Renewable REDemption

The manufacture of photovoltaic solar cells involves toxic metals that can be released into the environment.

The installation of photovoltaic solar cells on houses and other buildings can result in the release of chemicals that destroy stratospheric ozone.

Smog and ground-level ozone can be created from pollutants released from photovoltaic solar cells during electricity generation.

Photovoltaic solar cells increase the reliance on transport of fuels long distances from energy sources to homeowners.

The population of fish that migrate to areas upstream from the hydroelectric dam to breed will increase.

Greenhouse gases will be released from the hydroelectric dam during the generation of electricity.

The frequency of floods will increase downstream from the hydroelectric dam.

There will be more erosion than sediment deposition downstream from the hydroelectric dam.

Install south-facing glazed windows in the home and dark surfaces to cover the walls and floors.

Concentrate solar energy on the roof using mirrors to heat water that is then used to generate electricity.

Use photovoltaic cells to convert solar energy into electricity during peak sunlight to charge a battery that can be used for heating at night.

Plant fast-growing trees near the windows of the property to increase shading in the fall and winter.

Photons of light excite electrons that result in a flow of current.

The Sun’s rays warm water that boils and spins a turbine.

The Sun’s rays warm air that turns propeller blades attached to a rotor.

Photons of light activate a generator that converts chemical energy into mechanical energy.

Fuel cell vehicles generate energy by creating a flow of electrons in a semiconducting material such as silicon.

Fuel cell vehicles use hydrogen to generate electricity that runs the motor.

Fuel cell vehicles run on both an internal combustion engine and a backup battery.

Fuel cell vehicles are able to convert waste oil from the food industry into ethanol, which is burned as a source of power.