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What is renewable energy?

Coal, oil and natural gas are the United States' current means for energy. These are fossil fuels that are non-renewable. They are also becoming too expensive and are damaging to the environment. This is why we are starting to focus on Renewable Energy. They will never run out. Some of these energy sources are generated from water, solar, and wind.

Most renewable energy comes either directly or indirectly from the sun. Sunlight, or solar energy, can be used directly for heating and lighting homes and other buildings, for generating electricity, and for hot water heating, solar cooling, and a variety of commercial and industrial uses.

The sun's heat also drives the winds, whose energy is captured with wind turbines. Then, the winds and the sun's heat cause water to evaporate. When this water vapor turns into rain or snow and flows downhill into rivers or streams, its energy can be captured using hydroelectric power.