CEC is a new idea in power generation that is building, operating and maintaining community-shared clean energy facilities. CEC is pioneering the model of delivering clean power-generation through medium-scale facilities that are collectively owned by participating utility customers. CEC's proprietary software automatically calculates monthly credits for members and integrates with the utilities' existing billing system. Our Mission
RooflessSolar™
RooflessSolar (community solar) is an optimally located off-site solar facility that enables any resident or business to take advantage of solar power, even those who rent or lease. Customers receive the benefits of going solar, without the worry of installation or maintenance.
CEC has developed proven software and services that allow for on-time market community solar deployments. For utilities seeking to offer their own community solar program, but are unsure where to begin, CEC is the solution.
What is clean energy, and why is it important? Clean energy comes from resources that never run out and whose byproducts have minimal or no effect on the environment. Sun, wind, and hydropower are the main examples. This energy is considered clean because it doesn’t produce the carbon dioxide and air pollution that come from fossil fuel consumption, which contribute to global warming.
Currently, oil, gas, coal, and other nonrenewable energy sources are deeply entrenched in the world economy and infrastructure. Shifting to clean energy will take time, technological development, and political will. The good news is that shift is underway. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, almost 20% of the country’s electricity generation came from renewable energy in 2020 — up from a mere 1% in 2000.
Environmental engineers are leading the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy to meet demand and to protect our air, water, health, and food.
Defining Clean Energy and Energy’s Impact on the Environment
To understand the impact of energy on the environment, it’s important to consider how energy use has evolved throughout human history. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, humans used renewable energy. They heated their homes and cooked their food by burning wood or other biomass (peat, for example). They also harnessed hydropower to spin waterwheels that crushed grains or used windmills.
While not all energy sources were clean — woodsmoke, for example, is highly polluting — they were renewable, meaning they were derived from resources that would not be depleted.
In the 1700s, the Industrial Age dawned with the discovery of how to burn coal to smelt iron. Coal, which is mostly made up of carbonized plant matter (aka a fossil fuel), was the beginning. It was used to power machinery and used in transportation (trains and steamships). Burning coal introduced carbon into the atmosphere, a direct contributor to a warming planet. Unlike wood or water, coal is nonrenewable; when all the coal is mined, there is no more.
Over the next 200-plus years, fossil fuels in the form of oil and gas also took hold, and there was an explosion in the use and exploitation of natural resources. As with coal, fossil fuels like oil and gas consist of carbon and hydrocarbons, which burn easily and produce a great deal of energy. They also produce carbon byproducts, which cause air pollution and contribute to acid rain and smog.
This shift had an enormous impact on the world economy, as well as the environment. While Europe, Asia, and North America largely benefited from the exploitation of fossil fuel resources, the global south has lagged behind.
With growing concerns about climate change and global warming, nonrenewable energy may no longer be the economic driver it once was. So what about clean energy? Can renewables take the place of fossil fuels? Some experts say that’s already happening.
Economic Growth and Development
One straightforward measurement of this complex economic problem is the financial cost of producing renewable and nonrenewable energy. The difference has changed over time.
Technological Development
Just a decade ago, wind and solar energy were far more expensive to produce than energy derived from fossil fuels. Now, that landscape is changing. Advances in wind turbines and solar panels have made these renewables comparable to oil and gas in cost — and, in some locations, even less expensive. With further advances in transmission lines and energy storage, the price for clean energy becomes even more competitive, although the complexities of oil production and demand make direct comparisons difficult.
Fossil Fuel Production
In the 1970s, “peak oil” entered the lexicon. The term refers to the idea that the easily found oil had already been drilled, and any that remained would be difficult and costly to extract. Peak oil has been declared many times over the past 50 years. However, evolving technology has kept the oil flowing. Natural gas, a byproduct of oil extraction, is no longer burned off but has become another common energy source. Have we reached peak oil? As with everything to do with energy, the answer is not so simple.
Demand and Use
As gas prices rise, demand falls. More people travel less, and more buy gas-efficient vehicles, hybrids, or electric cars. When gas prices fall, people tend to buy larger cars. Nations that are net importers of oil are moving toward reducing their dependence on foreign oil. This will mean moving toward more use of renewable energy, which will impact the economies of oil-producing nations.
Air Quality
Fossil fuels produce nitrogen oxides that cause smog and acid rain. Cars, coal-fired power plants, manufacturing, and airplanes are the biggest producers of nitrogen oxides, which have negatively impacted the health of millions of people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The cause of these health effects is particulate matter 2.5 microns or smaller — small enough to travel into the lungs and cause disease. The impact of particulate matter is stark:
Disease. Poor air quality has been linked to stroke, heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses such as asthma.
Deaths. WHO estimates that 4.2 million people died prematurely from air quality-related illnesses in 2016.
Indoor air pollution. Around 2.6 billion people use biomass, kerosene, or coal to cook and heat their homes. WHO attributes 3.8 million premature deaths to indoor air pollution.
Water Quality
Nonrenewable energy has had a sizable impact on water quality as well.
Acid rain. Acid rain is caused by nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, which are produced by burning fossil fuels. Acid rain harms plants and wildlife, including fish.
Ocean acidification. As with freshwater, the oceans are increasingly acidified by fossil fuel emissions, killing off the rich biodiversity of coral reefs, among other impacts.
Sea level rise. Climate change has caused glaciers to melt and the sea to rise. This causes flooding inland and saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers.
Livability and Sustainability
The world recently got a glimpse of what a clean energy-focused future might look like. In 2020, with most of the world on lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of fossil fuels declined dramatically. According to a study reported in the journal Heliyon, this led to significant environmental effects:
Greenhouse gas emissions. In New York City, air pollution levels were cut in half in 2020. Levels of nitrogen oxide and carbon fell 50% in China as heavy industry shut down. Similar results were seen in major cities and countries around the world.
Water pollution. The levels of water pollution in major rivers fell, including in the Ganges in India (one of the 10 most polluted rivers in the world, according to Indian news site Ground Report).
Noise pollution. Noise pollution can have a deleterious effect on human health and can cause interrupted sleep, among other problems. Noise pollution levels fell so drastically during the pandemic that city residents could hear the chirping of birds.
Ecological restoration. Ecotourism has been both a blessing and a curse for some countries. Popular tourist sites experienced recovery of land and water as tourism came to a stop.
Climate Change
According to NASA, the average global temperature has increased by 1 degree Celsius since 1880. Warming has increased the fastest since 1975. Since the start of the 21st century, several years have earned the title of hottest year on record. Melting glaciers contribute to rising seas. Warming temperatures cause drought and wildfires. Greenhouse gas emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels are the reason for these rising temperatures, according to NASA’s Earth Observatory.
What Is a Renewable Energy Source?
A renewable energy source is one that’s never depleted. Renewable energy and clean energy are often used synonymously; however, some renewables are not ecologically friendly. Burning wood for heat and cooking causes indoor air pollution. Hydroelectric power changes ecosystems.
The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy:
Advantages of Renewable Energy
How can renewable energy reduce pollution and slow or reverse climate change? Although the impact of renewable energy won’t be felt for decades, these sources are attractive alternatives to traditional fossil fuels.
Sustainability
Certain renewable energy sources are sustainable in that they will never run out. The most obvious of these is power from the sun. Some hydropower projects can be considered to be sustainable, if they’re designed to have low environmental impact.
Less Pollution
Clean, sustainable energy sources have few to no emissions that impact environmental quality. As the clean energy sector grows, experts believe that it can help offset fossil fuel emissions. But due to manufacturing and other inputs, no energy source can ever be completely free of environmental impact.
Job Creation
During the pandemic and despite a global lockdown, jobs in the global renewable energy sector grew from 11.5 million in 2019 to 12 million in 2020, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency and the International Labour Organization. A third of those jobs were in solar energy. Both organizations estimated that if governments were to commit to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, job outlook for the sector could rise to 38 million jobs by 2030.
