Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished. Here at Members4Reform, we focus on sources that have the most potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while minimizing environmental and social harm.

• Solar (photovoltaic, or PV) cells are made from silicon or other materials that transform sunlight directly into electricity. According to the National Renewable Energy Lab, “more energy from the sun falls on the earth in one hour than is used by everyone in the world in one year.” Distributed solar systems generate electricity locally for homes and businesses, either through rooftop panels or community projects that power entire neighborhoods. Solar farms can generate power for thousands of homes, using mirrors to concentrate sunlight across acres of solar cells.

• Wind turbines use the force of wind to create electricity.

• Small hydropower uses the force of fast-moving water to create electricity by spinning a generator’s turbine blades.

• Battery storage Because some renewable energy technologies – such as wind and solar – have variable outputs, storage technologies have great potential for smoothing out the electricity supply from these sources and ensuring that the supply matches the demand.

• Energy Efficiency covers a variety of technologies and programs that help consumers use energy more efficiently. It can include everything from installing LED lights and weather-proofing to smart meters and programs that incentivize actions such as running dishwashers late in the evening when electricity demand is lower. Regardless of the technology or program, it is well established that energy efficiency measures are the most cost-effective way of helping meet demand. Or put another way, the cheapest power is the power you don’t use.