Skip Navigation

How It Works

Renewable energy is the power of nature at work. The sources are free, and unlike traditional fuel sources, we don’t have to worry about them running out. They’re renewable.

Wind turns turbines, water flows through dams and sunlight shines on solar panels. But that’s just the beginning! Find out what happens next when we harness the power of nature to generate electricity.

Are you thinking about installing your own wind turbine or solar panel? We have the answers you need from getting started to selling off your extra power for profit!

  • Powering Your Home Before you explore renewable energy, you need to learn how electricity and natural gas travel from their sources to your home.
  • How Renewables Work Ever wonder how we harness wind, water, and solar power? Also learn about geothermal energy, anaerobic digesters, landfill gases and more. 
  • Homegrown Power Are you ready for “Do It Yourself” renewables? Find out what it takes to generate your electricity on your property. 
  • Alliant Energy’s Renewable Energy Sources Map [PDF]
 

Featured Links

 

Does using wind power really make a difference for the environment?
Yes! A single utility-scale wind turbine can prevent the emission of 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere per year. It would take a 500-acre forest to dissipate the same amount of CO2 - a "greenhouse gas" that contributes to global warming.