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SOLAR: Thermal energy can be described as either active (heating element within the hot water system heats water on hot days) or passive (water is preheated before entering a water heater). Additionally, solar energy can be used to form electric energy through photovoltaics (solar cells). |
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HYDROPOWER: Conversion of flowing water into usable energy through the use of turbines. It is the largest source of renewable energy providing 10% of the nation’s electricity. |
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WIND: Similar to hydropower except that air is the fluid that drives the rotor. |
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BIOMASS: The conversion of complex carbohydrates in organic matter to energy. This includes trees, crops and industrial by-products. |
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GEOTHERMAL: Through the use of naturally occurring steam and/or hot water from beneath the earth’s surface, a turbine is used to power an electric generator. |
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