The United States currently relies heavily on nonrenewable sources of energy. These nonrenewable resources have a finite amount and as they are depleted, environmental impacts and the costs of energy rise.
Renewable energy resources, most of which come directly or indirectly from the sun's energy, are constantly being replenished and will never run out. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA, 2003a), renewable energy accounted for approximately 2% of the total electricity produced in the United States in 2001. Coal accounted for 51%, nuclear 21%, natural gas 17%, hydro 6%, and other 3% (including oil, municipal solid waste, and other fuels).
Renewable energy that has little to no negative effect on the environment is called green energy. Switching from conventional fossil fuels to green energy sources greatly benefits the environment, produces jobs and economic benefits, and decreases dependence on foreign fuel providers which strengthens U.S. energy security. The resources available for green energy production in US include wind energy (kinetic energy of wind used for electricity generation in wind turbines), solar energy (solar radiation utilized for hot water production or electricity generation), biomass (any plant matter used directly as fuel or converted into other forms before combustion), geothermal (energy available as heat emitted from within the earth's crust, usually in the form of hot water or steam), and small scale hydropower (potential and kinetic energy of water converted into electricity in hydroelectric plants).
In a report done by the Union of Concerned Scientists, the potential production of green energies in the United States was estimated. They estimated, with realistic assumptions, that the US could produce 14,244 billion kWh using wind energy, 2203 billion kWh using solar photovoltaic energy, 742 billion kWh using biomass, and 191 billion kWh using geothermal energy. They've calculated individual state potentials as well, with over half of the states capable of producing more than 50% of their total electricity sales and some well over 1,000%. In Lake County we believe that we can be a net exporter of renewable energy.
Oregon Incentives
In Oregon the law requires your electric distribution utility to provide a net-metering agreement for renewable energy systems that produce more energy than used. That means that they will agree to exchange any excess power generated by your resource. Be sure to visit the Oregon Department of Energy website to get information for the system you are installing. To get these incentives you must apply before you start the project.
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Progress Since 2006
Homeowner and Ranch Opportunities
Renewable Energy Goals
Renewable Energy Efforts Presently Being Pursued
YouTube Video about renewable energy