Alternative Renewable Energy Resources

The Sun Powers the Globe

Everyday the sun shines and provides enough energy for the entire globe for 27 years. Solar energy is just one of the renewable energy sources up for grabs. Wind energy and geo thermal energy are other alternative renewable energy sources with potential opportunities as well.

This article will detail the alternative renewable energy resources available to give you some insight into what choices you have.  Supplies of fossil fuels will eventually run out therefore it is important to consider renewable energy options.

Growth in Solar Power Popularity

As stated above, solar power is an excellent source of renewable energy and utilizes sunshine to create energy (heat and electricity). Solar power uses direct conversion of radiation in the form of a solar PV (Photovoltaic) system.  Many other usages of solar power exist include solar hot water systems and solar water purification systems and many more.

At the present time in the US, approximately 200,000 homes use solar power to generate electricity. As the technology becomes more affordable it becomes a viable option for people wishing to save money, reduce carbon emissions and use a clean green source of power.

Wind Energy Resources

Wind energy is another potential form of alternative renewable energy resources, currently being utilized by people who want to cut down on their energy cost and reliance on fossil fuels.  Wind power has been around for a long time and wind power first generated electricity in 1890, fast forward to the present and there is a growing market for wind energy.  Commercial wind farms are popping up everywhere, not without some level of controversy.

Contrary to popular opinion wind does not have to constantly blow a gale to power homes with wind energy. Like solar energy, the great thing about wind power is that wind is clean, green and you can produce it in your own back yard. Out of all the renewable energy resources available, wind power has the greatest scope to grow.

Remote Locations

People that live in remote locations with available land find wind power a viable option particularly where grid power is not available. Wind power is both reliable and consistent; the equipment costs are relatively low as well. These systems work when wind power is available, and during low winds people at remote locations can use battery powered systems to store energy.

Even if you don’t live in a remote location you may still want to take advantage of small scale wind power. Small wind turbines can generate about 20 kilowatts of energy and this is usually enough energy to power most US households.

Hydroelectricity

There are other alternative renewable energy resources aside from solar energy and wind power, however these other systems are not as successful and are only suitable in certain locations. Hydroelectricity uses dams with high pressure water flow to produce energy. At the moment less than 10 per cent of domestic energy production is in the form of hydro electricity. Most of the large scale hydroelectricity dams are located in the west and north in Canada which has immense water resources.

People who are interested in using water to power electricity can take advantage of hydropower by placing hydropower generators in small back yard rivers and streams.   This is of course subject to local regulations and restrictions.