We’ll start with passive solar energy. This form of solar energy basically relies on the sun to be shining. Special materials built into a home make use of this energy with greenhouse glass, which focuses the light into heat, and specially built walls that capture heat and disperse it about the home. These materials are usually built into the south side of any home to make the most of the sunlight.

Active solar energy relies on all those fancy solar arrays and cells you see on top of houses and even on the International Space Station. These implements actually capture solar radiation which can then be channeled into immediate energy applications like heating water or cooking or lighting a room.

Both types of solar energy are used each day, but understanding each and how they work is important if any progress is to be made in the field of renewable energy.

First, you can explain that the natural environments around them are affected by everything we do, whether it is throwing trash away or flushing the toilet. There is no need to get excessively technical in how you explain sustainability, keep it simple and as they get older they will begin to understand a more in depth explanation. One of the more important ways to teach the next generation is to be a great example of what they should do when they grow up, if they see good examples or this at a young age then they will naturally mimic their parents. Also, get them involved in key acts such as recycling, farming or simply turning of the lights when they are not needed, this will form good habits as a child that will certainly carry on through adulthood.

Hydro-power – Hydro-power is the use of turbines to harness the movement of water to generate electricity. Harnessed through the use of dams, the best example of Hydro-power is the Hover Dam.

Wind Power – Harnessing the wind as a source of renewable energy requires the use of windmills or huge wind turbines. This renewable energy source has been used for hundreds of years to pump water or grind grains in the mills.

Solar Power – While this renewable energy takes a bit more technology to harness than the previous two listed, the significant potential to harness the energy of the sun is not one that should be overlooked. The use of solar power is expected to drastically increase with the development of more efficient and affordable solar technologies.

Geothermal Power – This is a less commonly known source for renewable energy. Geothermal power harnesses the natural heat trapped within the earth to produce energy. These power plants use the hot water and steam found within the reservoirs underground to directly drive a turbine and create its electricity.

Biomass Power – Biomass power is gathered from the energy in plants and material created from plants. Good examples are food crops, woody plants, residues from agriculture and forestry as well as organic wastes from municipal and industrial wastes. A more direct example is burning “black liquor” which is a waste product from creating paper, paperboard products and pulp.You thought this was good? Brace yourself: Enel Green Power Wind Farm Enters Operation in Portugal

Burning food when so much of the world is starving for no reason is simply foolish, and this is one example of how a half baked idea can quickly cause collateral damage to everyone concerned. There are certain renewable forms of energy such as solar, wind, thermal, and ocean current power that have yet to be fully explored. The reasons behind this lack of exploration are mired in gas and oil company patents, but one thing is clear…ethanol is a bad idea.More info here: Research Draft Part 3: Ethanol is not cool

Solar panels utilize the natural energy of the sun. They do this naturally so all you do is benefit from using them. You do not have to go up on the roof to turn them around or even turn on a switch. Many people from all over the US have saved in electricity costs and increased the value of their homes by investing in solar panels. When looking for a company to install solar panels look for one that is know in the area you live in. Check with the Chamber of Commerce or friends to get leads. Try to talk to some customers before deciding to see if they have had the results they wanted. Solar panels are great way to get started saving on electricity in the coming years.