Understanding Renewable Energy

Renewable energy comes from sources that naturally refill.

For example, we can use sunlight, wind, moving water and heat from the ground.

We can also use some types of plant and food waste.

However, these sources do different jobs.

Some make electricity.

Others provide heat.

Meanwhile, heat pumps use electricity to collect heat from the air, ground or water.

So, renewable energy is not one single thing.

It is a group of different ways to make or move energy.


What Is Renewable Energy?

The main renewable energy sources are:

  • Solar
  • Wind
  • Hydro
  • Tidal
  • Wave
  • Geothermal
  • Biomass
  • Biogas

Some of these work well for homes.

For example, solar panels and heat pumps are now common choices.

Small wind and hydro systems can also work.

However, they need the right location.

Tidal and wave systems, on the other hand, are usually much larger projects.

So, before choosing any system, it helps to understand what each one does.


First, Understand Power and Energy

Two words appear again and again in renewable energy:

Power

and

Energy

They are not the same.

Power

Power tells us how fast energy is being used or made.

It is usually shown in:

W = watts

or

kW = kilowatts

There are:

1,000 watts in 1 kilowatt

Energy

Energy tells us how much has been used or made over time.

It is usually shown in:

kWh = kilowatt-hours

The basic formula is:

Energy = Power × Time

Example

If a system makes:

2 kW

for:

3 hours

then:

2 × 3 = 6 kWh

So, it has made:

6 kWh of energy

That simple idea is useful throughout this page.


Solar PV

Turning Light Into Electricity

Solar PV panels make electricity from light.

First, light hits the solar cells.

Next, the cells produce direct current electricity.

Then, an inverter changes this into the type of electricity used in the home.

Solar panels still work on cloudy days.

However, they usually make more electricity in stronger light.


What Does kWp Mean?

Solar systems are often described in:

kWp

This means kilowatt peak.

For example:

4 kWp

This is the rated size of the system.

However, it does not mean the system makes 4 kW all day.

Output changes because of things such as:

  • Time of day
  • Time of year
  • Cloud cover
  • Roof direction
  • Shading
  • Panel temperature

So:

4 kWp = system size

It does not mean:

4 kW all the time


Estimating Solar Output

A simple way to estimate yearly output is:

Yearly output = System size × Local yield

For example:

4 kWp × 850 kWh = 3,400 kWh

So, the system may make around:

3,400 kWh per year

However, this is only an example.

Real output depends on the site.


Solar Panel Efficiency

Efficiency tells us how much of the light becomes electricity.

The formula is:

Efficiency = Useful output ÷ Input × 100

For example:

If 1,000 watts of sunlight reaches a panel

and the panel makes 220 watts

then:

220 ÷ 1,000 × 100 = 22%

So, the panel is:

22% efficient

However, efficiency is not the only thing that matters.

Price, roof space and total output matter too.


Where Does Solar Power Go?

Solar electricity can usually do three things:

Used now

Stored

Exported

First, your home uses the solar electricity it needs.

Next, extra power can go into a battery.

If there is still more left, it may be sent to the grid.

This is why timing matters.

Using more of your own solar power can often increase its value to you.


Solar Self-Use

Suppose your panels make:

4,000 kWh per year

You use:

1,800 kWh

The formula is:

1,800 ÷ 4,000 × 100 = 45%

So, you use:

45% of your own solar power

The rest is stored or exported.


Solar Thermal

Using Sunlight for Hot Water

Solar thermal is different from solar PV.

The easiest way to remember it is:

Solar PV = electricity

Solar thermal = heat

Solar thermal panels collect heat from the sun.

Then, that heat helps warm water in a tank.

However, solar thermal will not usually provide all your hot water all year.

So, another heat source is normally needed too.


Wind Energy

Using Moving Air

Wind turbines use moving air to make electricity.

First, the wind turns the blades.

Next, the blades turn a rotor.

Then, the rotor helps drive a generator.

The faster the wind, the more power may be available.


The Maths Behind Wind

A simple wind rule is:

Wind power rises roughly with wind speed cubed

In simple terms:

If wind speed doubles

then:

2 × 2 × 2 = 8

So, the wind can contain about eight times as much power.

Real turbines cannot use all of that power.

However, it shows why location matters so much.


Why Blade Size Matters

Larger blades sweep a larger area.

The formula is:

Area = π × radius²

For example:

A 2 metre blade radius gives about:

12.6 m²

A 4 metre blade radius gives about:

50.3 m²

So, doubling the blade length gives about four times the swept area.

