The Top Advantages of Renewable Energy

Dec 01, 2022

Renewable energy sources are by definition constantly replenished. Fossil fuels like coal or gasoline burn up and are gone, but the sun keeps shining and the wind keeps blowing no matter how many homes use them to make electricity. 

The main types of renewable energy sources include: solar, wind, geothermal, bioenergy, hydropower, and hydrogen. These types of energy are also called clean energy . 

Below we take a closer look at six of the most common alternative energy types along with their benefits: 

Solar Power  

Solar power is a type of renewable energy that captures the sun’s energy. There are several types of solar power, but the best known is photovoltaic (PV) solar which uses solar cell technology to convert sunlight. 

SunPower® solar panels feature Maxeon® solar cells that contain a unique, light-trapping surface to harvest power from visible light as well as infrared and ultraviolet light waves. It’s this technology that not only makes SunPower solar panels the most efficient in the market1 but helps solar system owners generate enough power to save money over time. And with the most comprehensive 25-year warranty in the industry, a SunPower solar system can go on to produce clean energy for decades. 

Wind  

Wind and solar are the two fastest-growing types of utility-scale electrical generation in the United States , according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Wind flow is captured by giant turbines and converted into electricity. In fact, wind turbines can convert almost half of the wind that hits them into electrical power. 

Geothermal  

Geothermal power plants harness heat generated from the earth , usually in areas near volcanos or tectonic activity – though geothermal power can be found in other places as well. A geothermal plant can be put on a small plot of land as long as there’s plenty of heat coming up from the earth. 

Bioenergy  

People have been using biological matter to create energy for centuries. This can include a simple campfire or turning biological matter into fuel (like using corn to make ethanol for cars). Bioenergy can also involve using bacteria to release gas that can generate power. Materials for bioenergy can be found everywhere and using them for this purpose often gets rid of waste in a constructive way. 

Hydropower  

This type of energy is created by moving water . Damming a river forms a reservoir, and the water from the reservoir spins a turbine that produces electricity. 

Like hydropower, hydrokinetic uses the energy created by moving water. However, hydrokinetic power uses the motion of ocean waves and free-flowing water in rivers. Oceans cover more than 70 percent of the planet and the energy generated by all those waves can be used to spin turbines. More than half of Americans live near coastlines, so the power would be near large population centers. However, hydrokinetic energy is still largely experimental and the environmental impacts on marine life remain unclear. 

Hydrogen  

Hydrogen is the most common element in the universe, and it can generate a lot of energy while producing little or no pollution . Liquid hydrogen has been used since the 1950s to launch rockets into orbit. Hydrogen fuel cells in cars and other vehicles convert the potential chemical energy of hydrogen into electricity, with water and heat as the only byproducts. 

All of the sources mentioned above have been developed to create a more environmentally friendly approach towards powering our world. Unlike fossil fuels that have a limited lifespan, these six types of alternative energy are providing innovative solutions to utilize resources that are readily available. Some, like bioenergy, are even taking on two environmental challenges by eliminating both greenhouse gasses and waste. These efforts paired with their increasing affordability provide more accessibility to cleaner power options, making them more commonplace. 

While many of the forms mentioned above are still being perfected, solar technology remains one of the least polluting forms of renewable energy, as well as one of the most affordable. With multiple solar solutions that are readily available for home and business installation, SunPower provides an easy and reliable way to start enjoying the benefits of renewable energy right away. To find out more about how to go solar, sign up for an online consultation with one of our knowledgeable solar consultants. 

Why Degradation Rate is Important When Choosing Solar Panels

05 Sept, 2023
When deciding which solar panels are right for your home, there’s more to consider than just pricing. Sure, a low-cost option might seem attractive at first glance but will your investment be worth its weight 10, 20 or even 30 years down the line?

What’s the Best Direction for Solar Panels to Face?

07 Aug, 2023
In the past, there was only one answer to the question, “What’s the best direction for solar panels to be pointed?” In the Northern Hemisphere, that direction was south. Because the sun shines directly over the equator most of the time, south-facing solar panels have an opportunity to collect more sunlight and generate more solar energy.

How to Get More Value Out of Your Solar System

13 Jul, 2023
While generating power from the sun is without cost, the technology behind this process is not. The reality is solar panels are an investment – much like a home – that has an upfront cost but pays off in the long term. The installation can be compared to a small construction project and each module contains multiple parts to make everything run smoothly. So, how does a homeowner ensure that taking a chance on clean energy solutions will be worthwhile?

How to Avoid Solar Scammers

19 Jun, 2023
A growing number of people are eager to learn more about solar energy and find out what kind of savings it can provide. Unfortunately, many con artists understand this well and have designed schemes that can turn the dreams of residential solar power into a nightmare for some homeowners.

Why Should You Get a Custom Quote?

24 May, 2023
More than 380,000 homeowners have already turned to SunPower solar solutions. For the many others looking to adopt this renewable energy source, there’s often a very natural question that surfaces: How much does going solar cost?

Are There Different Types of Solar Cells?

19 Apr, 2023
It may seem obvious to say, but not all solar cells are the same. From the type of silicon used to the design of the solar cell, there are many aspects that determine the efficiency and durability of solar panels. It can be a bit overwhelming to understand what’s out there and what’s right for your home, so we’ll try to break it down for you.

What’s the Best Direction for Solar Panels to Face?

02 Mar, 2023
In the past, there was only one answer to the question, “What’s the best direction for solar panels to be pointed?” In the Northern Hemisphere, that direction was south. Because the sun shines directly over the equator most of the time, south-facing solar panels have an opportunity to collect more sunlight and generate more solar energy .

The Top 3 Solar Power Questions Homeowners Want Answered

27 Feb, 2023
The SunPower team calls from homeowners interested in solar, answers their questions and then connects them to one of our dealer partners partners . As you might imagine, questions range from the informational “How does solar work?” to the more complex “How efficient are SunPower's solar panels?”. The following are some of the most popular questions the team fields from those looking to go solar, save money on their energy bill and reduce their carbon footprint.

Moving? How SunPower Helps Homeowners with Their Solar System During Life Changes

14 Jan, 2023
Buying or selling a home is a big change for any family. There are several things to consider during the process, making the question of what to do with your solar system feel daunting. But it doesn’t have to feel this way. Realtors and homeowners are also increasingly savvy about promoting the value of solar power when it comes to home sales and purchases. But even without that expertise, the ins and outs of buying and selling homes with solar panels aren’t that complicated.

Generators vs. Batteries: Which is the Better Backup?

01 Nov, 2022
A well-designed solar system can meet the majority of the electricity needs for a homeowner, but there are times when power needs to be pulled from the grid. While many energy providers give the option of net metering to cover the cost of electricity used from the local power company, it’s not available to all solar homeowners. Having a backup supply of electricity can provide power during outages like PG&E's Public Power Safety Shutoffs and can also provide more electricity cost savings.
More posts
Share by: