Which of the following is an example of a renewable energy source?

Solar energy is considered a renewable energy source because it is harnessed from the sun, which is an abundant and inexhaustible source of energy. Unlike fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form and can be depleted, solar energy is available as long as the sun shines, making it sustainable for the long term. The technology used to capture solar energy, such as solar panels, allows for its conversion into electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or other pollutants during operation, contributing to cleaner air and a reduced carbon footprint. This characteristic is vital in the context of global efforts to transition to more sustainable energy systems and mitigate climate change.

In contrast, natural gas, nuclear energy, and coal are categorized as non-renewable energy sources. Natural gas and coal are fossil fuels formed over millions of years from organic materials, and their extraction and use emit significant greenhouse gases. Although nuclear energy does not produce carbon emissions during operation, it relies on uranium, a finite resource. Thus, while it can provide large amounts of energy, it is not renewable as it depends on resources that can be exhausted over time.