Ray of light

We owe our lives to the sun... How is it, then, that we feel no gratitude?

~~ Lewis Thomas

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Here are some Frequently Asked Questions and answers regarding renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, from the American Solar Energy Society.  Check out their website if you have a chance, it's packed with great information and links to wonderful resources that will help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

FAQ's

What is renewable energy?

The United States currently relies heavily on coal, oil, and natural gas for its energy. Fossil fuels are nonrenewable, that is, they draw on finite resources that will eventually dwindle, becoming too expensive or too environmentally damaging to retrieve. In contrast, renewable energy resources - such as wind and solar energy - are constantly replenished and will never run out.

Why is renewable energy important?

Renewable energy is important because of the benefits it provides. The key benefits are: (1) Environmental benefits (2) Energy for our children and grandchildren (3)Jobs and the economy (4) Energy security.

Why is energy efficiency important?

Energy efficiency means using less energy to accomplish the same task. By improving your energy efficiency, you reduce the size (and cost) of the renewable energy system needed to power your home. Improving your energy efficiency is the first and most important step toward adopting renewable energy.

The more efficient use of energy throughout our country results in less money spent on energy by homeowners, schools, government agencies, businesses, and industries. The money that would have been spent on energy can instead be spent on consumer goods, education, services, and products. For more information, see the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and the Alliance to Save Energy Web sites.

An energy-efficient economy can grow without using more energy. In 1998, for instance, the U.S. gross domestic product increased 3.9%, while U.S. energy use decreased by 0.3%.

What are the benefits of renewable energy systems?

Renewable energy sources are clean and inexhaustible. The money spent on renewable energy installations tends to remain in the community, creating jobs and fueling local economies. The use of renewable energy equipment also reduces our dependence on foreign and/or centralized sources of energy, and is an important strategy in the process of creating a truly secure and sustainable energy future.

How does renewable energy help our economy?

Many U.S. communities have to import fossil fuels, such as oil and natural gas, to provide electricity, heating, and fuel. The cost of these fossil fuels can add up to billions of dollars. And every dollar spent on energy imports is a dollar that the local economy loses. Renewable energy resources, however, are developed locally. The dollars spent on energy stay at home, creating more jobs and fostering economic growth.

Renewable energy technologies are labor intensive. Jobs evolve directly from the manufacture, design, installation, servicing, and marketing of renewable energy products. Jobs even arise indirectly from businesses that supply renewable energy companies with raw materials, transportation, equipment, and professional services, such as accounting and clerical services.

In turn, the wages and salaries generated from these jobs provide additional income in the local economy. Renewable energy companies also contribute more tax revenue locally than conventional energy sources.

The economic advantages of renewable energy also extend far beyond the local economy. The whole country benefits. In 1997, the United States spent about $65 billion dollars outside the country to pay for fossil fuels. But as one of the world leading manufacturers of renewable energy systems, we can bring in more money with the increased use of renewable energy sources around the world. Currently, for example, the United States manufactures about two-thirds of the world photovoltaic (PV) systems. And it exports about 70% of these PV systems, mostly to developing nations, resulting in annual sales of more than $300 million.

How does renewable energy improve national security?

Our national energy security continues to be threatened by our dependency on fossil fuels. These conventional energy sources are vulnerable to political instabilities, trade disputes, embargoes, and other disruptions.

U.S domestic oil production has been declining since 1970. In 1973, the United States only imported about 34% of its oil. Today, our country imports more than 53%, and it is estimated that this could increase to 75% by 2010.

Most of the world oil reserves are now in the Middle East. We have witnessed this shift in economic influence through the last three sharp increases in the world oil prices: the Arab Oil Embargo in 1974, the Iranian Oil Embargo in 1979, and the Persian Gulf War in 1990. It has resulted in periods of negative economic growth and a rising trade deficit.

But with renewable energy, we can decrease our dependency on foreign oil imports. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that if we displace 10% of our petroleum use for transportation with biofuels, which are produced from organic material, we could save about $15 billion from 2000 to 2010. A 20% displacement could save us about $50 billion from 2010 to 2030. This would strengthen our energy security, as well as our economic and national security.

How fast is the need for electricity growing?

The World Bank projects that the world electrical generating capacity will increase to 5 million megawatts by the year 2020, up from about 3.18 million in 1999.

How fast is the use of solar energy growing?

Shell International predicts that renewable energy will supply 60% of the world energy by 2060. The World Bank estimates that the global market for solar electricity will reach $4 trillion in about 30 years.

Can I use solar for my home or business? How do I know if I have enough sun?

Most places have enough solar energy to meet some or all of their needs with solar energy systems. You can get more specific information by contacting a local solar system designer, installer, solar architect or builder to discuss your power requirements, particulars of your property, what type of systems would suit your needs, sunlight availability, etc. In general, solar energy systems produce energy even under cloudy skies (although less than under full sunlight).