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The solar PV (photovoltaics) module – often referred to as a solar panel – is the basic building block for a solar electric power generation system. Each solar module contains an assembly of PV cells mounted in a framework for installation. Modules are rated by their DC power output, and typically range between 100 and 365 Watts (W).

Solar PV modules are made by connecting together photovoltaic (PV) cells, also known as solar cells. They are manufactured from semiconductor materials like crystalline silicon.

Solar PV module efficiency is the measure that identifies how much of the sun’s energy a module can convert into usable electricity. For example, a module with 10% efficiency can convert 10% of the sunshine it absorbs into electricity. Commercial solar modules today can reach efficiencies in excess of 24%, but typically range between 15 and 20 percent.

Biofuel is a fuel produced directly or indirectly from organic material like plant materials, vegetable oil, animal fat, and cellulosic biomass. Depending on the feedstock used, biofuel may qualify as carbon-neutral, because the carbon dioxide that is absorbed by the plants is equal to the carbon dioxide that is released when the fuel is burned.

In contrast to fossil fuels, the source biomatter of biofuels can regrow quickly. For this reason, biofuels – the most common of which are ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and biogas – can be classified as a renewable fuel. Unlike other renewable energy sources, biomass can be converted directly into liquid bio-based fuels to help meet transportation fuel needs.

Ethanol is an alcohol, the same found in beer and wine. It is made by fermenting any biomass high in carbohydrates through a process similar to brewing beer. Ethanol is mostly used as a fuel additive to cut down a vehicle’s carbon monoxide and other smog-causing emissions. But flexible-fuel vehicles, which run on mixtures of gasoline and up to 85% ethanol, are widely available in the United States and elsewhere. Pure Biodiesel is made by combining alcohol with vegetable oil, animal fat, or recycled cooking greases. It can be used as an additive to reduce vehicle emissions or in its pure form as a renewable alternative fuel for diesel engines. Other biofuels include methanol and reformulated gasoline components. Methanol, commonly called wood alcohol, is currently produced from natural gas, but could also be produced from biomass. There are a number of ways to convert biomass to…

Biodiesel is a renewable diesel fuel primarily used as a feedstock for blending with petroleum diesel fuel. Consisting primarily of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), it is one of the world’s most diverse fuel types. Biodiesel production is achieved using agricultural by-products like vegetable oils or animal fats. For information on the chemical process behind producing biodiesel, visit energy.gov’s Biofuels Basics page. Biodiesel is the most common bio-based fuel in Europe and one of the fastest-growing fuel products in the United States. The first EPA-designated advanced biofuel to be commercialized in the U.S., Biodiesel meeting ASTM D6751 specifications can be used in existing diesel engines without modification.

Biodiesel is is typically made by chemically reacting lipids i.e. feedstock such as animal tallow, used cooking oil, vegetable oil (notably from soybeans) with an alcohol, producing a methyl, ethyl or propyl ester. This process, called transesterification, can be carried out by various methods including the common batch process, heterogeneous catalysts, supercritical processes, ultrasonic methods, and microwave methods.

Contrary to vegetable and waste oil used to fuel converted diesel engines, biodiesel is a ‘drop-in’ biofuel. This means it can be used with existing diesel engines and distribution infrastructure. Biodiesel can be used alone or blended with petroleum diesel in the desired proportion. It is most typically used in diesel-powered vehicles, but can also be of use in trains, aircraft, marine vessels and diesel generators. Biodiesel blends are also commonly used as a heating oil.

In contrast to fossil fuels, the source biomatter of biofuel can be quickly regrown. For this reason, biofuels like biodiesel can be classified as a renewable fuel.

Carbon trading is a market-based system aimed at reducing GHG emissions that contribute to global warming. It allows companies to buy and sell carbon credits as needed to meet emissions requirements. Carbon credits are authorized by governments with the goal of gradually reducing overall carbon emissions and mitigating climate change.

Carbon offsetting is the purchase of carbon credits, generally in an amount equivalent to the carbon emissions that a lifestyle or business has created. Purchasing carbon credits is a way to be accountable for a climate impact and to take climate action beyond one’s own area of influence.