Use of Renewable Energy: Answer to Today's Environmental Problems
Because of the many problems on the environment like climate change, almost destroyed ozone layer, and depleting fossil fuel deposits, many people are now considering to use renewable energy.
Well, many people believe that resorting to renewable energy is the answer to all of our problems on the environment. Basically, renewable energy is the energy that can be generated from natural resources like sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat.
Many believe that use of renewable energy can somehow provide us with our daily energy need. About three years ago, almost 18% of global final energy consumption came from renewables, of which 13% came from traditional biomass like wood-burning. Next in line was hydroelectricity which was the next largest renewable source with 3%. Solar hot water/heating also made a record with 1.3%. While the modern technologies like solar power, geothermal energy, wind power, and ocean energy provided 0.8%.
Main Renewable Energy Technology
Renewable energy technologies of today promote use of wind power, water power, solar energy use, biofuel, and geothermal energy. However, majority of renewable energy technologies mainly promote use of solar energy.
Solar energy is the most effective alternative. It is the energy that is collected from sunlight and can actually be applied in a lot of ways. It can be used to generate electricity using photovoltaic solar cells and/or using concentrated solar power. It can also be used to generate electricity in geosynchronous orbit using solar power satellites and by heating trapped air which rotates turbines often used in Solar updraft towers.
With use of solar energy, hydrogen can also be generated using photoelectrochemical cells. By using solar chimneys, heat and cool air can also be produced. Also, the need of humans for heat water or air for domestic hot water and space heating won’t already be a problem through use of solar-thermal panels. Same goes with solar air conditioning.
Perhaps next to solar energy use is the wind power which of course involves conversion of wind energy into a useful form like electricity through use of wind turbines. There are a number of renewable energy technologies that promote use of wind energy which have been used to propel those huge sailing ships, pump water or grind grain.
Solar and Wind Power: A Solution for the Homes Energy Needs
The main concern that prevents people from pursuing their search for alternative means to produce energy is the cost to be incurred. Experiences in the past show proof that setting up your own wind or solar power system requires a huge amount of money and a long period of time before profits are earned. Nevertheless, utilization of the natural energy sources that we have can also be cheaper and more convenient. The price is far less than the usual setup because you will be the one to build it instead of hiring another company to set it up for you.
First and foremost, let us discuss the advantages of both solar and wind power. It is recommended that a home utilizes both because it is not every day that the weather is sunny or windy. During the evening when the sun is out, you will still be able to generate free energy with the use of your generator powered by the wind.
The ultimate benefit of solar energy is that it is very cost-effective especially during days when the sun is always up. Furthermore, solar panels rarely have movable parts making it very easy to maintain. If your location has sunny conditions 80% of the time, solar panels are just the best energy source for you. Nevertheless, I still advise the utilization of both the sun and the wind to generate your own electricity.
On the contrary, wind power or wind generator is of greater benefit if your home is located in an area where there is a lot of wind. In most cases, wind turbines are built up above the tree line to make sure that enough wind is acquired. If the wind speed is 5 miles per hour or more, this can already generate electric power. Furthermore, with the use of a good generator, your electric bill will even lessen drastically.
For the systems in question, you have the power to choose whether you want to attach it directly to your power grid (this permits your meter to spin backwards when you produce more energy than what your household uses) or if you prefer using batteries to store the electricity that is not used up. However, the electricity that the systems will be able to produce is in the form of DC current. This means that a converter is needed to convert it to AC so that your home can already use it.
But then again, the construction of solar or wind power system is very cost-effective. You can avail of some kits available in the market for the do-it-yourself system. In addition, it is recommended that you search the internet for possible improvisations. Building your own solar and wind power generator is one huge idea that is both economical and effective. During these times of crises, it is one option you cannot miss.