Lower Maintenance Costs
Wind turbine maintenance costs are lower than comparable renewable energy technology, according to a report by research firm UnivDatos Market Insights. Lower maintenance requirements save time and money and increase uptime. This can help offset issues with reliable flow of power.
Less Waste
Renewable energy is less wasteful than fossil fuel by its nature: It depletes fewer natural resources, and it helps to preserve air and water quality. Some renewable energy sources solve waste issues. For example, energy can be derived from biomass sources such as corn, soybeans, and other used organic products. By converting biomass into energy, renewable energy keeps waste out of landfills.
Growing Affordability
Renewables are becoming more affordable. Wind and solar energy plants are cheaper than running a coal or gas-fired generator, according to research reported by Bloomberg. Even as materials costs rise, such as steel for wind turbines and polysilicon for solar panels, the trend continues.
Disadvantages of Renewable Energy
There are also downsides to renewable energy — some more significant than others. Reliability has long been an issue, along with storage and overall costs of shifting to a different system with differing infrastructure needs. The transition from fossil fuels to renewables is as complex as it is because of these disadvantages.
Variability and Reliability
A cloudy day or a calm one can interrupt power generation from solar panels or wind turbines. Likewise, gale-force winds don’t necessarily mean wind turbines produce more energy. For many power grids that get their energy in part from renewables, they still have to rely on coal, natural gas, or oil to keep the lights, heat, and air conditioning on.
Higher Cost and Economic Impact
The fossil fuel industry is entrenched in the energy sector, with power plants, transmission lines, and other elements all geared toward delivering natural gas, oil, and coal. Building infrastructure for solar and wind will continue to come at a higher cost. However, as more infrastructure is put in place, and demand grows, these costs have already started to come down.
Storage
Oil and gas are stored in tanks and are ready to be burned when needed. Renewable energy lacks the same storage capacity, generating electricity as it collects it. Storage is one of the main drawbacks of wind and solar energy production. While advances in battery technology have improved, the fact that solar output drops at night will continue to be a disadvantage.
Geographic Limitations
Not all renewable energy works for every location, unlike energy from fossil fuel. A shaded house won’t be a good candidate for solar panels. Wind turbines won’t help in areas where there’s no wind. Transmission lines are critical to bring power from wind farms in rural areas to cities and suburbs.
Environmental Impact
Renewables and clean energy can also have an environmental impact. Wind turbines can affect birds and bats. Manufacturing solar panels is resource-intensive. Environmental engineers and other experts focus on these challenges and seek to solve these problems at the design stage.
What Is a Nonrenewable Energy Source?
Nonrenewable energy is extracted from natural resources and burned as a source of power. For well over 200 years, nonrenewable energy has been the dominant source of power in the world. There are reasons for its longevity.
Advantages of Nonrenewable Energy
For the many disadvantages of fossil fuels, there are also many powerful advantages.
Established Infrastructure
Mass transportation, industry, and agriculture all have been designed and built around the use of fossil fuels. Until something goes wrong, such as the 2021 power grid failure in Texas, one of the biggest advantages of nonrenewable energy is that people don’t have to think about it.
Reliability/Consistency
Nonrenewable energy is highly reliable and consistent. Natural gas, coal, and oil can be stored efficiently until power plants need to burn them. It’s easily transported via rail or pipeline to a refinery or generating plant.
Affordability
Even as renewables encroach on the traditional affordability of nonrenewable energy, cost remains an advantage. This is in part because of the existing infrastructure, which reduces the need for new construction of transmission lines and other essential components of the energy delivery system. How long this will remain an advantage is unclear.
High Energy Efficiency
Fossil fuels wouldn’t be so entrenched in modern civilization if they weren’t so energy efficient. Coal and oil are the product of millions of years of deposits of organic matter, which when burned produce energy at a very high level. Compared with solar and wind, fossil fuels produce much more energy.
Disadvantages of Nonrenewable Energy
There are arguments for fossil fuels and other nonrenewable energy sources, but the downsides are equally compelling. While fossil fuels have shaped the modern world and led to global economic development, these benefits don’t necessarily outweigh the disadvantages.
Pollution
Burning fossil fuels produces nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide. All of these are elements of air and water pollution, causing harmful health effects to humans and the environment. Although technological advances have reduced these effects, the byproducts of nonrenewable energy can never be eliminated completely.
Difficulty of Extraction
As resources become depleted, energy companies have to go to even greater depths to extract fossil fuels, increasing the costs and the environmental impact.
Nonrenewable Energy Is Nonrenewable
Eventually, fossil fuels and other nonrenewable resources will run out. Over the next several decades, the wells will run dry, and we’ll have to find new sources for the energy that drives society.
Types of Renewable Energy
Not all renewable energy is created equal. Different types of renewable energy offer specific advantages and disadvantages.
Solar. The sun has a lifespan of billions of years, but solar panels can’t generate electricity at night or on cloudy days.
Wind. Wind is clean, efficient, and affordable; however, wind farms tend to be in remote areas or offshore, requiring transmission and storage capability.
Biomass. Recycled biomaterial can be used in homes to heat and cook, thereby keeping it out of landfills. Unfortunately, burning biomass is highly polluting.
Geothermal. Geothermal energy systems use heat from within the earth to generate power, but this type of energy isn’t available everywhere.
Hydropower. Hydropower uses fast-moving rivers to generate energy. It also stores energy in the form of water behind a dam. A disadvantage is the heavy environmental impact hydropower has on wildlife habitats, which can cause loss of animal and plant life.
Types of Nonrenewable Energy
Coal. Infrastructure and industry are already in place for extracting and burning coal, but the disadvantages are many. Coal is highly polluting, contributing to climate change, and is becoming more expensive than renewables.
Oil. Oil is efficient for use in mass transportation, easy to store, and refinable into gas, diesel, and heating fuel. Nevertheless, oil is highly polluting and a contributor to climate change.
Natural gas. Natural gas is less expensive than renewables depending on supply and demand; plus, it’s efficient for heating and cooking. Still, this kind of energy is highly polluting and a significant contributor to climate change.
Nuclear. Nuclear energy is clean and efficient but also potentially dangerous. It’s vulnerable to natural disasters and shifting political agendas, and uranium is hard to extract and can’t be renewed.
Build a Career in Clean Energy
Many scientists and world leaders agree: Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy is necessary to combat climate change and build a sustainable and healthy world economy. As the global demand for renewable energy continues to grow, environmental engineers are deciding how we will face the future.
Explore how University of California, Riverside’s online Master of Science in Engineering with a specialization in Environmental Engineering can help you build a career in the exciting field of renewable energy.Our energy sources—from the way that we heat, cool and power our homes and businesses, to how we travel—play an important role in air quality. Burning fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, gasoline and diesel emits toxic air pollution, and releases greenhouse gases, which drive climate change. Climate change not only directly endangers our health, but it also makes it more difficult to clean up harmful ozone and particle pollution.
Transitioning away from dirty, polluting energy sources to clean energy is absolutely critical to protect the health of all Americans, now and for generations to come. It’s time to call on cities, states and our federal government to make clean, non-combustion renewables the norm.
How Climate Change Harms Air Quality
Increased temperatures lead to additional ground-level ozone pollution.
More intense and frequent wildfires result in spikes in particle pollution.
More intense and frequent flood events create conditions for mold and contaminants.
Understanding Types of Clean Energy
Two of the safest and most common renewable energy resources include solar and wind energy. But how do they work?
Wind energy is created with wind turbines—which are placed anywhere with high speed winds —from hilltops to open water for offshore wind. Using wind to produce energy has fewer effects on the environment than many other energy sources because wind turbines have no direct air pollution emissions and they do not require water for cooling. The nation’s use of wind energy has grown dramatically over the past 30 years. Wind energy accounts for more than seven percent of U.S. energy generation, and advances in technology have greatly decreased costs.
Solar energy uses solar cells—or photovoltaic (PV) cells—made from silicon or other materials that transform sunlight into electricity. Solar energy systems don’t produce air pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions, although some emissions may be released during the manufacturing process. There have also been dramatic improvements in harnessing solar energy—reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Solar energy supplies nearly two percent of U.S. electricity generation. Forty percent of all new electricity generating capacity added in the U.S. in early 2020 was solar.
