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Green Energy
ON-SITE RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION
ON-SITE RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION On-site renewable energy generation, is the use of renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, by a family, business, or organization onsite to provide for their own electrical energy requirements. Using renewable energy sources to generate electricity locally reduces reliance on the centralized utility grid for electricity, and thus reduces utility costs and pollution. Being that most utilities rely predominantly on the combustion of fossil fuels to produce electricity, decreasing reliance on the utility grid also reduces emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Fossil fuel combustion for the generation of electricity, transportation, and industrial processes is the primary cause of air pollution and global warming. By generating electricity from on-site renewable energy sources, the demand for fossil fuels is reduced, and thus the concomitant smog, acid rain, climate destabilization, and pollution-related illness and death are also reduced. Throughout the world, many individuals, families, ...
Joshua M. Pearce

