You’ve probably heard a lot about “green” and alternative energy choices recently. Since climate change continues to disrupt our world, there’s an increased push to stop relying on finite fossil fuels, and focus on renewable sources of energy instead. Wind, sunlight, water and other natural energy sources help power our world—and they leave a lot less pollution behind.
If you’ve been considering alternative energy for your home or commercial building, read on. Here are some of the ways we can use infinite natural resources instead:
- Solar power: Solar power uses the sun’s energy to produce electricity. In Arizona, which gets intense sunlight for the majority of the year, this is a great way to reduce your electric bills and take some pressure off the grid. Solar power can be used on homes, commercial buildings and even in fields. Best of all, the cost of solar energy systems is dropping every year.
- Hydroelectric: Hydroelectric power harnesses the power of rushing water to create electricity. This is often used in conjunction with dams—the water flows through turbines to create clean, renewable energy. (If you’ve ever been to Hoover Dam, you’ve seen this process in action.) It can be helpful with large-scale projects, but often does not produce enough electricity for additional consumption. It can also disrupt waterways and marine life.
- Geothermal: The earth is full of heat underneath the surface—when you watch a volcano or geyser erupt, you’re watching geothermal energy escape. This isn’t as common as other types of renewable energy. Geothermal energy is captured by using underground steam to power turbines, which generate electricity. Best of all, it can be done entirely underground, so there’s no surface footprint.
- Wind power: Have you ever driven by a “wind farm”? You may have seen clusters of industrial-sized windmills in particularly windy parts of the desert. The windmills capture the wind energy to power turbines and generate electricity. However, they’re usually located in rural areas—far away from the bigger cities that need power the most. They may also kill birds and other wildlife.
- Hydrogen: Hydrogen can be used as a clean-burning fuel as well as electricity. Unfortunately, since it has to be separated from other elements to function on its own, it’s not the most efficient way to reduce pollution—but perhaps science will find an answer to that issue in the future.
- The ocean: Anyone who has been to the ocean has witnessed its sheer power. It’s also a lot more predictable than wind or solar energy. Wave energy is not popular yet, but this untapped resource may be able to help power major coastal cities. Landlocked states, on the other hand, are out of luck for the time being.
Over the coming years, we’ll likely see even more alternative energy sources developed and refined. Powering modern society without polluting the earth is a monumental goal, but one we’ll be able to benefit from developing.
If you’re interested in your own clean energy source, reach out to Aneva Solar to learn more about solar energy options for your property.