That can make a big difference.


Small Wind Turbines

Small wind turbines can work well.

However, they need strong and steady wind.

For example, an open rural site may work well.

A site surrounded by trees and buildings may not.

So, a proper wind check is more useful than simply thinking:

“It feels windy here.”


Hydroelectric Power

Using Moving Water

Hydro systems use moving or falling water.

Water turns a turbine.

The turbine then drives a generator.

Two things matter most:

Flow

and

Head

Flow means how much water is moving.

Head means how far the water falls.


Simple Hydro Maths

A common hydro formula is:

Power = Water flow × Height × Gravity × Efficiency

You do not need to remember every symbol.

The main idea is simple:

More water + more height = more possible power

For example, if the water flow is good and the drop is large, the system can make more electricity.


Tidal Energy

Tidal energy uses the movement of the sea.

One big advantage is that tides are very easy to predict.

There are different types of tidal systems.

For example, some use underwater turbines.

Others use the change in water level between high and low tide.

However, tidal systems are usually large projects.

So, they are mainly part of the wider energy system.


Wave Energy

Wave energy uses the movement of waves.

There are many ways to do this.

For example, systems may use:

  • Floating devices
  • Moving joints
  • Air pressure
  • Water pressure

However, the sea is a hard place for machines.

Salt, storms and strong waves can damage equipment.

So, wave power is still less common than solar, wind and hydro.


Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy uses heat from the Earth.

In some places, deep underground heat can be used directly.

In other cases, it can help make electricity.

However, this is different from a normal ground source heat pump.

They both use heat from the ground.

But they work in different ways.


Heat Pumps

Moving Heat Into the Home

Heat pumps do not work like boilers.

Instead, they collect heat from outside the home.

There are three main types:

Air source

Ground source

Water source

Electricity powers the system.

However, much of the heat comes from the air, ground or water.


Heat Pump COP

COP means:

Coefficient of Performance

The formula is:

COP = Heat out ÷ Electricity in

For example:

If a heat pump uses:

1 kWh of electricity

and gives:

3.5 kWh of heat

then:

COP = 3.5

So, 1 unit of electricity helps provide 3.5 units of heat.


Why Heat Pump COP Changes

COP does not stay the same all the time.

It can change because of:

  • Outside temperature
  • Water temperature
  • Insulation
  • Radiator size
  • Underfloor heating
  • Controls

In general, heat pumps work better when they do not need to make very hot water.

So, good insulation and larger heat emitters can help.


What Is SCOP?

SCOP looks at heat pump performance over a longer time.

For example:

Heat made in one year:

12,000 kWh

Electricity used:

3,750 kWh

Then:

12,000 ÷ 3,750 = 3.2

So, the SCOP is:

3.2

This gives a better view of yearly performance.


Biomass

Biomass uses plant or organic material as fuel.

For example:

  • Wood pellets
  • Wood chips
  • Logs
  • Farm waste

The fuel is burned.

Then, the heat can be used for heating or hot water.

However, biomass is not automatically low-carbon.

The fuel source matters.

Transport matters too.

So does how quickly the material grows back.

Therefore:

Renewable does not always mean no impact.


Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion uses bacteria to break down waste without oxygen.

It can use things such as:

  • Food waste
  • Manure
  • Sewage
  • Farm waste

This makes biogas.

The gas can then be used as fuel.

So, waste can become useful energy.


Battery Storage

Batteries Store Energy

Batteries do not make renewable energy.

They store it.

For example:

Solar panels make power during the day.

A battery stores some of it.

Then, you can use that power later.

So:

Solar → Battery → Home

This can help you use more of your own solar power.


Battery Capacity

Battery size is usually shown in:

kWh

For example:

10 kWh battery

That tells you how much energy it can store.

Battery power, however, is shown in:

kW

So:

kWh = how much

kW = how fast


Battery Efficiency

Some power is lost when a battery charges and discharges.

For example:

10 kWh goes in

9 kWh comes out

Then:

9 ÷ 10 × 100 = 90%

So, the battery is:

90% efficient


How Much Is Solar Power Worth?

The value depends on what happens to the power.

For example:

If grid electricity costs:

28p per kWh

and export pays:

15p per kWh

then using 1 kWh yourself may save about:

28p

Exporting the same 1 kWh may earn about:

15p

So, using more of your own solar power can be worth more.

