The Truth about Wind and Solar Energy

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

In July, my Republican colleagues and I introduced an “All of the Above” energy strategy called the American Energy Act of 2008 (H.R. 6566).  This legislation puts all our energy options on the table so that we can increase the supply of American-made energy, improve conservation and efficiency, and promote renewable and alternative energy technology.  As a nation, we must explore all our available domestic resources to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Wind and solar power will be part of the solution.  By harnessing these renewable resources, we can increase the supply of American-made energy and diversify our energy production.  Modern wind machines work by using rotating blades that collect the wind’s energy and use it to power an electrical generator.  Solar energy can be converted into electricity through solar power plants or Photovoltaic (PV) devices.  Solar power plants use steam generated by the sun’s heat to power a generator.  PV devices are non-mechanical, silicone devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity by manipulating electrons.