Why Aren’t We Using Renewable Alternative Energy

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Why Aren’t We Using Renewable Alternative Energy

You’ve heard that fossil fuels may run out one day and not only that but they’re bad for the environment. If everyone agrees on these points, why aren’t we using renewable alterative energy such as solar power and wind power? The answer is that we are using renewable alternative energy. It’s just that it hasn’t reached massive scales as of yet. Some builders are hopping onto the renewable alternative energy bandwagon by creating LEED certified buildings. That stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. And some houses are using solar power so that they don’t need to pay electric companies for the energy they use. However, we are still very dependent on fossil fuels as far as our homes and cars are concerned. We won’t make a full transition to renewable alternative energy until everyone, and that means everyone, is onboard for such a change.

Gas and Oil

There are billions of dollars invested in the gas and oil energy. Gas stations, car manufacturers, farms, buildings, factories, ships, and our military all use fossil fuels. To change that fact would take billions more dollars and it would mean many would be out of a job. A change of that magnitude isn’t going to happen overnight. For us as a society to move to renewable alternative energy we’re going to have to change how we think about energy. Our cars will have to use something other than gas. That means gas stations may have to shut down or change what they offer altogether. The entire gas and oil industry will either shut down or they will change their focus to renewable alternative energy. We’re going to have to move away from nuclear energy which is potentially very dangerous. These are huge changes and it’s going to take a world paradigm shift for us to move towards using energies other than gas and oil.

Start at Home

You can’t wait for the whole world to shift to using renewable alternative energy. Start at home by using solar energy instead of paying the electric company. Switch to an electric provider that uses renewable alternative energy. Make donations to companies dedicated to this cause. Beyond using renewable alternative energy, educate everyone you know about using these types of energies instead of relying so much on fossil fuels. If everyone did this, the world would make the transition sooner and the world would be a better place. So do your part starting now to move to renewable alternative energy instead of relying so much on energy that takes centuries to produce and will run out before we know it.

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Where Would You Find Solar Energy Panels?

Where Would You Find Solar Energy Panels?

Solar energy is the heat and light that comes from the sun. Since the beginning of recorded history, humans have been using that heat. In the most recent past, people have developed ways to collect the solar energy and store it or use it in other ways. Using solar energy reduces the costs of energy over the long-term.

Only a very small percentage of the solar energy is able to be collected. Estimates range from 5 – 15%. How do we capture and use that energy? There are two basic categories: active and passive.

Actively Collecting Sunlight

Active methods of collection and use include using solar thermal collectors, photovoltaic panels for solar energy collection, pumps, and fan systems. The equipment used to run these can be electrical or mechanical, but the end result is a system has been manufactured to collect and process sunshine.

Passive Collection For Buildings

Passive collection is the opposite. It means taking advantage of the natural properties of sunlight. For example, it could be placing a new building in the right direction to take advantage of the sunshine, using materials that have light dispersing properties, or designing places that offer good air circulation. These are generally measures that are done at the architecture and building stage, and are intended to provide life-long savings to the building owners.

And The Award Goes To. . .

So which wins between active and passive? They have different functions. Active is usually considered the “supply side” of the equation. It’s the part that provides more energy to the building and its people. On the other hand, passive solar methods reduce the need for other resources and energies, and are considered “demand side” methods. Both work well together, and should be considered whenever their use is warranted.

Now, let’s take a look at photovoltaics – also known as solar energy panels – and how and where they are used.

Agriculture – All About The Sun!

One prime place that solar energy panels have been used is in the field of agriculture and horticulture. The more efficiently growers can use the energy of the sun, the greater their yield will be. There are many passive methods incorporated, such as staggering heights between rows, timed planting cycles, etc. Some areas with a much shorter growing season have used “fruit walls” to help collect solar energy. These help keep the plants warm and extend the growing season in a passive manner.

Solar energy has also been used for pumping water, brooding chicks, and drying crops. A prime use of solar energy panels in recent years is to run grape presses at vineyards.

