What is Renewable Energy?

• Energy which can be replenished at the same rate it is used.
• Renewable energy sources are those that produce electricity or thermal energy without depleting resources.

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• Renewable energy harnesses the energy produced by the balance of heat radiation into space and incoming solar radiation.
• Renewable energy flows require technology that utilizes sunlight, wind, water and geothermal heat.
• Renewable energies include: solar, wind, water, earth , biomass power, and energy from waste.

 Visit these sites for more information:

• Canada Renewable Energy Network's Homepage ;
• Renewable Energy: It's only Natural!,

 Why is using Renewable Energy a good idea?

• Avoids the depletion of resources for future generations.
• Renewable energy stops or reverses the effects of 
  global warming.
• Reduces air emissions, water consumption, thermal pollution, waste, noise, and adverse land-use impacts.
• Creates thousands of jobs with reduced health and safety hazards.
•  Saves you money!

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Visit the David Suzuki Foundation News Releases for more information. 

How are Renewable Energies used? 

• Renewable Energy can be used in virtually all aspects of life.
• Biomass: burn living organisms to harness solar energy.
• Geothermal: harnessing the Earth's heat for energy usually through heat pumps.   
• Solar Power: power directly from sunlight, harnessed usually by photovoltaic panels.
  
• Water: energy harnessed through many different forms; predominately through hydroelectric and tidal power.
• Wind Power: wind turbines harness airflows to produce energy.
  

Visit the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and International clean energy projects on the Government of Canada website for more information.

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Renewable Energy in Ontario:

In Ontario as a producer of renewable energy you have three options for what to do with the energy you create:

• Off Grid - You produce and use electricity without connecting to the Ontario Distribution system.
• Net Metering: You produce and consume electricity and send surplus to the grid.  This allows you to receive a credit which you can put toward future energy consumption. 
• Standard Offer Contract: Allows you to produce electricity for the purpose of connecting and selling to the Ontario Distribution System.
  

For further information regarding any of these options visit:

• OPA website
  
• CanREN Energy Solutions: Off Grid 
• Ministry of Energy - Renewable Energy Development in Ontario