What is photovoltaic technology?
Photovoltaic (PV) technology is how solar energy is transformed into electricity. The sun can produce electricity through solar cells, also known as photovoltaic ﴾PV﴿. Rays of sunlight hit the solar panel and are absorbed by semiconducting materials, such as silicone. Electrons are ...
- What are alternative energy sources?
Energy derived from sources that are not in widespread use or nontraditional sources, for example, compressed natural gas, solar, hydroelectric, and wind. Alternative energy sources replace more traditional fuel sources such as fossil fuels. The search for alternative energy sources is important ...
- What are alternative fuels?
There are many kinds of fuels for cars and trucks other than gasoline. Alternative fuels are not made from petroleum, a fossil fuel that contributes to air pollution. Alternative fuels meet three criteria: the fuel is substantially nonpetroleum, the fuel yields substantial energy security benefi ...
- What are biofuels?
Biofuels are alternative fuels for cars and trucks. Alternative fuels are not made from petroleum. Biofuels are renewable liquid fuels made from plant matter rather than fossil fuels. Biofuels can help reduce air pollution, greenhouse gases, and dependence on imported oil. Ethanol and biodiesel ...
- What are fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are large deposits underground or under the ocean that are derived from living matter from a long time ago (another geologic time). Fossil fuels produce a significant amount of energy when they are burned. Petroleum, coal and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels ar ...
- What is a flex -fuel vehicle?
Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on gasoline or a combination of up to 85% ethanol plus gasoline. E85 is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. FFVs can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce air pollution. All gasoline vehicles are able to operate on gasoline and ethanol blends up to ...
- What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from any fat or vegetable oil. Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine with minor to no modifications to the engine itself. Biodiesel can be blended with petroleum diesel or used in its pure form. Additional Resources http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesa ...
- What is a hybrid car?
A hybrid car uses two or more forms of power. Hybrid cars are designed for fuel efficiency and low emissions. Most hybrid cars on the road now are gasoline-electric hybrids. Three primary components are integrated to make a hybrid: an internal combustion gas engine, an electric motor and a hi ...
- What is ethanol fuel?
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is an alternative fuel fermented from corn, grains or agricultural waste or it is chemically extracted from ethylene (hydration). It is used primarily as a supplement to gasoline. Pure ethanol is not sold as a stand-alone fuel—it is commonly mixed with gasoline in v ...
- What is geothermal energy?
Geothermal energy is obtained from the hot areas under the surface of the earth in the form of hot water or steam extracted from reservoirs in the earth's crust. Water or steam extracted from geothermal reservoirs can be used for geothermal heat pumps, water heating, or electricity generation. L ...
- What is wind energy?
Wind energy has been used for a long time. Windmills were used to harness the power of the wind before electricity was available. Wind turbines capture the kinetic energy in the wind, converting it into electrical energy. There is tremendous potential in areas with steady wind like the Midwest, ...
- What is solar energy?
Solar energy is the use of sunlight for heating or generating electricity. Solar energy is a renewable energy source since it is replenished by natural processes and it is also considered an alternative energy source since it is not in widespread use at the moment The use of the sun to heat bui ...