Turning On The Lights – Naturally

“Daylighting” systems use sunlight to meet the needs for illumination inside buildings. This effectively replaces artificial lighting, and also reduces the need for air conditioning. There are many psychological benefits to working under natural lighting (rather than artificial lighting) and

While much of a daylighting system is passive, incorporating careful window choices, etc., in some places solar energy panels collect the sunlight during the day to use throughout the building after the sun goes down.
In Hot Water?
Solar energy panels are very useful when it comes to heating water. Whether for inside the home for out in the pool, solar energy panels can greatly decrease the cost of heating water for all uses.

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Renewable Energy Production Can Save The Planet

Renewable Energy Production Can Save The Planet

Everywhere you turn there are doomsayers saying we need to wake up and start using renewable alternative energy or else the world will end. The jury’s still out as to how bad it really is, but the fact is we would be better off if we all got behind renewable energy production. See, the world is currently dependable on fossil fuels. These are fuels that took centuries to produce and once they’re gone it’s not like we can just get more. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Renewable energy, however, describes those types of energy that are in abundance. They’re always available. These are energies such as solar power, wind and wave energy that comes from water. All we need in order to use these types of energy is to move away from fossil fuels and to turn to renewable energy production. First, however, we all need to get behind such a change.

What’s Holding Us Back?

If moving towards renewable energy production is such a good thing, both for our society and for our planet, why isn’t everyone getting behind such a change? Well, there are billions of dollars already invested in fossil fuels. If we no longer needed gasoline and coal, and other fossil fuels, think of all the money it would take to convert our current society to the use of other energies. Think of all the gas stations that would have to completely remodeled, the oil and gas industry that would shut down and become obsolete, and think of all the cars that would have to be converted to using renewable energy instead of gas. The fact is our society is deeply dependent on these fuels and moving towards renewable energy production and use is no small feat. It’s going to take time and it’s going to take lots of money but eventually we can get there.

How You Can Help

You can make a difference in helping our society move towards renewable energy production by making an investment to companies devoted to renewable energy production. These companies want to build the structures that will harness and make use of these types of renewable energies. Then, once these are up and running, and everyone sees how much better the world will be when we all get behind renewable energy production, then maybe the rest of the world will wake up. Until then, you can begin getting behind renewable energy production, and you can begin to educate those around you so that hopefully we can move quickly towards a world where we’re no longer dependent on fossil fuels and we’re all behind renewable energy production so that we can give something to future generations that will help our species live on indefinitely.

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Energy From Solar Power: Pros And Cons

Energy From Solar Power: Pros And Cons

Did you realize that there are both good and bad aspects to using solar power for energy? Maybe you thought it was all good – that there were no downsides to using solar power for energy. Let’s take a look at the real story of solar energy power.

Factors In Favor Of Solar Power

Obviously, energy from the suns the ultimate “renewable.” No one can claim that we’re running out of it, or that we need to conserve it. In fact, those ideas make us laugh! The sun will always be there, sending out its energy to the earth. All we have to do is capture and use that energy. Also, solar power has only benign impacts on the environment.

Solar energy has wide acceptance in the public. Though not a high percentage of the public is actually using solar energy power, they do have a positive feeling towards it, and many people think that they will use it in the future. The public likes that there are few risks from solar energy power, also.

Solar energy power can be used in the individual home. There’s no way you could have a nuclear reactor to give your home nuclear power, and coal in your home can be very messy. But having solar energy panels is uncomplicated and non-hazardous.

In theory, large solar collectors in the desert could increase the productivity of land by shading areas otherwise too hot for use. This land could be used for ranging animals or other things.

Having solar collectors close to the point of use can eliminate a lot of the energy transportation and distribution networks. Currently, about 70 percent of the cost of energy is in the distribution alone.

But There Are The Down-Sides

Unfortunately, not all aspects of solar energy power are positive. Most of those downsides are monetary.

