1. Solar Panels - how do they work?

Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to direct
current electricity (DC electricity). As long as rays are hitting your roof, rain or
shine, your panels are converting solar radiation into DC electricity. But in
order to get the kind of power needed to turn the lights on in your living room,
you’ll need an inverter.
2. Inverter
The inverter is a device that takes the DC electricity produced by your solar
panels and turns it into alternating current electricity (AC electricity). It’s
typically installed on an exterior wall of your house, or in the garage.
3. Sunrun Meter
Your Sunrun meter monitors your system production and sends the
information to Sunrun through a wireless signal. Since it tracks your energy
production 24/7, it will automatically alert Sunrun if it detects problems or
irregularities.
4. Main Electric Service Panel
Solar electricity from your inverter flows to the electrical panel, and then into
to your home where it powers your lights and appliances. Or, if you generate
more solar energy than you use, it flows into the utility grid and while you rake
in the solar credits.
5. Net Meter
Speaking of solar credits, the net meter measures the amount of electricity you
draw from the grid, and how much excess solar electricity you push into it. So
when you use less electricity than you make, you get credit from the utility
company. Sounds pretty sweet, right?
How Wind Power Is Generated

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, schools, and the like.

Wind turbines, like aircraft propeller blades, turn in the moving air and power
an electric generator that supplies an electric current. Simply stated, a wind turbine is
the opposite of a fan. Instead of using electricity to make wind, like a fan, wind turbines
use wind to make electricity. The wind turns the blades, which spin a shaft, which
connects to a generator and makes electricity.

HIDROELECTRIC

Dam. Raises the water level of the river to create falling water. Also controls the flow of
water. The reservoir that is formed is, in effect, stored energy.

Turbine. The force of falling water pushing against the turbine's blades causes the
turbine to spin. A water turbine is much like a windmill, except the energy is provided by
falling water instead of wind. The turbine converts the kinetic energy of falling water into
mechanical energy.

Generator. Connected to the turbine by shafts and possibly gears so when the turbine
spins it causes the generator to spin also. Converts the mechanical energy from the
turbine into electric energy. Generators in hydropower plants work just like the
generators in other types of power plants.

Transmission lines. Conduct electricity from the hydropower plant to homes and
business.