Renewable Energy > Glossary
Biomass
Plant material, vegetation or agricultural waste used as an energy source.
Concentrator
A tool that uses lenses and/or mirrors to focus and enhance the sun's rays
onto the photovoltaic surface.
Conservation
Achieving the use of less energy, either by using more efficient technologies
or by changing wasteful habits.
Energy
The capacity to do work.
Energy-efficient
Electrical lighting devices which produce the same amount of light (lumens)
using less electrical energy than incandescent electric light bulbs. Such
devices are usually of the fluorescent type, which produce little heat, and
may have reflectors to concentrate or direct the light output.
Fossil fuels
Fuels formed eons ago from decayed plants and animals. Oil, coal and natural
gas are such fuels.
Fuel
A material which is consumed, giving up its molecularly stored energy which
is then used for other purposes, e.g. to do work (run a machine).
Fuel efficiency
The amount of work obtained for the amount of fuel consumed. In cars, an efficient
fuel allows more miles per gallon of gas than an inefficient fuel.
Hydro
A prefix meaning produced by or derived from water or the movement of water,
as in "hydroelectricity."
Hydro power
Power obtained from the natural movement of masses of water.
Organic matter
Plant material, vegetation or agricultural waste used as an energy source.
Also called biomass.
Renewable energy
Energy from sources that cannot be used up: sunshine, water flow, wind and
vegetation.
Solar electricity
Electricity produced directly by action of sunlight.
Solar thermal energy systems
Systems using concentrating collectors to focus the sun's radiant energy onto
or into receivers to produce heat.
Wind machines
Devices powered by the wind which produce mechanical or electrical power.
Source: Excerpted with permission from Solar
Now Inc.
|
