Energy Sources

Photovoltaic is currently the most common source for independent power production. However, in geographic areas where it is possible, wind is viable renewable energy sources.

Solar Electric (Photovoltaic)
Solar (photovoltaic) panels convert energy in the form of light from the sun into electrical energy. Between four and 22 percent of the energy falling on a panel is actually converted to usable electrical energy. The rest is reflected or turned into heat. These panels should not be confused with those used for solar water heating, which simply use the sun's energy to directly heat water.

Wind Turbines
Like solar panels, wind turbines produce power from a renewable energy source - the wind. Electricity-producing wind turbines come in many shapes and sizes, and range from those that can produce a few tens of watts for small power demands like keeping boat batteries topped up, right up to huge multi-megawatt grid tied machines that can run hundreds of homes.