Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is a term used for energy that we don't deplete when we use it. Solar, wind, and geothermal energy are the sources most often mentioned. Wave energy and tidal energy are also being explored.

Perhaps the greatest argument that could be leveled about having to use fossil and nuclear fuel is our dependence on it. Climate change is a real serious threat, maybe something that we could only be very worried about. Singly nothing much could be done about it as it will take serious political will if it is to be addressed effectively and for now, other countries are not cooperating. But the choice between traditional and alternative sources of energy, that is something most of us can choose to do.

First the advantages:

Solar, wind, and geothermal energy are abundant and is free. We can count the sun to rise tomorrow and the day after that. Oil and natural gases on the other hand are non renewable, once the source taps out, it is gone forever. Sure there are other areas that could still be tapped but sooner that could run out of oil as well.

Solar, wind, and geothermal energy do not pollute the air. Not so with oil. Oil, its derivatives and its byproducts are great pollutants. In fact, 22,000 pounds of carbon monoxide will need to be produced first for the oil to be processed and supply a home with electrical energy for a year.

Solar, wind, and geothermal energy are generally quiet. Solar energy is especially quiet. Except for the mechanical contraptions that are built into the panels so they can track the sun, the entire process from the collection of the suns rays to its photovoltaic conversion is silent. Contrast this with the cacophony of giant drills and pumps that are used to extract oil form the ground.

Maintenance for the solar panels is very minimal. Except for the mechanical parts that are optional, almost no maintenance is needed. Wind turbines need rare maintenance, and geothermal energy does need to be maintained like a conventional heat pump. The energy that is derived from solar and wind is free. With oil there is no telling what the next pump price would be and when. Oil, being a commodity, heavily depend its prices on market forces. Often with the right strategies, even market forces could be manipulated that could cause volatility in pricing.

The Disadvantages of solar, wind, and geothermal energy

The disadvantage right now is the cost. While solar, wind, and geothermal energy are free, the cost of installation setbacks many household from installing it. Brand new solar, wind, and geothermal energy generating systems are expensive. Although they tends to pay off overtime, initial cash out could range into several thousands of dollars depending on the quality and volume of generated power a household or an establishment would require. While solar, wind, and geothermal energy technology has been around since for years it is only in recent years that its development was spurred. The costs of installation are often high, but depending on the purchasing capacity of a customer, the benefits can be enormous.

New electricity distribution lines are needed, though, to bring power from these renewable energy sources to the people who need them. Old antiquated distribution lines used to transfer electricity and other modes of fuel into the homes are clogged in many regions that to deliver solar, wind, and geothermal energy power into the houses of consumers will require a different approach.

Be that as it may, the benefits from solar power far outweigh its disadvantages. It is an ideal source of energy that it may soon be the norm in power generation.