Module 11.2

renewable energy

energy from sources that are replenished over short time scales or that are perpetually available

Sustainable energy

energy from sources that are renewable and have a low environmental impact

biomass energy

energy that is harnessed when biological material is burned

wind power

energy contained in the motion of air across Earth's surface

solar power

energy harnessed from the Sun in the form of heat or light, and it can be used in two ways: through active or passive technologies

photovoltaic (PV) cells

convert sunlight directly into electrical energy

active solar technologies

convert sunlight directly into electrical energy

passive solar technologies

the capture of solar energy (heat or light) without any electronic or mechanical assistance

payback time

the amount of time it would take to save enough money in operation costs to pay for the equipment

geothermal energy

Energy derived from the heat in the interior of the earth

geothermal power plants

power plants that use the heat of hydrothermal reservoirs to produce steam and turn turbines to generate electricity

geothermal heat pumps

A system that actively moves heat from the underground into a house to warm it or removes heat from a house to cool it

hydropower

Electricity generated from the energy of moving water

smart grid

delivers electricity using two-way digital technology