An Overview of Alternative Energy

Due to industrialization, every day the world emits and releases plenty of carbon dioxide to the earth’s atmosphere. The prolonged release of carbon dioxide content has increased the warmth of planet earth. Some of the leading causes include industries, cars or any other substances that use petroleum as their fuel such as generators. The warming of the planet is commonly known as the Global Warming Effect.

The world’s attention has been focused on the ways of mitigating global warming effect by either retrofitting or replacing the current technologies with substitutes that are carbon emission-free. Such substitutes that do not release or emit carbon dioxide are called Alternative Energy. They are alternatives to fossil fuels and nuclear energy that cause air pollution and climate change. Shortly, alternative energy is expected to occupy a significant percentage of the world’s energy.

Alternative energy sources are said to be “free” sources of energy and are renewable. Contrary to conventional sources of energy, alternative energy sources have low emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. The alternative sources of energy include geothermal energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy, solar energy and biomass energy. Some of the alternative energy sources are discussed below.

Solar Energy

Judging from an environmental view, solar energy can be termed as the best thing going. By reducing carbon dioxide emission to the environment, solar energy helps to curb the problem of urban smog, acid rain, and any other pollution. Solar energy is generated by trapping the photons of sun rays to strike the PV module and then converting the motion to electricity. PV is a sophisticated and elegant technology, and it is recommended to invest in solar panels.

Solar panels are not only economical, but they are also light-weighted and long-lasting. Perhaps that’s the reason most electricity suppliers advocate for solar energy. Grid-tied PV systems are greener and more efficient compared to backwoods one. Moreover, they are arguably greener because with their use there is no need of having batteries that emit sulfurous gasses and contain caustic chemicals.

Wind Energy

Wind power was first used many centuries ago when sails were used to navigate rivers. Persians and the Chinese are among the first users of windmills to grind grain and pump water for livestock and crops. Today, wind energy has proven to be the most promising alternative energy source. It is now more available, more affordable and pollution free.

However, wind power suffers several drawbacks. Wind generators are required in large numbers to produce significant amounts of electricity or heat. A large number of these wind generators also required translates to the availability of large land areas. Also, wind turbines need to be erected in specific areas that are windy, and they are costly to install and maintain. The capital-intensive feature, however, can be reduced if there is adequate financing of the wind plants.

Energy saving journey

Implementing ways of reducing your energy consumption and making your business or a home energy efficient should be the first step in your business or home energy conservation. After conducting an energy audit or assessment, you should consider implementing the recommended improvements for your energy saving plans. Installing a renewable energy system is vital and a must while making your energy saving journey. Apart from having a Renewable Energy Installer, other improvements may include having additional insulation and energy star appliances.

About Author

Alternative energy sources are said to be “free” sources of energy and are renewable. Contrary to conventional sources of energy, alternative energy sources have low emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Get more info at http://www.loryan.org.