To start up a solar energy power system for a home is initially expensive, making it out of reach for many homeowners. Buying and building solar collectors are
Using the solar thermal energy is generally more expensive than other conventional methods currently in use.

Also, in order to collect enough solar energy, it requires quite a bit of land space.

What about cloudy days? On them, there is little or no solar energy collected, and the weather is unreliable in some locations.

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Why Make a Renewable Energy Investment?

Why Make a Renewable Energy Investment?

You’ve probably heard of Going Green, LEED, Global Warming and other terms that describe using renewable energies, eco-friendly resources and being eco-conscious. This is all because we need to seriously think about our future as a human race. We can’t just keep using the same dirty fuels we’ve been using and expect the environment to take it. Eventually we’ll end up poisoning our environment which could wipe us out as a species. To counter this, we’ve been looking towards renewable energy production. Renewable energy describes those energies that are constantly renewing themselves. These include wind, solar, water, and other energies that come from nature and that are constantly available. These are nothing like fossil fuels that take centuries to form and are only in limited supply. We currently rely heavily on fossil fuels and once those are used up, we just might have to revert back to horse and buggies to get around and lanterns to light our way. However, if we make renewable energy investments, we’ll have all the energy we’ll ever need and the planet will be better off because of it.

How to Make An Investment

To make a renewable energy investment, you can sign up for one of those electric companies that use renewable energy. There are a few out right now due to our eco-friendly conscientiousness and they allow you to make a renewable energy investment that will help to build infrastructures that will sustain future generations. These include wind mills, water mills, solar cells and more. You can also look for investment firms that specialize in these types of energies where you can make a true difference. You don’t have to invest a lot. A twenty five dollar renewable energy investment from lots of people will go a long way. Once the renewable energy investment is made, the structures will be built and we can move slowly from dirty fossil fuels to more sustainable forms of energy and hopefully we can reverse all the damage we’ve done to the atmosphere and the overall environment.

Doubting the Science

Some people doubt that global warming exists. Some even think that we are in no way in danger of ever running out of fossil fuels, it’s just that we are limited to where we can drill due to current laws and practices. This may or may not be true. However, whether you believe in the science or not, it would be better for everyone involved, and that means every human as well as every animal and plant on the planet, if we moved to renewable energy sources. Everyone should make a renewable energy investment so that we can move forward as a culture and we can live in a more harmonious relationship with mother Earth.

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Why Would Anyone Want A Solar Energy System?

Why Would Anyone Want A Solar Energy System?

Are you thinking about getting a solar energy system at your home? Maybe you’re wondering about the pros and cons of such a move – and want more information. Let’s see what the scoop it about getting a solar energy system. There is probably more to it than you realize.

First, Why Think Twice

If you are thinking of getting a solar energy system, you really should consider it carefully. It isn’t all yes, yes, yes! There are valid reasons to say no, no, no! You may be surprised by this, but think about it.

The first thing you need to check into is the cost of the solar energy system you’re considering. Solar power energy is free once the system is in place, but actually getting the system can be a bit “spendy.” Initially, you may choke a bit, but decide it’s worth it. But be sure that includes all the bells and whistles that the provider could tack on later, so that you really understand the full cost.

But What Outweighs The Money Factor?

More of a money factor – long term! That’s right – having a solar energy system will save you money in the long haul. It usually takes at least a few years to get to the break-even point, where the money you put out for your solar energy system equals the amount you have saved, but from then on, you will be saving money every month. In fact, in some areas, you can actually sell your excess energy to the local power company, ending up with a gain overall. This is worth considering!

Along the same lines, for some people, they like the fact that having a solar energy system increases the value of their home. Not only that, but it will impress your neighbors! Everyone likes to be the one in the neighborhood who is “progressive” and on the cutting edge – having a system that runs off of solar energy is one way to achieve that.

