Renewable energy credits (RECs) are a type of environmental commodity that represent proof that one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity was generated from an eligible renewable energy resource. These credits can be bought and sold separately from the physical electricity generated by a renewable energy facility. The purpose of RECs is to provide a mechanism for individuals and organizations to offset their carbon emissions by purchasing credits from renewable energy facilities.

There are several types of RECs, each corresponding to a specific type of renewable energy resource. These include:

Solar RECs are generated by solar power facilities and can only be used to demonstrate compliance with solar-specific renewable energy standards. Solar RECs represent the environmental benefits of electricity generated by solar power, such as reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality.

Wind RECs are generated by wind power facilities and can only be used to demonstrate compliance with wind-specific renewable energy standards. Wind RECs represent the environmental benefits of electricity generated by wind power, such as reduced dependence on fossil fuels and improved air quality.

Biomass RECs are generated by biomass power facilities and can only be used to demonstrate compliance with biomass-specific renewable energy standards. Biomass RECs represent the environmental benefits of electricity generated by biomass power, such as reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality.

Hydroelectric RECs are generated by hydroelectric power facilities and can only be used to demonstrate compliance with hydroelectric-specific renewable energy standards. Hydroelectric RECs represent the environmental benefits of electricity generated by hydroelectric power, such as reduced dependence on fossil fuels and improved air quality.

Geothermal RECs are generated by geothermal power facilities and can only be used to demonstrate compliance with geothermal-specific renewable energy standards. Geothermal RECs represent the environmental benefits of electricity generated by geothermal power, such as reduced dependence on fossil fuels and improved air quality.

Landfill Gas RECs are generated by Landfill gas facilities and can only be used to demonstrate compliance with Landfill gas-specific renewable energy standards. Landfill Gas RECs represent the environmental benefits of electricity generated by Landfill gas power, such as reduced dependence on fossil fuels and improved air quality.

Low-Impact Hydroelectric RECs are generated by hydroelectric power facilities that have a low impact on the environment and can only be used to demonstrate compliance with low-impact hydroelectric-specific renewable energy standards. Low-Impact Hydroelectric RECs represent the environmental benefits of electricity generated by low-impact hydroelectric power, such as reduced dependence on fossil fuels and improved air quality.

Tidal and Wave RECs are generated by Tidal and wave power facilities and can only be used to demonstrate compliance with Tidal and wave-specific renewable energy standards. Tidal and wave RECs represent the environmental benefits of electricity generated by Tidal and wave power, such as reduced dependence on fossil fuels and improved air quality.

In conclusion, RECs provide a mechanism for individuals and organizations to offset their carbon emissions by purchasing credits from renewable energy facilities. There are several types of RECs, each corresponding to a specific type of renewable energy resource such as solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal, landfill gas, low-impact hydroelectric and Tidal and wave power. Each type of REC represents the environmental benefits of electricity generated by the corresponding renewable energy resource.