These are only example prices.

Actual rates change.


Simple Payback

A simple payback figure tells you how long it may take to recover the cost.

The formula is:

Cost ÷ Yearly saving

For example:

System cost:

£8,000

Yearly saving:

£800

Then:

£8,000 ÷ £800 = 10 years

So, the simple payback is:

10 years

However, this is only a basic guide.

Energy prices, repairs and other costs can change the result.


What Is Capacity Factor?

Capacity factor compares real output with the highest possible output.

For example:

A turbine could, in theory, run at full power all year.

However, wind does not blow at the same speed all the time.

So, real output will be lower.

The formula is:

Actual output ÷ Maximum possible output × 100

This helps compare large renewable systems.


Renewables Can Work Together

One home can use more than one system.

For example:

Solar PV + Battery + Heat Pump + Grid

During the day, solar panels make power.

Next, the home uses some of it.

Then, extra power can charge the battery.

Later, the battery can help supply the home.

Meanwhile, the heat pump provides heat.

Finally, the grid is there when more power is needed.

So, it can help to think about the whole system.


Reduce Energy Waste First

Before buying renewable technology, check how much energy your home wastes.

For example, imagine a home needs:

20,000 kWh of heat each year

After better insulation, it only needs:

14,000 kWh

That is:

6,000 kWh less heat

So, the heating system now has less work to do.

Therefore, insulation can be a very good first step.

In simple terms:

Use less first. Then make the rest cleaner.


Which Renewable Technology Is Best?

There is no single best choice.

Instead, it depends on the property.

For example:

Solar PV suits many roofs.

Heat pumps can work very well in the right home.

Wind works best in open and windy places.

Hydro needs flowing water and a useful drop.

Solar thermal can help with hot water.

Biomass can work in some cases.

Meanwhile, tidal and wave power are mainly larger systems.

So, the best choice is the one that fits the site and the need.


Before Installing Anything

Start with your property.

Then ask:

  • How much power do I use?
  • How much heat do I need?
  • When do I use energy?
  • Is my roof suitable?
  • Is there shading?
  • Is the home well insulated?
  • Is there enough space?
  • What will it cost?
  • How long will it last?
  • What upkeep is needed?
  • Can I get any help with the cost?

After that, compare the options.

This is usually much better than choosing a product first.


Useful Maths to Remember

You do not need lots of formulas.

A few simple ones are enough.

Energy

kWh = kW × hours

Efficiency

Useful output ÷ Input × 100

Solar output

System size × Local yield

Heat pump COP

Heat out ÷ Electricity in

Battery efficiency

Energy out ÷ Energy in × 100

Simple payback

Cost ÷ Yearly saving

That is enough to understand many renewable energy claims.


Quick Summary

Renewable energy comes from sources that naturally refill.

Solar PV makes electricity from light.

Solar thermal makes heat from sunlight.

Wind uses moving air.

Hydro uses moving water.

Tidal and wave power use the sea.

Geothermal uses heat from the Earth.

Heat pumps move heat from the air, ground or water.

Biomass uses plant or organic fuel.

Biogas can be made from waste.

Batteries store energy for later.

Most importantly, do not start with the product.

First, look at your home.

Next, look at how much energy you use.

Then, reduce waste where you can.

Finally, choose the renewable system that fits your needs.

Energility

Understand More. Spend Less. Live Better.

We need many more transition words and fewer consecutive sentences.

Yes. The page needs to feel much more connected, with far more natural linking words and much less “sentence after sentence” rhythm.

Below is a revised version with a much stronger flow. I have deliberately used transitions such as first, next, however, therefore, for example, meanwhile, in other words, as a result, on the other hand, finally, because, so, instead, in addition, at the same time, before that, after that and similar phrases throughout.

Renewables

Understanding Renewable Energy

Renewable energy comes from sources that naturally refill.

For example, we can use sunlight, wind, moving water and heat from the ground. We can also use some types of plant and food waste.

However, these sources do not all work in the same way.

Some make electricity. Others provide heat. Meanwhile, heat pumps use electricity to collect heat from the air, ground or water.

So, renewable energy is not one single thing. Instead, it is a group of different ways to make, move or store energy.


What Is Renewable Energy?

The main renewable energy sources are:

  • Solar
  • Wind
  • Hydro
  • Tidal
  • Wave
  • Geothermal
  • Biomass
  • Biogas

Some of these work well for homes.

