Peninsula Clean Energy

FAQs

Renewable energy comes from natural sources that replenish quickly, such as sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat. These sources reduce reliance on finite fossil fuels and help lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Net metering credits customers for the excess electricity generated by their renewable systems (like solar panels) that is fed back into the grid. Customers pay only for their “net” energy consumption (energy used minus energy produced).

Solar PV systems convert sunlight directly into electricity using solar panels, while CSP uses mirrors to focus sunlight to produce heat, which then generates electricity.

Grid parity occurs when the cost of renewable energy, like solar or wind, matches or is lower than traditional fossil fuel energy sources. Achieving grid parity makes renewables economically competitive.

EVs produce zero emissions when driving, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases. When charged with renewable energy, they further lower their carbon footprint compared to gasoline vehicles.

Renewable energy sources produce little to no greenhouse gases, which helps mitigate global warming. Transitioning to renewables is crucial for reducing overall carbon emissions and meeting international climate goals.

An REC represents proof that 1 MWh of electricity was generated from a renewable source. RECs allow individuals and companies to support renewable energy, even if they can’t generate it directly.

A VPP aggregates small, distributed energy resources (like home solar and battery systems) to operate as a single, flexible resource in the grid, balancing demand and supporting renewable integration.

TOU rates charge different prices based on the time of day, often lower during off-peak times. TOU rates encourage energy use when renewable energy is abundant, reducing grid strain during peak hours.

Energy efficiency is about reducing the amount of energy needed for the same output (e.g., LED lighting uses less power than traditional bulbs), while renewable energy refers to clean energy sources like wind and solar.

Energy storage, like batteries, stores excess electricity generated by renewables for later use. This helps manage the variability of sources like wind and solar, balancing supply and demand.

An RPS is a policy that requires a certain percentage of electricity sales to come from renewable sources, driving investment and adoption of clean energy.

Some renewables, like solar and wind, depend on weather and time of day, creating natural variability. Storage and grid flexibility help manage this intermittency.

Renewable energy reduces air pollution, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, conserves water, and helps protect ecosystems by avoiding the mining and drilling associated with fossil fuels.

Green hydrogen is produced via electrolysis using renewable electricity, making it a zero-emission fuel. In contrast, “grey hydrogen” and “blue hydrogen” involve natural gas and produce emissions.