Solar and Renewable Energy

Unlike fossil fuels, which are exhaustible, renewable energy sources regenerate and can be sustained indefinitely. US Energy Information Administration. (2013, September 27). Renewable energy sources-energy explained-your guide to understanding energy.

Definition of Solar & Renewable Energy Sources

Renewable energy (sources) or RES capture their energy from existing flows of energy, from on-going natural processes, such as sunshine, wind, wave power, flowing water (hydropower), biological processes such as anaerobic digestion, and geothermal heat flow.

The most common definition is that renewable energy is from an energy resource that is replaced by a natural process at a rate that is equal to or faster than the rate at which that resource is being consumed. Renewable energy is a subset of sustainable energy. 

From Nordic Folkecenter for Renewable Energy. (n.d.). http://www.folkecenter.net/gb/overview/definitions/ 

Terms to Search

alternative energy, alternative fuel, biodiesel fuel, biomass energy, CO2, carbon dioxide, clean technology, climate change, climatic change, electric power production, electric utilities, electricity, electricity distribution, electricity generation, emission control, emissions, energy conservation, energy conversion, energy consumption, energy development, energy efficiency, energy industries, energy policy, energy resources, environmental impact, environmental policy, environmental protection, environmental regulations, ethanol as fuel, fossil fuels, global warming, green buildings, green energy, greenhouse gases, hydroelectric plants, nuclear energy, nuclear power, petroleum industry, photovoltaic cells, photovoltaic power systems, power plants, power resources, public utilities, renewable energy, renewable energy industry, renewable energy sources, renewable natural resources, renewable resources, solar energy, solar radiation, sustainable development, sustainable engineering, sustainability, turbines, water power, wind power, wind turbines 

Recommended Databases

Recommended Websites

E-Books

These are a sampling of eBooks available from the library.

Professional Organizations

Other Resources

Ask A Librarian

 

Knowledge Base search a series of commonly asked questions by topic keyword or course number

Telephone a librarian at 800-293-3044

Troubleshooting

IT Help Desk: 877-306-4283