Important note on biomass: Some consider burning biomass for energy as a source of renewable energy, but the American Lung Association is opposed to combustion of biomass and municipal solid waste because of possible air pollution. These sources create particle pollution and other carcinogens that endanger health. Decades of research show that burning fuels or materials to produce electricity creates pollutants that trigger asthma attacks and heart attacks, cause cancer, shorten lives and other harmful health impacts.
Why Change Matters
Switching to clean energy is an essential step to ensuring healthy air for all Americans.
Air pollution—made worse by climate change—is unhealthy for everyone to breathe. Breathing polluted air contributes to an increase in health problems including asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, respiratory and cardiovascular harm, reproductive harm, lung cancer, and early death. Some groups are particularly at risk—including children, older adults, communities of color, and those with existing health issues.
Using non-combustion renewable energy sources reduces air pollution dramatically and limits climate change-fueling greenhouse gas emissions.
Aside from protecting health, it also makes practical sense. Switching to renewable energy sources is a great way to reduce dependence on imported fuels, create local jobs, and increase cost efficiency. Increasingly around the country, renewable energy is cost-competitive with energy from fossil fuels.
CLEAN ENERGY MATTERS. FIND OUT WHY.
Clean energy. You’ve probably heard the term tossed around over the past decade or two. Even if you don’t know what it entails, you know it has to be something positive since it has the word “clean” in it. To put it simply, clean energy is any form of energy that comes from a renewable source and whose production doesn’t harm the environment (e.g. hydropower, solar energy, wind energy). Because of these characteristics, clean energy is also often referred to as renewable energy or green energy.
So, how does this apply to your life? Well, deregulation in many states has now made it possible for you to choose where you buy your energy from. You can now decide to power your home through clean energy, which can help your wallet and the Earth at the same time.
To help you understand why choosing clean energy is the right choice, here are three of the most notable benefits of clean energy.
1. CLEAN ENERGY CAN HELP REDUCE THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH FOSSIL FUELS.
Traditionally, we have powered our homes and businesses with energy created from the burning of fossil fuels. These include coal, oil, and natural gas—which are all effective forms of energy. However, burning these resources is leading to huge environmental problems like oil spills, acid rain, heavy air pollution, global warming, and more. Plus, extracting and burning fossil fuels is dangerous for all involved. Not only that, but, across the globe, we are using these resources up at exponential rates, and we’re bound to run out.
By choosing clean energy over traditional sources, you can help reduce the harmful carbon emissions created by the burning of fossil fuels. You can help reduce the risks associated with extracting and burning fossil fuels. And you can help ensure that we won’t run out of reliable energy sources in the coming years.
2. CLEAN ENERGY CAN HELP REDUCE OUR DEPENDENCE ON IMPORTED FUELS.
The United States is importing billions of barrels of oil each year from unstable countries across the globe. Our dependence on foreign fuels is a huge issue from two perspectives. First, we are importing oil from countries that the U.S. Department of State issues travel warnings against. Second, we are investing billions of dollars in overseas trade when we could be strengthening our own economy.
When you choose to purchase clean energy, you’re helping promote the creation of more clean energy in the U.S., which will help us reduce our reliance on foreign fuels in the years to come.
3. CLEAN ENERGY CAN HELP CREATE MORE JOBS IN MANUFACTURING, INSTALLATION, AND MORE.
In a time where job security and finances are at the top of many of our lists of concerns, we owe it to ourselves to create more jobs right here in the U.S. Clean energy has the potential to be a huge, booming industry across the country, and the growth will start with your choice to power your home the smart way. Potential jobs include careers in manufacturing, installation, regulation, and more.Many cities, states, and countries around the world have been making the transition to clean energy sources such as wind and solar to meet our energy needs. But what makes clean energy better than fossil fuels and other energy sources?
Here are just a few of the biggest benefits of clean energy sources, such as wind and solar:
1. Unlike fossil fuels, there are no harmful CO2 or methane emissions
One of the most exciting benefits of clean energy from wind and solar sources is that it produces zero carbon or methane emissions. Methane is a harmful greenhouse gas that has more than 80 times the climate warming impact of CO2. Methane is emitted during the production of coal, oil, and gas, and it is the main component in natural gas. By transitioning from fossil fuels to wind and solar energy, we can help reduce harmful emission levels and prevent the worst effects of climate change.
In addition to CO2 and methane, burning fossil fuels also emits dangerous pollutants into the air such as mercury, sulfur dioxide, and soot. Clean energy can help reduce harmful air pollution in communities across the country.
2. Clean energy can cause fewer health problems
The production of fossil fuels, including the subsequent air pollution, can cause a number of health problems for workers and nearby communities, such as heart disease, asthma, respiratory illness, and even cancer. Phasing out fossil fuels in favor of pollution-free energy sources can help improve health outcomes for the billions of people around the world who currently breathe unhealthy air and the many people who live near fossil fuel sites. In fact, eliminating the air pollution that’s caused by burning fossil fuels would prevent more than 50,000 premature deaths annually and provide more than $600 billion in health benefits in the U.S. every year!
3. With clean energy, there are no oil spills or gas leaks
Clean energy from wind and solar sources doesn’t come with the risks of harmful oil spills, gas leaks, explosions, or other disasters that can result from fossil fuel production. Reducing or eliminating these risks would be crucial for our planet, our wildlife, and our health.
4. Clean energy uses less water than fossil fuels
The production of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas requires a significant amount of water. In fact, in 2021, roughly 10% of the total global freshwater withdrawals were used for energy systems—at a time when a quarter of the global population lacks access to safe drinking water. In contrast, clean energy sources such as wind and solar require significantly less water. Among all of the other amazing environmental benefits, transitioning to wind and solar energy is also a great way to conserve our precious water supply.
5. Clean energy sources like wind and solar are abundant and renewable
Clean energy from wind and solar sources is 100% renewable and very plentiful. Solar energy is the most abundant energy source on the planet. In fact, in a single hour, the sun provides the earth with enough energy to power the entire planet for a whole year!
The benefits of clean energy sources like wind and solar are clear. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources is a win-win for our planet and our health. Curious about how you can play a role in the transition to clean energy? You can upgrade your home to 100% clean energy sources today through CleanChoice Energy. It’s an easy and impactful way you can make a difference in the world.
Here are some of the top reasons you should sign up for clean energy today:
1. You can help protect our environment
Right now, the electricity you use likely includes dirty fossil fuels, which pollute our environment and contribute to climate change. But by choosing 100% wind and solar energy, you can help improve the air we breathe and the world we share.
2. You’ll help transition away from fossil fuels
Switching to wind and solar energy helps reduce our collective dependence on fossil fuels. Fewer fossil fuels mean less air pollution and cleaner air for you and your neighbors.
3. You’ll support clean energy jobs
You can help support the development of renewable energy jobs in your region. More than 3.3 million Americans already work in clean energy jobs. That number will continue to rise, as solar panel installer and wind turbine technician are currently two of the fastest growing jobs in the country—and you can help them grow even more!
4. You can make a big impact
Choosing 100% clean energy for your home is one of the most impactful ways you can help protect our environment. Since 2012, CleanChoice Energy customers have used more than 8.8 billion kWh of 100% clean, pollution-free energy. That has the same environmental impact as:
103 million trees planted; or
7 billion pounds of coal not burned; or
1.3 million cars taken off the road for one year!
5. It’s an easy way you can make a difference
Upgrading your home to clean energy through CleanChoice Energy is a fast, simple way you can make a positive impact on the environment—every time you flip on your light switch. You can support clean energy without having to install anything on your roof, switch your utility, or change your daily routine. It’s one of the easiest ways you can make a difference in the fight against climate change.
