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What is Biofuel? |
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Biofuels are derived from plant and other organic materials. |
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What is Biodiesel? |
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Biodiesel is a clean burning form of alternative fuel that is produced from domestic renewable resources. It is biodegradable, nontoxic, and free of sulfur and other aromatics. In fact, it is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as quickly as sugar. |
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Can biodiesel be used in a diesel engine? |
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Yes, biodiesel can be operated in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or fuel system. Biodiesel has a solvent effect that may release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel storage. The release of deposits may clog filters initially, so precautions should be taken. |
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Is biodiesel safe to use? |
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| Biodiesel is actually one of the most thoroughly tested alternative and renewable fuels on the market. A number of independent studies have shown that biodiesel not only performs similar to petroleum diesel but also benefits the environment. |
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| Biodiesel is the first and only alternative fuel to have completed the rigorous Health Effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act. |
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How do biodiesel emissions compare to petroleum diesel? |
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When used in a conventional diesel engine, running biodiesel shows a substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter compared to emissions from petroleum diesel fuel. |
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What is solar energy? |
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Solar energy is captured from the sun in photovoltaic panels. Despite the distance at which the earth orbits the sun (150 million kilometers), it supplies 15,000 times the primary energy requirements of the entire population of the earth. This means that solar power stations spanning an area of only 3% of the Sahara desert could supply the entire energy requirements of Europe and Africa. |
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How does solar electricity work? |
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The sun's energy in the form of photons release electrons from their bonds in the silicon semiconductors that make up the solar cells. The flow of these electrons makes up the current that will ultimately be turned into electricity for use in your home or office building. |
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What is the difference between solar photovoltaic panels and solar thermal panels? |
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Photovoltaic panels generate electricity directly from sunlight. Solar thermal panels use the sun’s energy to heat water. |
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How is wind power generated? |
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The terms "wind energy" or "wind power" describe the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity to power homes, businesses, and schools. |
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How strong does the wind have to blow for wind turbines to work? |
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Wind turbines start operating at wind speeds of 10 miles per hour and reach maximum power output at around 33 miles per hour. At very high wind speeds (50+ miles per hour) wind turbines shut down. |
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