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Renewable Energy Technologies
Click on the links below to view quick fact tables for each renewable technology type, including links to industry associations.
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Solar Photovoltaic uses solar cells to generate electricity by converting solar energy directly into electricity through a variety of technologies including thin-film, mono-and poly-crystalline technologies. Photovoltaic thermal hybrid systems commonly referred to as Hybrid PV/T systems are also eligible under this category (can be eligible as well under Solar Air and Solar Water). These hybrid systems are primarily solar electricity generating technologies which incorporate heat recovery of heat generated by the solar system and using it to heat air or water. |
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Solar Air heating systems use solar energy for the purpose of pre-heating make up air for building ventilation uses. These consist of active cladding or panels such as transpired air collectors and back pass collectors which, when connected to appropriate ducting, fan and controls systems, can deliver solar energy to a building. Photovoltaic thermal hybrids systems commonly referred to as Hybrid PV/T systems are also eligible under this category (can be eligible as well under Solar PV and Solar Water). These hybrid systems are primarily solar electricity generating technologies which incorporate heat recovery of heat generated by the solar system and using it to heat air. |
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Solar Water heating is the process of using solar energy to pre-heat water as part of an active system for uses such as domestic hot water, swimming pools and heating. A typical system consists of solar collectors tied to a storage tank that permits heat storage during the day for use at other periods. For potable systems a heat exchange system hydronically separates the solar system from building water. Photovoltaic thermal hybrids systems commonly referred to as Hybrid PV/T systems are also eligible under this category (can be eligible as well under Solar PV and Solar Air). These hybrid systems are solar systems which combine two different methods of energy capture: photovoltaics which convert solar energy into electricity and thermal which captures waste heat generated by the photovoltaic system and uses it for heating purposes. |
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Geothermal is a mechanical system which utilizes the ground for thermal energy storage. Reversible heat pumps provide heating and cooling to a building and extract heat from, or reject heat to - the ground by way of a buried closed loop heat exchange system. Systems relying on ground water for storage or as an energy source are typically open loop by nature. |
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Small Wind energy uses the wind to generate electrical energy. In order to be eligible for the infrastructure stimulus funding, small sized wind applications must generate a minimum of 1 kilowatt of electricity and must not be larger than 50 kilowatts. |