Clean energy—renewable power that comes from the sun, water, wind, underground (geothermal), and biomass—comes from, and benefits, our environment. At the same time, the technologies we develop to transmit, deliver, and use clean energy can change our environment. Responsible clean energy development, including nuclear power, is top of mind for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to safely and securely reduce carbon emissions and address the threat of climate change.
DOE is working to maximize the benefits of clean energy for all, while minimizing and eliminating any negative environmental impacts resulting from clean energy deployment.
Clean Energy Benefits the Environment
Clean energy is good for the environment because it does not produce the harmful emissions that lead to climate change. Climate change—including extreme weather and sea-level rise—causes drought, wildfires, flooding, poverty and displacement, food insecurity, health risks, and species loss.
Clean energy technologies improve human health by reducing air pollution and water and soil contamination. A clean energy economy will lower rates of asthma, heart conditions, and other health issues related to climate change across the nation. It will also support our ecosystems—geographic areas made up of plants, animals, and other organisms that interact with each other and the physical environment—and help sustain life on Earth.
Energy-efficient processes, practices, materials, and products also benefit the environment, because energy efficiency is vital to decarbonizing the economy. Conserving energy, water, and materials strengthens our resources and reduces emissions.
While harnessing power from renewable energy resources eliminates carbon dioxide emissions, using biomass resources tackles additional environmental issues. Biomass is derived from plant- and algae-based materials, including food waste and forestry residue. Converting biomass into sustainable fuels for modes of transportation delivers the following environmental benefits:
Controls erosion
Improves water quality and quantity
Increases biodiversity
Stores carbon in soil.
Importance of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy benefits for the environment is a topic that’s been on everyone’s minds in recent years not only because its at the forefront of many political and social conversations worldwide, but because it is an issue so many people feel passionate about.
So, what is renewable energy anyway? Renewable energy is energy that is collected from natural sources that can’t be depleted such as sunlight, wind, and hydropower. And since these natural sources aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, using them to generate power is not only reliable but is eco-friendly, too. Plus, these types of alternative energy sources don’t typically produce any negative byproducts like those produced when burning fossil fuels for energy, which causes serious harm to the environment.
Of course, we’ve all heard that renewable energy is important and that we should be using it instead of fossil fuels, but why?
Why is renewable energy important for our future?
The answer is as simple as it is complex: It’s important because without it, we will run out of ways to power our world.
While this may sound a bit dramatic, it’s actually quite true. If we don’t start to replace the unsustainable methods we currently use to generate electricity with more sustainable ones, we will run out. Many experts estimate that we could run out of fossil fuels within the next 100 years, and burning other materials for energy, such as our own trash and trees, will only be able to take us so far.
Another reason why using renewable energy sources is so important is that all nonrenewable sources harm the planet when they’re converted into energy, polluting the air and making the world a more difficult place to live for plants, animals, and humans alike. Air pollutants and smog hanging over our cities cause allergies, symptoms of asthma, and even lung disease. Climate change, acid rain, and physical damage to the environment are also major negative impacts caused by our continued reliance on fossil fuels.
What role does wind energy play?
Wind energy is without a doubt one of the wonders of the renewable energy landscape. In fact, they’re already being used all across the US and contributing a lot of clean energy to our nation’s power grid.
The best part is that the wind is always blowing somewhere, so wind power will never run out. And with the help of more and more wind farms being built, it’s become one of the easiest ways to harness and deliver clean energy to people worldwide. Wind power also reduces carbon emissions and saves water. Because of wind farms, 103 billion gallons of water and 198 metric million tonnes of CO₂ emissions were avoided in 2019 alone. And that’s a big deal.
Luckily, it’s really easy to power your own home with wind energy and other clean sources. If you’re interested in supporting clean energy, we have the perfect place for you to start — check out our page to find out everything you’d ever want to know about signing up for a clean energy subscription with Inspire.
Why is solar power important?
Much like wind energy, solar power is important because it doesn’t harm the planet when converted into energy. And as long as the sun keeps shining, we will never have to worry about running out of solar power.
And while it can be a bit expensive up front, the benefit of solar energy panels is that panels can be installed on just about any surface that faces the sun, making it the perfect system for providing energy to residential and commercial buildings or for contributing energy directly to the power grid.
Why is the development of renewable energy sources so important?
According to experts, we may only have until 2040 to reverse the effects of climate change before irreparable damage is done. Here’s why:
Fossil fuels will run out – experts believe we have between 53 and 110 years before nonrenewable sources will be scarce and therefore unable to power our world.
Sustainable energy sources are much more affordable – they pay for themselves over time (both financially and environmentally!), and that means cheaper electricity for the consumer.
Renewable energy infrastructure creates jobs – in 2019 alone, 12,000 new jobs were created across all 50 US states thanks to wind energy.
Plus, clean energy reduces the risk of respiratory health problems. According to the World Health Organization, household and ambient air pollution caused 7 million deaths globally in 2016. About 94% of these deaths occurred in low- and middle‐income countries, with South East Asia and the Western Pacific regions bearing most of that burden. These and other health issues could be drastically reduced if we were more reliant on energy sources that did not involve the burning of fossil fuels.
Why are alternative energy resources important?
Our world is being damaged at an alarming rate by the burning of fossil fuels, and the development of renewable energy infrastructure takes time. And to make matters worse, fossil fuels are already running low. The clock is ticking for our resources and our planet. Before we know it, fossil fuels will run out, and every day we’re doing irreparable damage to our planet. The time for green energy is now.
Types of green energy
There’s a lot to be said about each form of sustainable energy, so let’s explore the types of green energy and the benefits they have to offer us:
Biogas
Biogas is produced when organic materials are broken down by bacteria in an oxygen-free environment, also known as anaerobic digestion, which occurs naturally in landfills. Biogas systems use anaerobic digestion to recycle these organic materials and turn them into biogas. The resulting product contains both energy (in the form of gas), and soil products – so it’s a win-win. Every year, the US produces more than 70 million tons of organic waste, and despite the clear benefits of using biogas as an energy source, the US currently only has 2,200 operating biogas systems.
BiomassBiomass is simply organic matter used to generate energy. It comes from materials like grass clippings, wood pellets, crops like corn and sugarcane, and even animal waste. Biomass as an energy source is often used alongside wind energy, with agricultural waste being burned to heat water and produce steam to power wind turbines. This is a renewable source of energy because plant matter can always be regrown. Unfortunately, because it involves burning, it isn’t always the best option for the health of our environment.
GeothermalGeothermal energy comes from heat within the sub-surface of the Earth. The geothermal energy is pushed up to the Earth’s surface with the help of water and steam. Geothermal energy can be harnessed for heating and cooling, or it can be used to generate clean electricity. Countries like Kenya, the Philippines, New Zealand, and El Salvador are heavily reliant on geothermal energy as opposed to other, less environmentally friendly energy sources. Geothermal energy also represents 90% of Iceland’s energy production, making it a rather green country.
HydropowerHydropower is a clean fuel source collected from the natural movement of water, and, once a dam has been built, it’s esentially free to produce. Hydropower is harnessed through a system made up of three parts: a power plant that collects the electricity, a dam that’s opened or closed to control water flow, and a reservoir where the water is stored. When the dam is opened, the water in the reservoir is released and flows through it, pushing against blades in a turbine, causing them to turn. The turbine in this system, much like in wind turbines, then spins a generator that converts the energy into electricity.
SolarSolar energy is energy that is collected from the rays of the sun and is captured with the help of silicon solar panels using the “photovoltaic effect.” This is the mechanism by which solar panels harness the sun’s energy, and then generate it into electricity.
Wind
Much like solar power, wind energy relies on the right weather to produce electricity. This energy is harnessed through the use of wind turbines, which can be installed on land or at sea. It’s one of the cleanest and most sustainable sources of energy generation, producing zero carbon emissions and preventing the release of toxic gases into the atmosphere.
That’s why wind energy is one of the primary energy sources we support at Inspire Clean Energy – it is by far one of the cleanest and most promising forms of clean energy.
