Green power is a subcategory of renewable energy, it represents renewable energy resources and technologies that provide the highest environmental benefits. Green power would be considered electricity produced from solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, eligible biomass, and low-impact small hydroelectric sources. Consumers often buy what is considered green power for its zero emissions profile and carbon footprint reduction benefits.
The green power renewable energy sources enter our power grid and are hard to tell apart from conventional energy sources. When you turn on your light switch or charge your phone you have no idea where the energy is actually coming from. Renewable energy encompasses the same sources as green energy, green energy more predominately includes technologies and products which can have a substantial impact on both the local and global environment. When you buy green power, you’re also supporting various renewable energy projects and the investment in technologies that help them grow and continue to have an impact on our environment.
There are several types of green energy that come from a wide variety of sources. Some types of green energy are better suited to specific environments or regions, which is why there are so many renewable energy options that filter into the energy grid.
Solar energy is one of the most popular options for green energy, solar panels are one the most common forms of harvesting solar energy. Solar energy is a clean source of energy, it comes directly from the sun. In general start can produce an unimaginable amount of energy via nuclear fusion (this is the process by which smaller atoms are fused together by heat and pressure to create heavier atoms) with a whole lot of energy being emitted during the process. This form of energy then reaches us via solar radiation, we can then collect and convert solar radiation into usable electricity.
Historically we have relied on materials such as coal and oil to provide us with the energy we need. These fuels are a non-renewable source of energy and expel pollution into our environment and atmosphere. Therefore, these sources will eventually run out, that is why it is important to understand and start using other options of renewable, green energy.