Let’s explore the different types of green energy and how they work.
Solar energy - power from the sun
Solar panels turn sunlight into electricity. The sun’s rays hit the panels, exciting tiny particles called electrons, which creates an electric current. This electricity can power homes, schools, and even cars.
How it works:
Sunlight shines on solar panels
Solar panels are special devices that catch sunlight.
They are made of tiny parts called solar cells that turn light into electricity.
Making electricity
When sunlight hits the solar cells, tiny particles called electrons start moving.
This movement creates electricity, just like a battery.
Sending power to your home
The electricity from solar panels is called DC (direct current) power.
A machine called an inverter changes it to AC (alternating current) power, which is what homes use.
Using solar energy
The electricity goes through wires to power lights, TVs, and other things at home.
If you make extra electricity, it can be stored in batteries or sent to the power grid to help others.
Fun Fact: Did you know that astronauts use solar panels to power the International Space Station?
Wind energy - power from the wind
Wind turbines have giant blades that spin when the wind blows. This spinning motion powers a generator that creates electricity. The stronger the wind, the more energy we can make.
How it works:
Wind blows on wind turbines
Wind turbines are big fans with long blades.
When the wind blows, it pushes the blades and makes them spin.
Spinning blades turn a generator
The blades are connected to a big machine called a generator.
When the blades spin, they help the generator create electricity.
Electricity travels to homes
The electricity from the generator goes through power lines.
It reaches homes, schools, and businesses so people can use it for lights, TVs, and more.
Fun Fact: Some wind turbines are as tall as a 30-story building! The longer the blades, the more energy they can make.
Hydropower - power from water
Dams are built on rivers to control the flow of water. When water is released, it rushes through turbines, making them spin and create electricity. This is one of the oldest forms of green energy.
How it works:
Water moves
Hydropower plants use rivers or dams to control water. When water flows or falls from a high place, it has a lot of energy!
Water spins a big wheel (turbine)
The fast-moving water hits a big fan-like wheel called a turbine, making it spin.
The turbine powers a generator
The spinning turbine is connected to a generator, which is a machine that creates electricity when it turns.
Electricity travels to homes
The electricity travels through power lines to homes, schools, and businesses, so we can turn on lights, TVs, and charge our devices.
Fun fact: The largest hydropower plant in the world is the Three Gorges Dam in China.
Geothermal energy - heat from the Earth
Deep inside the Earth, there is heat from molten rock. We can use this heat to create steam, which spins turbines to generate electricity. Some places even use this energy to heat buildings.
How it works:
Heat from the Earth
Deep under the ground, the Earth is extremely hot. This heat warms up underground water and turns it into steam or hot water.
Hot water and steam rise up
Power plants drill deep wells into the ground to reach the hot water or steam. When it comes up, the steam is very powerful.
Steam spins a turbine
The steam rushes out and spins a big wheel called a turbine (like a giant fan).
The generator makes electricity
The spinning turbine is connected to a generator, which changes the movement into electricity. This electricity can power homes, schools, and buildings.
Water goes back underground
After the steam is used, it cools down and turns back into water. The water is put back into the ground so the cycle can continue.
Fun fact: Iceland heats about 90% of its homes using geothermal energy.
Tidal and wave energy - power from the ocean
The ocean’s waves and tides are powerful! Special machines placed in the water use the movement of waves to generate electricity. This energy is perfect for coastal areas.
How it works:
Tidal energy - power from the tides
Tides happen when the moon’s gravity pulls on the ocean, making the water rise and fall. This happens twice a day in most places.
Big gates or underwater turbines are placed in areas where tides move in and out.
When the water moves in or out, it spins the turbines. Think of it like a water wheel in a river, but under the ocean.
The turbines generate electricity that can power homes and cities.
Wave energy - power from ocean waves
Waves are created by wind blowing over the ocean. The stronger the wind, the bigger the waves. Scientists use different machines to capture this energy:
Floating buoys – These move up and down with the waves and turn that movement into electricity.
Underwater machines – Some machines sit under the waves and use the ocean’s movement to spin turbines.
Oscillating water columns – These work like giant pumps, using waves to push air, which then spins turbines.
Fun fact: waves can carry up to 1,000 times more energy per square meter than wind.
