Enviro Energy Test Vocabulary

What is Photovoltaic (PV)?

The process of converting sunlight into electricity using semiconducting materials.

What is Passive Solar energy?

Uses the design and materials of a building to capture and distribute solar heat naturally.

What does Active Solar involve?

Uses mechanical devices and systems to collect and convert sunlight into electricity or heat.

What are Biofuels/biodiesel?

Renewable fuel alternative to petroleum-based diesel, made from renewable sources like vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled greases.

What does EROI stand for?

Energy Return on Investment, which measures the energy returned from a fuel source compared to the energy invested in extracting it.

What does "on the grid" mean?

Connected to the grid and can draw power from it when needed.

What does "off the grid" refer to?

Operating independently without relying on the grid.

What is Waste-to-energy (WTE)?

A process that converts waste materials into usable energy through technologies.

What is the function of a Wind turbine?

Converts kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy.

What is a Wind farm?

A collection of wind turbines designed to generate electricity from the wind.

What does a Generator do?

Converts mechanical energy into electricity.

What is a Heat pump?

Transfers heat from one place to another and can be used for both heating and cooling.

What is a Hydrogen fuel cell?

Uses the chemical energy of hydrogen or other fuels to cleanly and efficiently produce electricity.

What is Thermal mass in homes?

Uses the ability of certain materials to absorb, store and release heat, acting as a heat battery to regulate indoor temperatures.

What is E85 fuel?

Fuel blend primarily composed of ethanol and gasoline.