Renewable energy vs. fossil fuels
In 2019, renewable energy was responsible for around 11% of all US energy generation, and for 17% of electricity generation. That means that fossil fuels make up the vast majority of energy consumption. And this has to change.
Fortunately, renewable energy usage is on the rise. It’s predicted that clean energy generation in the US will increase from 20% in 2020 to 21% in 2021 and then to 23% in 2022 — and that number is expected to continue to increase.
Renewable energy isn’t going anywhere – unlike fossil fuels, wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal energy will always exist.
Minimize greenhouse gases – though manufacturing of a wind turbine has an environmental impact, it is able to cancel out its own carbon footprint after just 6 months of use. Then it’s pure, clean energy forever.
Minimize pollutants – renewable energy sources don’t produce smog, acid rain, or other byproducts that can become trapped in the atmosphere and cause respiratory disease.
Low cost – once a renewable energy farm has been built, it requires almost no maintenance for at least 20 years. That means costs stay low and this will in turn lower the cost of power over the long term.
Creates jobs – over 12,000 jobs were created in the US by wind power in 2019. And that’s only the beginning.
Is renewable energy reliable?
Renewable energy is absolutely reliable! It will never run out and doesn’t require a huge amount of maintenance. And when you consider a world where all the different types of renewable energy sources are working together, it becomes an extremely reliable way to power our world.
What’s the best renewable energy source for the future?
The best way to produce renewable energy is by combining together all the different methods above. Clean energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower are even better because they don’t produce byproducts.
And we work hard to make it easy for you — with Inspire, you can enjoy unlimited clean energy without installing any solar panels on your home or putting a wind turbine in your backyard.
What kind of renewable energy will be used in the future?
It’s likely that all of the different sources we’ve discussed in this article will play a big role in our planet’s sustainable future.
Can 100% renewable energy really power the world?
Believe it or not, we absolutely have the potential to create a future where renewable energy is the only energy source powering our world – and the sooner we do so, the better. Click here to support clean power today.
How will we meet our energy needs in the future?
Renewable energy can be used everywhere: buildings can be heated and cooled with the help of biomass boilers, solar-thermal water heaters, and even direct geothermal heat.
Even the transportation industry can use energy from clean sources. Renewable electricity can be used to produce electro-fuels like hydrogen, which can easily fuel long-haul transport, such as in shipping and aviation. Reducing the overall demand for energy in the transport sector is critical, but it can be accomplished with the help of policies promoting energy conservation and efficiency.
Industrial process heat can also be covered by green energy, with biomass producing renewable heat and hydrogen providing the necessary energy for cement, iron and steel, and chemical industries.
The sooner we create a world powered by renewable energy the better. If you want to help change the future for the better and protect our planet for future generations, there is an easy way for you to get started. You can make a huge change in just a few minutes — just by choosing clean energy with Inspire.
Clean energy and energy efficiency benefit human health (physical and mental) and safety. Clean energy technologies produce almost no harmful emissions—known as greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide—that are linked to numerous health problems. Clean energy also affects environmental health and safety. Learn about the environmental impacts of clean energy.
Burning fossil fuels has added more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere than the planet can remove and store, causing global temperatures to rise. Fossil fuels also cause air pollution and can contaminate water and soil. Energy from renewable resources prevents air pollution, which makes the air safer to breathe, leading to better health and lower health care bills.
Transitioning to clean energy protects the fundamental human right to a healthy, safe environment. Air pollution disproportionately harms lower-income communities, especially communities of color, a systemic injustice the U.S. Department of Energy and its Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) are working to correct. Energy equity is essential to protecting the health and safety of all Americans.
Low-cost, reliable energy and energy storage that enable fast recovery after power outages benefit physical and mental health. Solar power is more affordable than conventional forms of energy in many parts of the United States, wind is cost-competitive, and renewable energy costs are expected to continue decreasing across the country. When energy is affordable and reliable, it eliminates the need to make difficult decisions, such as choosing between paying electricity bills and buying food or medicine.
Energy Efficiency Improves Health and Safety
Energy efficiency measures in homes and buildings support health and safety, because they can ensure good air quality, healthy temperatures and humidity levels (to prevent mold), and noise levels.
Ways to improve energy efficiency include weatherizing and retrofitting buildings by adding or replacing insulation, windows, heating and cooling systems, and major appliances, among other things. These measures can reduce the incidence and symptoms of heart and respiratory conditions, allergies, and more. They also provide physical comfort, which supports mental health and well-being. Use this checklist to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
CLEAN ENERGY IS GREEN ENERGY
Like green energy, clean energy is a fossil fuel alternative. Clean energy is defined as energy created without the combustion of coal, petroleum, or petroleum products, without nuclear fission, and without the conversion of municipal waste.
The three main sources of clean energy are wind energy, solar energy, and hydroelectric energy.
WIND ENERGY
Wind energy uses turbines to to generate electricity without pollutants. To generate mass amounts of power, wind turbines are often organized into wind farms which house hundreds to thousands of individual turbines.
Wind energy generates electricity when wind turns the blades on the turbine which rotates a generator which then produces electricity. Wind energy was a main source of energy in earlier centuries, but was replaced in the 20th century by fossil fuels.
Weather vanes or sensors sense the direction of the wind and automatically turn the turbine’s blades to point the appropriate direction. Wind turbines also have sensors that determine how fast the wind is moving, and automatically turn the turbine off if the wind is too fast so the blades aren’t damaged. Most turbines will break if they operate in winds moving over 55mph.
SOLAR ENERGY
Solar energy harnesses sunlight and heat from the sun and converts it into electricity. There are a few ways to do this, but the most common is through the use of solar panels. Solar panels contain solar cells which house semiconductors. When sunlight hits the semiconductor it knocks electrons loose. These loose electrons are then directed into an electrical field to form a one-way electrical current.
Solar panels have been used on spacecraft as well as the International space station, but they can also be installed onto the roofs of homes to provide small scale renewable energy.
HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY
Hydroelectric energy harnesses water movement to produce electricity. Large fast-flowing rivers are best for creating hydroelectric energy as the water’s movement is what generates the electricity. For hydroelectric energy to work, the waterflow must be controlled. Thus, the river must be dammed and controlled by passageways. These passageway contain turbines rotated by the flowing water which generate electricity. Hydroelectric energy produces 20% of the world’s energy needs.
When more energy is needed, more passageways are opened, more turbines rotate, and more energy is produced. When less energy is needed, fewer passageways are opened, and less energy is produced. In the case of floods, dams include spillways which allow for water to pass through the dam without being converted to energy to ensure the dam’s structure isn’t harmed.
Hydroelectric energy has a few environmental concerns. To control water flow, rivers must be damned which can drastically change the surrounding environment. Normally it creates new reservoirs but it can also warm the water near the dam, forcing the nearby wildlife to adapt or move. These reservoirs have at least one benefit as they are often used as recreational areas, featuring boating and other water sports.
HOW TO USE CLEAN ENERGY IN YOUR HOME
Using clean energy to power your home is easy. You can install a solar panel on your house, or you can become our partner in the renewable energy movement. We provide you with an energy platform, allow you to choose your low fixed rate, and provide you with renewable energy to power your home. You’re charged the same fixed rate every month and can cancel at any time with absolutely zero early termination fees. It’s that simple.When discussing clean energy, the conversation isn’t limited to wind power vs. solar energy. There are other types of clean energy beyond just wind turbines and solar panels. Clean energy can be sourced through nuclear resources, wind, the power of the sun and even water. The following are examples of clean energy.
Nuclear energy
Nuclear energy is generated through a process called nuclear fission. First, atoms are split apart to form smaller atoms, creating heat in the process. The heat that’s created is then used to boil water into steam, which powers an electricity-creating turbine. It’s one of the most efficient and reliable sources of carbon-free energy available in our country.
Hydroelectric energy
Hydroelectric energy, or hydropower, is created using the force of running water. As the water moves, it spins in the blades in a turbine, which then powers the generator that produces energy. Hydropower also offers benefits beyond electricity generation, such as flood control and support for irrigation.