Environmental awareness is what prompts some people to invest in a solar energy system. By using a renewable source (and what’s more “renewable” than the sun?) they won’t be using up valuable resources that are limited. They choose to “go off the grid” and not be tapped into the local power company. Also, if the local company goes down for any reason, there’s a good chance your personal “power plant” will still be functioning.

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What Is Biomass Renewable Energy And Where Does It Come From?

What Is Biomass Renewable Energy And Where Does It Come From?

Nearly everyone familiar with the term “going green” knows what a renewable energy source is. They’ve heard the terms “solar energy” “wind energy” and maybe even “hydropower” because those are the types of renewable energy that are spoken about most often. But most people seem to be unaware of biomass renewable energy and how much of a great renewable energy investment it would be.

Where Does Biomass Renewable Energy Come From?

Basically, biomass renewable energy comes from organic materials like animals or plants. These materials contain energy that is stored from the sun (plants absorb sunlight as energy and when humans and animals eat those plants, it transfers to them). Examples of biomass renewable energy sources include manure, some types of garbage, wood and crops.

Energy is obtained when the biomass renewable energy source is burned, putting out heat. Wood and garbage are burned as a biomass renewable energy source to released heat or steam to make electricity. The heat can also be used to actually provide adequate heating for homes.

Wood and wood waste is the most common form of biomass renewable energy – in fact, it’s been used even before people had any idea what renewable energy was. Around 150 years ago, burning wood was the only way to produce heat or steam to power the things people used, and since trees can be replanted, it was the world’s first true renewable energy source used.

There are other ways of getting biomass renewable energy from these sources as well. Certain biomass renewable energy sources can be converted into other forms of energy like methane gas, ethanol or bio diesel fuel because methane gas is the main ingredient in the world’s natural gas. Biogas – the smelly stuff produced by rotting garbage and human waste – also release methane gas, which is sometimes called biogas. Certain crops, like corn or sugar cane, can be fermented to produce ethanol, another kind of transportation fuel. And even bio diesel can be made using left-over food products like vegetable oil or animal fats. The best part is, all of these things – crops, garbage, waste – are produced anyway because humans need crops to eat and they then turn those crops into garbage and waste. The other things, like animal fat and vegetable oil, are used and discarded, meaning using them as a biomass renewable energy source is the same thing as recycling!

Clearly, biomass renewable energy is catching on – currently around 3% of the energy used in the United States is in the form of biomass renewable energy.

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Solar Energy – Let The Sun Shine In!

Solar Energy – Let The Sun Shine In!

Solar energy has been around forever – at least as long as we humans can tell. Solar energy has been used for centuries. It dries your hair when you run out of time to use a power blow dryer. It could fry an egg on the sidewalk on a hot summer day. It also melts your ice cream on the same day.

But now, “solar energy” has a whole new meaning, as does “solar energy system.” How and why has this happened? The history of solar energy is interesting.

Coal Started This Story

When coal was being used almost exclusively during the Industrial Revolution, it was the norm. No one was concerned about finding another source of fuel, although they were starting to use biomass and fossil fuels, and wood had been in use for a long time. The use of solar energy was first contemplated in the 1860s as scientists thought that coal was becoming less available. But in the early 20th century, coal and petroleum were again easily available, and weren’t too expensive.

During the oil embargo (1973) and the energy crisis (1979), the government’s energy policies worldwide were under scrutiny. There was renewed interest in developing solar technologies. Government developed special programs with incentives, like the Sunshine Program in Japan. The United States had the Federal Photovoltaic Utilization Program. Governments in many countries also developed research facilities (United States, Japan, and Germany were notable.)

To be fair, in the United States there had already been commercial solar water heaters since the 1890s. There were increasing number of users of these systems, until there were more reliable and cheaper fuels. Solar water heating was of interest during the oil crisis that happened in the 1970s but when the price of petroleum went down, so did interest in solar water heaters.

Since the 1990s, there has been increased interest in solar water heating, and now it is the most popular solar technology. There are other used of solar energy, however.

