What Kind of Renewable Energy Is Best?
Renewable energy comes in a variety of forms. Each has special benefits and drawbacks of its own. Renewable energy sources that don't release hazardous air pollutants or greenhouse gases include wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal power. The amount of sunlight, wind, and water that a location has determines the greatest renewable energy source for that area. All three are found in some areas. PV (photovoltaic) systems turn sunlight directly into electricity by using photovoltaic cells on rooftops or in solar farms that are installed on the ground. Using mirrors or lenses, concentrated solar power (CSP) systems direct sunlight onto fluid-filled receivers that may reach temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Celsius. Heat changes the fluid into steam, which powers a turbine to generate energy. Solar energy is the most environmentally sustainable of the renewable energies because it doesn't produce any greenhouse gases or air pollutants during production. On a per-kilowatt ba...