Solar energy
Solar energy works by using solar panels to absorb and trap sunlight. An inverter then converts the sunlight into AC electricity, which can be used to power your household appliances.
Wind energy
Wind is another energy source that is both abundant and easy to access. To create wind energy, air blows across the blades of large turbines, causing them to rotate. The energy created by the rotating blades is then harnessed and converted into the electricity we use in our homes.
Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy is produced using heat from within the Earth’s core. The process begins by drilling holes into the ground, which enables steam and water to rise to the surface. Once it reaches the surface, the water is then used to power the turbines that generate electricity.
As the clean energy industry gains momentum, most of us are curious to know more about its benefits, how it works, and what it costs. But what are the biggest questions we all still have about renewables? We took a look at the top questions you’ve asked Google and provided some insight. Energy can be confusing, but with the right resources, we can all make better choices when it comes to our power.
1. Does renewable energy cause pollution?
Though all energy sources impact the environment to an extent, renewable energy produces close to no pollution and far less than fossil fuel energy. Let’s focus on wind power. Wind turbines produce no greenhouse gas emissions while they’re operating, but give off very small amounts during their production, transportation, and construction on-site. It is estimated that wind turbines generate between 0.02-0.04lbs of carbon dioxide equivalent per kWh during their life-cycle, whereas coal-generated electricity produces 1.4-3.6lbs. That’s up to 90x more pollution!
2.How can renewable energy help climate change?
Since renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, emit close to no greenhouse gases, they can actually help reverse the effects of climate change. Climate change is caused by global warming, or when excess greenhouse gas molecules in the atmosphere absorb heat and radiate it back towards earth’s surface. If we adopt renewable energy, we produce fewer greenhouse gasses and, thus, we reduce the negative effects of global warming, including rising sea levels and disruption of natural climate patterns.
3.Can clean energy replace fossil fuels?
Yes! However, despite falling costs, wind and solar only produce a little over 5.5% of the world’s electricity. A few countries, as well as several states in the U.S., have ambitious goals for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. Germany, for instance, aims to run on 80% renewable energy by 2050. The shift to 100% clean energy will depend on small-scale progress and cooperation, but it is doable.
Not everyone has the proper roof or resources to accommodate solar panels. However, community solar is an option that is becoming increasingly available nationwide and doesn’t demand the same long-term commitment, upfront cost, or construction as rooftop solar. With community solar, electricity is shared by more than one household, and you can subscribe to a project available in your area even if you rent and live in an apartment.
6.Is community solar worth it?
Community solar is a more cost-effective way to switch to solar than installing panels. And it’s available to people who cannot install solar panels on their roof for a myriad of reasons. With dropping prices and growing availability of community solar, nearly everyone will soon be able to access solar power with no maintenance and no panels on their roof.
7.How does wind energy work?
Wind turbines send the wind’s energy to power a generator which creates electricity. Although the electrical output of a wind turbine depends on its size and the wind’s speed, it is estimated that nearly 25 million US households can be powered by the United States’ current wind capacity. Becoming one of those households is easier than you think. For example, wind energy is easy to access through Arcadia in as little as two minutes by simply connecting your utility account.
Hopefully, we have saved you a few Google searches and got you up to speed on the renewable energy industry. There is a good amount of information out there already and new technologies are being created every day – so there is always something new to learn.
About CEC
Clean Energy Collective is a new idea in power generation that is building, operating and maintaining community-based clean energy facilities. Based in Carbondale, Colorado, CEC is pioneering the model of delivering clean power-generation through medium-scale facilities that are collectively owned by participating utility customers. CEC's proprietary RemoteMeter™ system automatically calculates monthly credits for members and integrates with utilities' existing billing system.
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Power is more than the outlet on your wall or the light from your window.
Power enables us to look at the road ahead, and to see into dark places. It warms our homes and keeps our families safe. It fuels our technology, tools and our imaginations. Power connects us to one another and liberates us to make what was impossible yesterday, a reality today.
But not all power is created equally, nor is it available to everyone. At CEC we know there is a better way. We believe that knowledge and inspiration have the power to transform skeptics into advocates. We understand that we exist as a part of something bigger and at our core, we empower others to achieve their visions.
We look to the future and see not only the path less traveled, but the path no one has discovered. We improve the world we all live in by providing affordable, community-shared, clean energy solutions that allow utilities and consumers alike to turn great ideas into tangible results.
Constantly evolving products and services to deliver exceptional value to our customers can be exhausting. So we attract people who are driven by the desire to do what others have deemed impossible. We are a collection of inspired people looking at the future, providing the power to shift from what can be, to what is.
1600 South 66th Street
Boulder, CO 80304
39.952725, -105.19687 | Map LocationSign Up
Paul Spencer
CEO / Founder
In addition to inventing CEC’s community solar concept, Mr. Spencer leads the company’s ongoing vision and execution. He is a serial entrepreneur, having built 10 companies in the last 22 years within various industries including energy, software, systems engineering, medical, brokerage and real estate development. He has also held management positions for Qwest as the Director of Business Development for a 14-state southeast region and a VP of Sales for First Consulting Group (now CSC). Mr. Spencer has received a patent for past designs and hundreds of copyrights. He lives off the grid in a self-sustaining home with his wife, has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and is the president of the board of Tom's Door, a local non-profit. He enjoys the outdoors, skiing and playing basketball.
Bart Rupert
Chief Information Officer
Bart Rupert brings his solid track record of creating growth and success to CEC through managing and growing the many Information Technology and platform needs. Prior to joining CEC, he served as the COO of Plexis Healthcare Systems where the company grew through strategic alliances with large companies such as Accenture, CSC, Cognizant, and Noridian, and became one of Microsoft’s HHS Strategic Alliance partners. He also served as the COO of Crib Notes Software, a niche EMR company, cultivating the organization into an internationally-recognized market leader, and has worked with large industry players including HBOC, McKesson, and FCG in various leadership roles.
Tom Sweeney
Chief Strategic Markets Officer
Tom Sweeney brings a wealth of experience to CEC in the development and management of high growth businesses with ground breaking products and services. Most recently, Tom was the founder, Chairman and CEO of Incentra Solutions, a $200 million IT Systems Integrator for mid-tier enterprise clients in the US and Western Europe. Prior to Incentra, Tom lead a series of IT services and software companies in the US, Europe and Asia/Pac. Sweeney started his career in the Telecommunications industry and worked as a senior executive at Level 3, Worldcom, MFS, Centex and MCI. Outside of work Tom enjoys golf, blue water sailing and spending time with his wife and two sons.
JW Postal
Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Postal oversees the day-to-day operations and overall execution of the sales, marketing, business development and delivery departments. Prior to joining CEC Mr. Postal served as Chief Development Officer of SunShare, Renewable Energy Executive with Milender White Construction and was a co-founder of Main Street Power. Prior to his career in solar, he was a fiduciary investment advisor for both A.G. Edwards and as a partner in an independent advisory firm based in Denver. Mr. Postal received his BA in History from University of Colorado and a Master in Public Policy from Georgetown University. He lives in Denver with his wife and three kids.
Vilia Valentine
Chief Financial Officer
Vilia Valentine has extensive experience in increasing investor value and driving financial growth through IPO’s, secondary offerings, and strategic acquisitions. Prior to joining CEC, Vilia served as CFO of Inspirato LLC, a private luxury vacation club. Previously, she was the principal financial officer of MDC Holdings, a $1 billion public homebuilding and financial services company, and CFO of Gaiam Inc., a leading producer of lifestyle media and fitness accessories. In 2008, she took Gaiam’s solar operations public, and in 2009, she was named "CFO of the Year" in the public company category by the Denver Business Journal. Vilia is a Colorado native and earned her BS in Accounting and Business Law.