For example, solar panels and heat pumps are now common choices. Small wind and hydro systems can also work, although they need the right location.

Tidal and wave systems, on the other hand, are usually much larger projects.

Therefore, before choosing any system, it helps to understand what each one does and where it works best.


First, Understand Power and Energy

Before looking at the different technologies, two words are worth understanding:

Power

and

Energy

They sound similar. However, they mean different things.

Power

Power tells us how fast energy is being used or made.

It is usually shown in:

W = watts

or

kW = kilowatts

There are:

1,000 watts in 1 kilowatt

So, if an appliance is rated at 2 kW, it is using energy at a rate of 2 kW while running at full power.

Energy

Energy tells us how much has been used or made over time.

It is usually shown in:

kWh = kilowatt-hours

The basic formula is:

Energy = Power × Time

Example

Imagine a system makes:

2 kW

for:

3 hours

Then:

2 × 3 = 6 kWh

So, it has made:

6 kWh of energy

This idea appears again and again. Therefore, it is worth remembering.


Solar PV

Turning Light Into Electricity

Solar PV panels make electricity from light.

First, light hits the solar cells. Next, the cells produce direct current electricity.

However, homes use alternating current electricity.

Therefore, an inverter changes the power into the type used by normal household equipment.

Solar panels still work on cloudy days. However, they usually make more electricity when the light is stronger.

So, output changes throughout the day and throughout the year.


What Does kWp Mean?

Solar systems are often described in:

kWp

This means kilowatt peak.

For example:

4 kWp

This is the rated size of the solar system.

However, it does not mean the system makes 4 kW all day.

Instead, output changes because of things such as:

  • Time of day
  • Time of year
  • Cloud cover
  • Roof direction
  • Shading
  • Panel temperature

So, in simple terms:

4 kWp = system size

It does not mean:

4 kW all the time


Estimating Solar Output

A simple way to estimate yearly output is:

Yearly output = System size × Local yield

For example:

4 kWp × 850 kWh = 3,400 kWh

So, the system may make around:

3,400 kWh per year

However, that is only an example.

Actual output will depend on the site. Therefore, roof direction, shading and location still matter.


Solar Panel Efficiency

Efficiency tells us how much of the light becomes electricity.

The formula is:

Efficiency = Useful output ÷ Input × 100

For example, imagine:

1,000 watts of sunlight reaches a panel.

The panel makes:

220 watts

Then:

220 ÷ 1,000 × 100 = 22%

So, the panel is:

22% efficient

However, efficiency is not the only thing that matters.

For example, price, roof space and total output matter too. Therefore, a slightly less efficient panel may still be a good choice if the full system offers better value.


Where Does Solar Power Go?

Solar electricity can usually do three things:

Used now

Stored

Exported

First, the home uses the power it needs.

Next, extra power can go into a battery.

After that, any remaining power may be sent to the grid.

So, timing matters.

For example, using appliances while the panels are producing can help you use more of your own solar power.


Solar Self-Use

Suppose your panels make:

4,000 kWh per year

You use:

1,800 kWh

Then:

1,800 ÷ 4,000 × 100 = 45%

So, you use:

45% of your own solar power

The rest is stored or exported.

Therefore, changing when you use electricity can sometimes improve the value you get from the system.


Solar Thermal

Using Sunlight for Hot Water

Solar thermal is different from solar PV.

The easiest way to remember it is:

Solar PV = electricity

Solar thermal = heat

First, solar thermal panels collect heat from the sun.

Next, that heat is passed into a fluid.

Then, the system uses the heat to warm water in a tank.

However, solar thermal will not usually provide all your hot water all year.

Therefore, another heat source is normally needed too.


Wind Energy

Using Moving Air

Wind turbines use moving air to make electricity.

First, the wind turns the blades.

Next, the blades turn a rotor.

Then, the rotor helps drive a generator.

So far, that sounds simple.

However, wind has one important feature:

small changes in wind speed can make a big difference to power.


The Maths Behind Wind

A simple wind rule is:

Wind power rises roughly with wind speed cubed

In other words:

If wind speed doubles, then:

2 × 2 × 2 = 8

So, the wind can contain about eight times as much power.

However, real turbines cannot use all of that power.

Even so, this shows why location matters so much.

Therefore, a turbine in a strong and steady wind can perform very differently from one in a weak or rough wind.


Why Blade Size Matters

Blade size also makes a big difference.

