Renewable Energy Sources to Know for AP Environmental Science (AP) (copy)

Solar Energy

Energy derived from the Sun, captured primarily through Photovoltaic (PV) cells and solar thermal systems.

Photovoltaic (PV) Cells

Devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials.

Solar Thermal Systems

Systems that focus sunlight to generate heat, used to produce steam that drives turbines.

Intermittency

A challenge in renewable energy representing variable availability, such as solar energy only during daylight hours.

Wind Power

Energy harnessed from the kinetic energy of moving air using turbines.

Hydroelectric Power

Power generated by capturing the energy of flowing or falling water, commonly through dams or run-of-river systems.

Geothermal Energy

Energy derived from the heat beneath the Earth's surface, accessed by drilling wells.

Biomass Energy

Energy produced from burning or processing organic materials to generate electricity, heat, or biofuels.

Tidal Energy

Energy generated by harnessing the gravitational interactions that create tidal movements.

Wave Energy

Energy captured from the motion of surface waves on oceans or seas.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Devices that generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

Nuclear Fusion

A potential future energy source that combines light atomic nuclei to release large amounts of energy.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)

A method of generating electricity using the temperature difference between warm surface water and cold deep water.