you need to be near an ocean to use both of these.
Wind Energy
Energy that comes
from the movement
of air
Wind Energy is created on wind farms. This is
where a large group of wind turbines are located.
There are twoo types of turbines. Horizontal and
vertical. Horizontal machines are harder to
maintain, but more commonly used because they
generate more electricity.
Geothermal
Energy that comes
from the heat within
the Earth
hydrothermal energy is the most commonly used
type of geothermal energy. it uses water and heat
to create electricity. Depending on the heat, this
can be used to heat buildings directly, or to power
turbines to create electricity.
Biomass
any orgainc substance
that can be used as an
energy source.
There are 4 main types of biomass.
Wood and agricultural products, solid
waste, landfill gas, and alcohol fuels.
Wood, crops, seaweed, and animal
waste are common examples of
Biomass.
Advantages Disadvantages
There is an unlimited suppply of solar
energy because the sun is always
releasing it. Also, harnessing solar
power creates no air or water pollution,
and neither does using it.
Solar energy may not be cost effective, which
means we would spend more to get the energy
than we would be saving. Also, storage and backup
are neccesary when it is winter or night time.
Finally, solar energy is not avaliable everywhere
because there is not always enough sunlight to
produce the needed electricity and heating.
Hydropower is abundant, clean and safe. It
can be easily stored in reservoirs and is a
relatively inexpensive way to make electricity.
Also, it offers recreational activities. It is the
most commonly used form of renewable
energy.
hydropower can have a significant impact on the
enviroment, especially on ecosystems downstream
of where the dam is built. This source of power can
only be used if there is a water supply, and the best
stes to create dams have already been developed.
Wind energy is a "free" source of
energy, it produces no water or air
pollution, wind farms are relativly easy
to build,and the land around the wind
farms can still be used for other things.
Wind energy requires constant and large
amounts of wind, so it can not be used
everywhere. Also, wind farms need to have
A LOT of land. Finally, Wind Enrgy can have
a significant visual impact on landscapes.
Provides an unlimited supply of
energy, and produces no air or
water pollution.
The development costs can be expensive
and maintenancecosts, because of
corrosion, can be a problem. Corrosion is
when the metal is eaten away by a chemical
reaction.
Abundant and renewable, can
be used to burn waste
products
Burning biomass can result in air
pollution. Also, biomass may not
be cost effective, which means
you spend more than you save.