Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is energy generated from natural sources that are constantly replenished and virtually inexhaustible on a human timescale. The main types of renewable energy include solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass. Unlike fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), renewable sources produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions during operation.

Solar energy is the fastest-growing form of renewable energy in the United States. In 2025, renewable sources accounted for over 20% of US electricity generation, with solar contributing a rapidly increasing share. The shift to renewable energy is driven by falling costs (solar electricity is now cheaper than fossil fuel power in most markets), federal and state incentives, climate goals, and consumer demand for cleaner energy. For homeowners, installing solar panels is the most accessible way to use renewable energy — it reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowers electricity costs, and shrinks your household’s carbon footprint. Many states have Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) that require utilities to source a percentage of their electricity from renewables, further driving demand for solar and other clean energy sources.