For office buildings, solar energy can provide daylighting systems and reduced need for air conditioning.

For agriculture, solar energy can run the pumps, wine presses, and even the chick brooders.

For cooking, solar energy is used for cooking, drying, and pasteurization. These can be of various forms, from reflector ovens (remember using those while camping?), panel cookers, which use solar panels to collect heat, and box cookers. These can reach temperatures sufficient to cook pretty much anything.

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What Are Our Renewable Energy Resources And How Can We Use Them?

What Are Our Renewable Energy Resources And How Can We Use Them?

Renewable energy resources are becoming and more important as time goes by. Every day we use up more of our natural resources, which means that the price of them goes up as they become harder to find. Many people find themselves increasingly unable to pay their energy bills because of this. Not to mention the fact that once those non- renewable energy resources are gone, they’re gone for good. So people are now turning to renewable energy resources as a way to change their lives, lower their bills and help out the environment, which is suffering because of the overuse of non- renewable energy resources.

What Are Our Resources?

We actually have access to multiple renewable energy resources. Renewable energy resources are any kind of resource that naturally replenishes itself, so that means that renewable energy obtained from resources like the sun, wind, water or even geothermal and biomass resources are all considered “renewable energy sources.”

Biomass renewable energy comes from things like wood and wood waste, solid waste, landfills and biogas. Biomass is basically anything organic that comes from plants or animals. In fact, we used to live off of this kind of renewable energy resource – in the form of wood. People used wood to power 90% of what they needed energy for. As the use of coal and gas expanded, people stopped using it, but now they are turning to it again because it’s a great example of a resource.

Another example of a renewable energy resource is, of course, the sun. Solar power is easy to obtain, store and use – and the best part is, the sun is guaranteed to shine pretty much every day, and even if there’s a day when it doesn’t because of weather, most solar power cells generate so much solar power that you have a few days’ extra no matter what. As a renewable energy resource, it’s one of the best.

Then you have wind power, which is generated when the wind pushes the blades on wind turbines. As a renewable energy resource, it tends to be a bit more unreliable than solar power because the wind doesn’t always blow every day and it doesn’t always blow as hard on certain days. Renewable energy generated from a resource like water is similar to wind energy in that it is also generated by the water’s movement.

Renewable energy resources are definitely our future.

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Powering a Home with Green Energy Resources

Powering a Home with Green Energy Resources

When building a new home or when remodeling an older one, green energy resources are important considerations to make since it can help save money in powering the appliances of the home as well as being easier on the environment. Green energy resources are found more readily today than every before as companies are looking for new ways to provide power to homes, offices, farms, ranches and vehicles. In an effort to keep the planet healthy as well as to find ways to be more efficient with resources, solar energy and wind power are being used more than every before.

Homes

If the home is already built, there are still some green energy resources that can be implemented to make it greener. The insulation can be updated so that it is more efficient in keeping the temperature constant in the home. In addition, the roofing tiles on the south side of the roof can be replaced with solar roofing tiles so that the sun’s energy can help to offset the power bill for the home. If there are not enough south facing roofing tiles, then there are some solar panels that can be used in other areas of the roof or yard to help capture the sunlight and direct it to the home. The water heater in the home should be well insulated, and if possible, a solar water heater should be used to help heat the water of the home, which is a big cost.

There are other green energy resources that can be used with a home that has already been built. There are outdoor lights that run on solar power so that there is not a cost to keep the home lit at night. These lights usually have solar panels built into the top of them so that the sunlight is captured during the day to light the lights at night. There are some solar powered lights that can also be used inside of the home where the solar panel sits near a window to capture the sunlight by day to power the lights at night. The windows of the home should be used to light the home in the daytime rather than turning on a light. Clothes can be dried outdoors rather than in the clothes dryer in the summer months so that less energy is used in the home. Other green energy resources include turbines that run on the wind’s power in areas where it is windy much of the time.

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