MOKI THE MO'O SAYS...
Solar Energy
Solar energy is energy that comes from the sun. The sun produces tremendous amounts of energy. This energy is radiated through space and reaches the earth as sunlight. To help meet our energy needs, we can use the sun’s energy to produce both heat and electricity.
Solar Hot Water Heating
In a solar water heating system, solar collectors gather the sun’s heat and transfer it to the water. The heated water is stored in a tank and can be used for bathing, washing dishes and clothes. Did you know that 40% of the average electric bill goes toward heating water? You can reduce your water heating costs by 90% by using the sun’s energy.
Solar-Electric Photovoltaic (PV)
 
Photovoltaic cells (PV) produce electricity directly when sunlight shines on them. PV cells are made of semiconductor materials, usually silicon. They are photosensitive and produce an electrical current in the presence of photons, or energy from light.
PV systems are modular and electrical power output can be engineered for almost any application. From low-power consumer wristwatches, calculators and small portable electronic equipment, to large scale power generation.
PV systems can be either stand-alone or grid-connected. In a stand-alone system, the building has no connection to the utility grid and uses batteries or a backup generator during heavy electric usage or during times of limited sun. In a grid-connected system, the building can receive electricity from both PV modules and utility grid.
Wind Energy
Wind is also a source of renewable energy. Wind is the natural movement of air and is caused by the uneven heating and cooling of the earth’s surface and the rotation of the earth. Wind turbines are big machines thatcapture kinetic energy from the movement of air to produce mechanical energy that can be used to pump water or generate electricity with a generator.
Wind turbines are available in a variety of sizes. A small residential unit can stand up to 30 feet in height and have rotors sized between 8 to 25 feet long. Large turbines like the units installed in Hawaii can stand 20 stories and have propellers that are longer than a football field. In Hawaii, several large windmills are grouped together as a wind farm to generate bulk electrical power.
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