Sam Cunningham
Chief Legal Officer
With over 20 years business and legal experience is the sustainable energy field, Mr. Cunningham is responsible for overseeing the legal aspects of the company. His background is diverse, also including significant energy services, real estate, engineering & construction, lending, acquisitions and sales experience. He has also owned and operated several successful start-up and high-growth businesses, and successfully combines an entrepreneurial mindset with sound legal practices. Mr. Cunningham enjoys exploring the Colorado mountains, and has been known to head to sunny beaches in the winter for a scuba break.
Christopher Hunter
Chief Capital Officer
Mr. Hunter is responsible for originating and securing all required capital for CEC, including corporate equity, tax equity, construction financing, term debt and mezzanine financing. Prior to CEC, he created and led a number of successful energy development companies, each of which was acquired by institutional investors. Mr. Hunter studied Mechanical Engineering at Rutgers University, and is a graduate of the EMBA-Global program, a joint MBA degree offered by Columbia and London Business Schools.
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Terms of Use
Clean Energy Collective Terms of Use for Websites and MyOwnCleanEnergy Online Portal
Last Updated: May 2015 Thank you for choosing Clean Energy Collective!
Please Note: the following Terms of Use overview refers to software services related to enrolling in a Clean Energy Collective (CEC) program. These Terms of Use do NOT describe the terms of your participation in a Community Solar Array and the benefits of your solar system. For more information regarding benefits, terms and conditions of participating in a CEC Community Solar Array, please refer to the website, proposal, customer agreement and Solar Specialist for your market.
1. What These Terms of Use Cover.
These Terms of Use apply to any RemoteMeter, MyCleanEnergy or other CEC software or services, including but not limited to updates, that display or link to the Terms of Use and that you use while these Terms of Use are in force. All of the software or services are referred to as the "service" or "services". Sections 1 through 21 of these Terms of Use apply across the service. The term ("term") of these Terms of Use for the service shall be for the lifetime of the customer agreement and/or system purchase so long as the panels continue to be located in a CEC licensed facility.
Please note that we do not provide warranties for the service. The Terms of Use also limits our liability. The Terms of Use are in sections 11 and 12, and we ask you to read them carefully.
2. When You May Use the Service.
You may start using the service as soon as you have finished the sign-up process. No withdrawal right or other 'cooling off' period applies to the service and you waive any applicable 'cooling off' period, except if the law requires a 'cooling off' period despite your waiver and even when a service starts right away.
3. How You May Use the Service.
In using the service, you will:
obey the law;
obey any codes of conduct or other notices we provide;
keep your service account password secret; and
promptly notify us if you learn of a security breach related to the service.
4. How You May Not Use the Service.
In using the service, you may not:
engage in, facilitate or further unlawful conduct;
use the service in a way that harms us or our advertisers, affiliates, resellers, distributors, partners and/or vendors, or any customer of ours or our advertisers, affiliates, resellers, distributors, partners and/or vendors;
use any portion of the service as a destination linked from any unsolicited bulk messages or unsolicited commercial messages ("spam");
use any automated process or service to access and/or use the service (such as a BOT, a spider, periodic caching of information stored by CEC, or "meta-searching");
use any unauthorized means to modify or reroute, or attempt to modify or reroute, the service;
damage, disable, overburden, or impair the service (or the network(s) connected to the service) or interfere with anyone's use and enjoyment of the service; or
resell or redistribute the service, or any part of the service.
5. You Are Responsible For Your Service Account.
Only you may use your service account. For some parts of the service, we may notify you that you may set up additional member accounts that are dependent on your account (an 'associated account'). You are responsible for all activity that takes place with your service account or an associated account. You may not authorize any third party to access and/or use the service on your behalf except where CEC provides a mechanism for third parties to access the service on your behalf.
6. Associated Accounts; Accounts From Third Parties.
If you are the user of an associated account, the holder of the service account has full control over your associated account. This includes the right to end the service, close or alter your associated account at any time and, in some cases, request and receive machine and service use information related to your associated account. If a third party, such as a utility, employer or school, gave you your account, the third party has rights to your account. The third party may manage your account, reset your password, or suspend or terminate your account; view your account's usage and profile data, including how and when your account is used; and read or store the content in your account, including electronic communications and other information.
7. Your Content.
You may be able to submit content for use in connection with the service. You understand that CEC does not control or endorse the content that you and others post or provide on the service. Except for material that we license to you, we do not claim ownership of the content you post or provide on the service.
The service includes public areas available to the general public, shared areas available to others you have selected and personal areas where you have not granted access to others. If you share content with others on the service, in either public or shared areas, then you understand and agree that others with whom you have shared content may use that content. You grant to those members of the public to whom you have permitted access free, nonexclusive permission to use, copy, distribute and display the content solely in connection with the service and other CEC products and services. If you do not want others to have those rights, please do not share your content with them.
You understand that CEC may need and you hereby authorize CEC to use, modify, copy, distribute and display content posted on the service to the extent necessary to provide the service. This includes:
storing and retrieving the content;
making the content available to you and to those members of the public to whom you have granted access or to the general public (for content posted on public areas of the service);
conforming to connecting networks' technical requirements; and
conforming to the limitations and terms of the service.
You understand that sharing content that violates others' copyrights and other intellectual property rights violates these Terms of Use. You represent and warrant that you have all the rights necessary for you to grant the rights in this section 7 and that the use and publication of the content does not breach any law. We will not pay you for your content. We may refuse to publish your content and may remove your content from the service at any time.
8. Privacy.
In order to operate and provide the service, we collect certain information about you. We use and protect that information as described in the CEC Online Privacy Statement, http://www.easycleanenergy.com/privacy. In particular, we may access or disclose information about you, including the content of your communications, in order to: (a) comply with the law or respond to lawful requests or legal process; (b) protect the rights or property of CEC or our customers, including the enforcement of our agreements or policies governing your use of the service; or (c) act on a good faith belief that such access or disclosure is necessary to protect the personal safety of CEC employees, customers or the public.
The service is a private computer network that CEC operates for the benefit of itself and its customers. CEC retains the right to block or otherwise prevent delivery of any type of email or other communication to or from the service as part of our efforts to protect the service, protect our customers or stop you from breaching these Terms of Use. The technology or other means we use may hinder or break your use of the service.
In order to provide you the service, we may collect certain information about service performance, your machine and your service use. We may automatically upload this information from your machine. This data will not be used to personally identify you. You may read about this information collection in more detail in the privacy statement at http://www.easycleanenergy.com/privacy.
9. Software.
If you receive software from us as part of the service, your use of that software is under the terms of the license or subscription that is presented to you for acceptance for that software. We reserve all other rights to the software.
We may automatically check your version of the software. We may automatically download upgrades to the software to your computer to update, enhance and further develop the service.
Unless we notify you otherwise, your license to use the software will end on the date your service ends, and you must promptly uninstall the software. We may disable the software after the date the service ends.
You will not disassemble, decompile, or reverse engineer any software included in the service, except and only to the extent that the law expressly permits this activity.
10. How We May Change the Terms of Use.
If we change this Terms of Use, we will tell you prior to your continued use. If you do not agree to these changes, then you must cancel and stop using the service before the change takes place. If you do not stop using the service, then your continued use of the service will constitute acceptance to the changed Terms of Use.
11. WE MAKE NO WARRANTY.
We provide the service 'as-is,' 'with all faults' and 'as available.' We do not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of information available from the service. We and our affiliates, resellers, distributors, partners and vendors (collectively, the 'CEC parties') give no express warranties, guarantees or conditions. You may have additional consumer rights under your local laws that this Terms of Use cannot change. We exclude any implied warranties including those of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, workmanlike effort and non-infringement.
12. LIABILITY LIMITATION.
You can recover from the CEC parties only direct damages up to an amount equal to any amounts, if any, you have paid for the service during the prior 30 days. You cannot recover any other damages, including consequential, lost profits, special, indirect, incidental or punitive damages.
This limitation applies to anything related to:
the service,
content (including code) on third-party Internet sites, third-party programs or third-party conduct,
viruses or other disabling features that affect your access to or use of the service,
incompatibility between the service and other services, software and hardware,
delays or failures you may have in initiating, conducting or completing any transmissions or transactions in connection with the service in an accurate or timely manner, and
claims for breach of Terms of Use, breach of warranty, guarantee or condition, strict liability, negligence or other tort.
