FAQs

The clean energy industry is going through major changes and developments in recent years. Most of us are aware of the many benefits of clean energy but most are not familiar with the specific details of how the industry works.

In an effort to meet the needs of our clients and expand the knowledge and understanding of this exciting sector, here are some frequently asked questions.

What is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy is any source of energy that exists naturally, is theoretically inexhaustible and is not generated from carbon based fossil or nuclear fuel. It is energy that can be replenished after use. Renewable energy sources have been around since the beginning of time. These sources of energy include wind, sun, tidal and hydro, geothermal, and others.

Why is renewable energy important?

Renewable energy is probably the most effective tool we have to reduce carbon in the atmosphere along with better managing how we use the energy that is produced. Renewable energy usage will greatly reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that come with the traditional energy sources. It provides us an infinite energy source that will be available for generations to come. This energy source allows all of us to contribute to having a direct impact to climate change.

Does renewable energy cause pollution and impact climate change?

First of all, understand that all energy sources have an impact on the environment. It takes raw materials and alternative energy sources to produce the system components. Renewable energy systems produce almost zero pollution and certainly far less than fossil fuel-based energy. If you consider wind and solar power, these systems produce no greenhouse gases. They do contribute to small amounts during the production, transportation, and on-site construction steps.

How does renewable energy help climate change?

Since renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal and others emit close to zero greenhouse gases, they actually help our world to reverse the effects of climate change. Climate change is caused by global warming or when excess greenhouse gas molecules in the atmosphere absorb heat and radiate it back towards the earth’s surface. This increase in the earth’s temperature prematurely melts our ice caps, creates rising sea levels and disrupts our natural climate patterns. This disruption creates catastrophic storms, floods, tornados, and hurricanes. If we fail to address the causes of climate change our earthly habitat will become unlivable and unbearable.

Can clean energy replace fossil fuels?

It is possible for clean energy to replace fossil fuels and we should proceed ahead with all due speed to make this transition. However, despite falling costs, wind and solar energy systems only produce approximately 5.5% of the world’s electricity. Many world nations have established very ambitious goals for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. Germany, for instance, has a goal to garner 80% of its energy generation requirements from renewable sources by 2050. The United States also has a very ambitious goal to phase out fossil fuels but often has political battles to fight before these goals can be realistically obtained.

What are the benefits of using renewable energy in your home and business?

There are many benefits to using renewable energy in your home and business. First of all, it will save you money. Over time the cost of renewable energy systems will be cheaper than traditional carbon-based approaches. Secondly, you will help save our planet and preserve it for use by your children and your children’s children. Thirdly, we believe that it will enhance your brand because your clients and other people will appreciate you making a commitment to create new clean energy jobs while preserving our earthly home.

What is a REC?

A REC or a renewable energy credit is a certificate aimed at tracking the progress and compliance with the Renewable Portfolio Standards of different states and municipalities. RECs should correspond with the environmental attributes of energy generated from renewable energy sources. To be clear, REC is proof that your energy is being produced from renewable energy sources. You will be issued a REC, for example, when one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity is produced and sent to the electricity grid from a renewable energy source.

What is community solar and is it worth it?

Most people want to participate and enjoy the benefits of solar energy but might not own their own home or even live-in high density, urban areas. In these situations, community solar could be the answer to your prayers. Community solar programs offer a way for renters and businesses alike to share in the benefits of solar energy, even if they can’t install solar panels of their own. Community allows multiple customers from the same area to all enjoy the benefits of an off-site solar panel array.

What do you mean by Energy Data Analytics?

Energy Data Analytics is the process of gathering electrical data with the help of software in order to assist energy consumers and suppliers in analyzing, supervising, and optimizing energy related KPIs like sources, uses, consumption, distribution, and many others.

What are the career opportunities in the clean energy sector?

There are a wide variety of roles that involve using energy to conduct daily work items, whether it’s through conserving, reducing or replacing energy. We look for professionals at all levels of the supply chain to use their innovation and problem-solving skills to improve all procedures and processes. The common types of energy careers include:

- Electrician
- Wind turbine technician
- Solar technician
- Solar panel installer
- Solar energy system designer
- Welder
- Industrial engineer
- Data analytics engineer
- Project manager