As the repercussions of modern industry’s fuel sources became clear, the world started to search for a better way to fuel modern conveniences and power the modern world: alternative energy. These sources do not deplete natural resources or harm the environment like their fossil fuel competitors. They are the future of energy that will replace the finite resources of coal, crude oil, and natural gas. Keep reading to discover the different kinds of alternative energies in use today.
Super Solar Power
Solar power is perhaps the most common alternative energy source available around the world. Solar power is the generic term for electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun. This energy is captured by solar panels and then converted into other forms of energy, like electricity. The major benefit of solar panels? They produce zero greenhouse gases when gathering and producing electricity.
Solar power is a super-powered alternative energy resource. The sun never “shuts off” and is readily available every day, making the resource renewable. It is drawn solely from the sun and can be captured anywhere the sun touches the earth!
Solar power is growing in popularity around the world. It’s fairly common to see homes and businesses with solar panels on their roofs. Solar farms or fields are cropping up to fill energy needs for large cities like Los Angeles and are found overseas in countries like Vietnam and Spain.
Wonderful Wind Energy
Wind energy is the generic term for energy gathered by windmills or wind turbines. Wind energy is produced by the wind turning the windmills or turbines, generating and gathering electricity from the movement.
Wind turbines are growing in popularity in the United States. They are especially popular to install in the wide-open spaces of Nebraska and Wyoming or even off-shore in ocean mill sites.
Wind turbines aren’t as inconspicuous as solar panels due in large part to their enormous size. Off-shore turbines can be taller than the Statue of Liberty! But wind turbines harness another perpetual energy source: the wind. As long as the wind blows, these turbines can generate electricity and do it without generating greenhouse gases during energy production.
Amazing Additional Alternative Energy Options
Aside from the wind and the sun, there are other renewable energy resources available on earth.
- Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy harnesses the heat that comes from the sub-surface of the earth. The liquids, gases, and even the magma beneath the earth generate massive amounts of energy. Geothermal energy plants produce less than 5% of greenhouse gases produced by coal plants. Geothermal energy can be used as a heat or power source.
- Tidal Power Energy: Tidal energy is different from other renewable energy sources because it uses the gravitational pull of the earth and moon and the tides they produce. The tides are relatively predictable, allowing underground turbines to be built in areas with optimal tides. Like wind turbines, they are turned by the tidal force generated by the ocean, and as they turn, they generate and capture energy. There are some concerns with tidal power disrupting ocean life. While this energy source is growing in popularity, greater care is being taken to build plants that are safer for underwater animal life.
- Hydroelectricity: Hydroelectricity has changed the face of America since 1931. The Hoover Dam, a landmark famous in the United States, is a hydroelectric plant that generates enough electricity to serve 1.3 million people. Hydroelectric plants capture energy generated by the movement of water. The Hoover Dam uses water turbines to generate electricity, but pumping and river methods are also popular.
As the world moves on from fossil fuels, energy becomes greener and cleaner.
About Point Loma Electric and Plumbing
Since 1988, Point Loma Electric and Plumbing has been solving power and plumbing problems for San Diego, CA. The energy experts at Point Loma Electric and Plumbing are proud to provide sustainable solutions for their clients. From green energy solutions to water-saving plumbing fixtures, their team has the know-how to make the home more eco-friendly. Call now for electrical services!