It also applies even if:
this remedy does not fully compensate you for any losses, or fails of its essential purpose; or
CEC knew or should have known about the possibility of the damages.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. They also may not apply to you because your province or country may not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental, consequential or other damages.
13. Suggestions.
The CEC shall have a royalty-free, worldwide, transferable, sublicenseable, irrevocable, perpetual license to the use to incorporate into the services any suggestions, enhancement requests, recommendations or other feedback provided by you, relating to the operation of the services.
14. Changes to the Service; If We Cancel the Service; Pre-Release.
We may change the service or delete features at any time and for any reason. We may cancel or suspend your service at any time. Our cancellation or suspension may be without cause and/or without notice. Upon service cancellation, your right to use the service stops right away. Once the service is cancelled or suspended, any data you have stored on the service may not be retrieved later. Our cancellation of the service will not alter your obligation to pay all charges made to your billing account. If we cancel the service in its entirety without cause within the first six years of service, then we will refund to you on a pro-rata basis the amount of any payments that you have made corresponding to the portion of the six years of service. A particular service may be a pre-release version and may not work correctly or in the way a final version might work. There may be interruptions or extended downtimes. We may significantly change the final version or decide not to release a final version at all.
15. Interpreting the Terms of Use.
All parts of this Terms of Use apply to the maximum extent permitted by law. A court may hold that we cannot enforce a part of this Terms of Use as written. If this happens, then you and we will replace that part with terms that most closely match the intent of the part that we cannot enforce. The rest of this Terms of Use will not change. This is the entire Terms of Use between you and us regarding your use of the service. It supersedes any prior Terms of Use or statements regarding your use of the service. If you have confidentiality obligations related to the service, those obligations remain in force (for example, you may have been a beta tester). The section titles in the Terms of Use do not limit the other terms of this Terms of Use.
16. Assignment.
We may assign this Terms of Use, in whole or in part, at any time with or without notice to you. You may not assign this Terms of Use, or any part of it, to any other person without the prior written consent of the CEC. Any attempt by you to do so is void. You may not transfer to anyone else, either temporarily or permanently, any rights to use the service or any part of the service.
17. No Third Party Beneficiaries.
This Terms of Use is solely for your and our benefit. It is not for the benefit of any other person, except for permitted successors and assigns under this Terms of Use.
18. Claim Must Be Filed Within One Year.
Any claim related to this Terms of Use or the service may not be brought unless brought within one year. The one-year period begins on the date when the claim first could be filed. If it is not filed in time, then that claim is permanently barred. This applies to you and your successors. It also applies to us and our successors and assigns.
19. Your Notices to Us.
You may notify us as stated in the customer support or 'Contact' area for the service or our web site at www.easycleanenergy.com. We do not accept e-mail notices.
20. Notices We Send You; Consent Regarding Electronic Information.
This Terms of Use is in electronic form. We have promised to send you certain information in connection with the service and have the right to send you certain additional information. There may be other information regarding the service that the law requires us to send you. We may send you this information in electronic form. You have the right to withdraw this consent, but if you do, we may cancel your service. We may provide required information to you:
by e-mail at the e-mail address you specified when you signed up for your service;
by access to a CEC web site that will be designated in an e-mail notice sent to you at the time the information is available; or
by access to a CEC web site that will be generally designated in advance for this purpose.
Notices provided to you via e-mail will be deemed given and received on the transmission date of the e-mail. If you do not consent to receive any notices electronically, you must stop using the service.
21. Choice of Law and Location for Resolving Disputes.
Colorado state law governs the interpretation of this Terms of Use and applies to claims for breach of it, regardless of conflict of laws principles. You and we irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state or federal courts in Eagle County, Colorado, U.S.A., for all disputes arising out of or relating to this Terms of Use.
Production and Consumption information (including, without limitation, facility values) appearing on the service are delayed. Consumption information is routinely provided by your electric utility. Information indicated as "real-time" may be affected by delays in transmission over the Internet and by other causes. Production information is owned by the CEC. You are permitted to store, manipulate, analyze, reformat, print and display the information only for your personal use. In no event shall you publish, retransmit, redistribute or otherwise reproduce any CEC or utility information in any format to anyone, and you shall not use any CEC or utility information in or in connection with any business or commercial enterprise, including, without limitation, any securities, investment, accounting, banking, legal or media business or enterprise. Neither CEC, the utility nor its affiliates or their respective licensors make any express or implied warranties (including, without limitation, any warranty or merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use) regarding the CEC or utility information. Neither CEC nor its affiliates or their respective licensors will be liable to any user or anyone else for any interruption, inaccuracy, delays, error or omission, regardless of cause, in the CEC information or for any damages (whether direct or indirect, consequential, punitive or exemplary) resulting therefrom.
Support
Customer support is not offered for the service, unless provided otherwise in this Terms of Use or the materials we publish in connection with a particular service specify that it includes customer support.
Privacy Policy
Clean Energy Collective Privacy Statement
What information do we collect?
We collect information from you when you register on our site, fill out a form or become a Clean Energy Collective (CEC) customer.
When ordering or registering on our site, as appropriate, you may be asked to enter your: name, e-mail address, mailing address or phone number. You may, however, visit our site anonymously.
What do we use your information for?
Any of the information we collect from you may be used in one of the following ways:
To personalize your experience (your information helps us to better respond to your individual needs)
To improve our website we continually strive to improve our website offerings based on the information and feedback we receive from you.
To improve customer service your information helps us to more effectively respond to your customer service requests and support needs.
To process transactions your information, whether public or private, will not be sold, exchanged, transferred, or given to any other company for any reason whatsoever, without your consent, other than for the express purpose of delivering the purchased product or service requested.
To administer a contest, promotion, survey or other site feature
To send periodic emails. The email address you provide for order processing, will only be used to send you information and updates pertaining to your order.
Note: If at any time you would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, we include detailed unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of each email.
How do we protect your information?
We implement a variety of security measures to maintain the safety of your personal information when you place an order or enter, submit, or access your personal information.
We offer the use of a secure server. All supplied sensitive/credit information is transmitted via Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology and then encrypted into our Payment gateway providers database only to be accessible by those authorized with special access rights to such systems, and are required to keep the information confidential.
After a transaction, your private information (credit cards, social security numbers, financials, etc.) will not be kept on file for more than 60 days.
Do we use cookies?
Yes (Cookies are small files that a site or its service provider transfers to your computer’s hard drive through your Web browser (if you allow) that enables the sites or service providers systems to recognize your browser and capture and remember certain information.
We use cookies to understand and save your preferences for future visits.
If you prefer, you can choose to have your computer warn you each time a cookie is being sent, or you can choose to turn off all cookies via your browser settings. Like most websites, if you turn your cookies off, some of our services may not function properly. However, you can still place orders by contacting customer service.
Do we disclose any information to outside parties?
We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your personally identifiable information. This does not include trusted third parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or servicing you, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also release your information when we believe release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, or protect ours or others rights, property, or safety. However, non-personally identifiable visitor information may be provided to other parties for marketing, advertising, or other uses.
Third party links
Occasionally, at our discretion, we may include or offer third party products or services on our website. These third party sites have separate and independent privacy policies. We therefore have no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of these linked sites. Nonetheless, we seek to protect the integrity of our site and welcome any feedback about these sites.
We are in compliance with the requirements of COPPA (Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act), we do not collect any information from anyone under 13 years of age. Our website, products and services are all directed to people who are at least 13 years old or older.
Terms and Conditions
Please also visit our Terms and Conditions section establishing the use, disclaimers, and limitations of liability governing the use of our website at www.easycleanenergy.com/terms.
Changes to our Privacy Policy
If we decide to change our privacy policy, we will update the Privacy Policy modification date below.
This policy was last modified on April 2011
Contacting Us
If there are any questions regarding this privacy policy you may contact us using the information below.
