Chapter 1 - Fundamentals of renewable energy systems

Abstract

Today most of the energy demands are fulfilled by conventional energy sources (coal, oil, and gas) that put a serious impact on human health and seriously damage the earth’s environment. With industrialization and the increasing population, energy demands have been increased exponentially whereas the conventional energy sources are depleting at the same rate. It is expected that these energy sources will be eradicated and then to meet the energy demands we will need some energy sources that will replenish. These renewable energy sources can be used to generate electricity or to meet the heating requirements with minor or low impact on the environment. These renewable energy sources are solar energy, wind energy, hydro energy, bioenergy, and geothermal energy.