The formula is:

Area = π × radius²

For example, a 2 metre blade radius gives about:

12.6 m²

However, a 4 metre blade radius gives about:

50.3 m²

So, doubling the blade length gives about four times the swept area.

As a result, bigger turbines can capture much more wind.


Small Wind Turbines

Small wind turbines can work well.

However, they need strong and steady wind.

For example, an open rural site may work well. A site surrounded by trees and buildings may not.

That is because buildings can create rough and broken air.

Therefore, a proper wind check is much better than simply thinking:

“It feels windy here.”


Hydroelectric Power

Using Moving Water

Hydro systems use moving or falling water.

First, water turns a turbine.

Then, the turbine drives a generator.

Two things matter most:

Flow

and

Head

Flow means how much water is moving.

Head means how far the water falls.

So, in simple terms:

More water + more height = more possible power


Simple Hydro Maths

A common hydro formula is:

Power = Water flow × Height × Gravity × Efficiency

The full maths can look technical.

However, the idea is simple.

If there is more water, more power may be available.

Likewise, if the water falls further, more power may be available.

Therefore, both flow and height matter.


Tidal Energy

Tidal energy uses the movement of the sea.

One big advantage is that tides are very easy to predict.

For example, some systems use underwater turbines. Others use the change in water level between high and low tide.

However, tidal systems are usually large projects.

Therefore, they are mainly part of the wider energy system rather than something most homes would install.


Wave Energy

Wave energy uses the movement of waves.

There are several ways to do this.

For example, systems may use:

  • Floating devices
  • Moving joints
  • Air pressure
  • Water pressure

However, the sea is a hard place for machines.

Salt can cause damage. Storms can also place huge loads on equipment.

Therefore, wave power is still less common than solar, wind and hydro.


Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy uses heat from the Earth.

In some places, deep underground heat can be used directly.

In other places, it can help make electricity.

However, this is different from a normal ground source heat pump.

They both use heat from the ground. Even so, they work in different ways.


Heat Pumps

Moving Heat Into the Home

Heat pumps do not work like boilers.

Instead, they collect heat from outside the home.

There are three main types:

Air source

Ground source

Water source

Electricity powers the system.

However, much of the heat comes from the air, ground or water.

So, a heat pump is really moving heat rather than simply making all of it from electricity.


Heat Pump COP

COP means:

Coefficient of Performance

The formula is:

COP = Heat out ÷ Electricity in

For example:

If a heat pump uses:

1 kWh of electricity

and gives:

3.5 kWh of heat

then:

COP = 3.5

So, 1 unit of electricity helps provide 3.5 units of heat.

However, that does not mean energy has been created from nothing.

Instead, some of the heat has been collected from outside.


Why Heat Pump COP Changes

COP does not stay the same all the time.

For example, it can change because of:

  • Outside temperature
  • Water temperature
  • Insulation
  • Radiator size
  • Underfloor heating
  • Controls

In general, heat pumps work better when they do not need to make very hot water.

Therefore, good insulation and suitable radiators can help.


What Is SCOP?

COP can show performance at one point in time.

However, we also want to know how the system performs over a longer period.

That is where SCOP helps.

SCOP means:

Seasonal Coefficient of Performance

For example:

Heat made in one year:

12,000 kWh

Electricity used:

3,750 kWh

Then:

12,000 ÷ 3,750 = 3.2

So, the SCOP is:

3.2

Therefore, over the year, each unit of electricity helped provide an average of 3.2 units of heat.


Biomass

Biomass uses plant or organic material as fuel.

For example:

  • Wood pellets
  • Wood chips
  • Logs
  • Farm waste

First, the fuel is burned.

Then, the heat can be used for heating or hot water.

However, biomass is not automatically low-carbon.

For example, the fuel source matters. Transport matters too.

Therefore, we need to look at the whole system.

So:

Renewable does not always mean no impact.


Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion uses bacteria to break down waste without oxygen.

For example, it can use:

  • Food waste
  • Manure
  • Sewage
  • Farm waste

This makes biogas.

The gas can then be used as fuel.

So, instead of being wasted, some organic material can become a useful energy source.


Battery Storage

Batteries Store Energy

Batteries do not make renewable energy.

Instead, they store it.

For example, solar panels may make more power during the day than the home needs.

First, the extra power can charge the battery.

Then, the stored power can be used later.

So:

Solar → Battery → Home

As a result, a battery can help you use more of your own solar power.


Battery Capacity

Battery size is usually shown in:

kWh

For example:

10 kWh battery

That tells you how much energy it can store.

However, battery power is shown in:

kW

So:

kWh = how much

kW = how fast

This is the same basic power-and-energy idea we looked at earlier.


Battery Efficiency

Some power is lost when a battery charges and discharges.

For example:

10 kWh goes in

9 kWh comes out

Then:

9 ÷ 10 × 100 = 90%

So, the battery is:

90% efficient

In other words, about 10% was lost during the storage process.


How Much Is Solar Power Worth?

The value depends on what happens to the power.

For example, imagine grid electricity costs:

28p per kWh

Meanwhile, export pays:

15p per kWh

If you use 1 kWh yourself, you may save about:

28p

If you export the same 1 kWh, you may earn about:

15p

Therefore, using your own solar power can sometimes be worth more.

However, these are only example prices.

Actual rates can change.


Simple Payback

A simple payback figure tells you roughly how long it may take to recover the cost.

The formula is:

Cost ÷ Yearly saving

For example:

System cost:

£8,000

Yearly saving:

£800

Then:

£8,000 ÷ £800 = 10 years

So, the simple payback is:

10 years

However, this is only a basic guide.

For example, energy prices may change. Repairs may also be needed.

Therefore, simple payback is useful, but it does not show the whole picture.


What Is Capacity Factor?

Capacity factor compares real output with the highest possible output.

For example, imagine a turbine could run at full power all year.

That gives a maximum possible figure.

However, wind does not blow at the same speed all the time.

So, real output will be lower.

The formula is:

Actual output ÷ Maximum possible output × 100

This helps compare large renewable systems.

However, it is not the same as efficiency.


Renewables Can Work Together

One home can use more than one system.

For example:

Solar PV + Battery + Heat Pump + Grid

During the day, solar panels make power.

First, the home uses some of it.

Next, extra power can charge the battery.

Later, the battery can help supply the home.

Meanwhile, the heat pump provides heat.

Finally, the grid is there when more power is needed.

So, instead of looking at each product alone, it can help to think about the whole energy system.


Reduce Energy Waste First

Before buying renewable technology, check how much energy your home wastes.

For example, imagine a home needs:

20,000 kWh of heat each year

After better insulation, it only needs:

14,000 kWh

That is:

6,000 kWh less heat

As a result, the heating system now has less work to do.

Therefore, insulation can be a very good first step.

In simple terms:

Use less first. Then make the rest cleaner.


Which Renewable Technology Is Best?

There is no single best choice.

Instead, it depends on the property.

For example:

Solar PV suits many roofs.

Heat pumps can work very well in the right home.

Wind works best in open and windy places.

Hydro needs moving water and a useful drop.

Solar thermal can help with hot water.

Biomass can work in some cases.

Meanwhile, tidal and wave power are mainly larger systems.

So, the best choice is not the newest system.

Instead, it is the one that fits the site and the need.


Before Installing Anything

Start with your property.

Then ask:

  • How much power do I use?
  • How much heat do I need?
  • When do I use energy?
  • Is my roof suitable?
  • Is there shading?
  • Is the home well insulated?
  • Is there enough space?
  • What will it cost?
  • How long will it last?
  • What upkeep is needed?
  • Can I get help with the cost?

After that, compare the options.

This is usually much better than choosing a product first.


Useful Maths to Remember

You do not need lots of formulas.

Instead, a few simple ones are enough.

Energy

kWh = kW × hours

Efficiency

Useful output ÷ Input × 100

Solar output

System size × Local yield

Heat pump COP

Heat out ÷ Electricity in

Battery efficiency

Energy out ÷ Energy in × 100

Simple payback

Cost ÷ Yearly saving

These simple formulas can help you understand many renewable energy claims.


Quick Summary

Renewable energy comes from sources that naturally refill.

Solar PV makes electricity from light.

Meanwhile, solar thermal makes heat from sunlight.

Wind uses moving air, while hydro uses moving water.

In addition, tidal and wave power use the sea.

Geothermal uses heat from the Earth.

Closer to home, heat pumps move heat from the air, ground or water.

Biomass uses plant or organic fuel.

Biogas can be made from waste.

Finally, batteries store energy for later.

Most importantly, do not start with the product.

First, look at your home.

Next, look at how much energy you use.

Then, reduce waste where you can.

After that, compare the options.

Finally, choose the system that best fits your needs.

Energility

Understand More. Spend Less. Live Better.