The use of renewable energy has become common among many homeowners. This is because innovation reduces utility costs and helps towards achieving a clean energy future. For instance, in the United States, solar and wind generation are being incorporated into the country’s electricity grid without compromising efficiency and reliability.
Therefore, the use of renewable power is increasingly replacing non renewable fossil fuels in the power industry. This creates the advantage of low carbon emission and other forms of pollution. However, it is crucial to note that not all energy sources marketed as ‘’renewable’’ are good for the environment.
What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy, also known as clean energy, originates from natural processes or sources that are continuously replenished. For instance, wind or sunlight keeps blowing and shining, although their availability is subject to weather and time.
Although renewables are often perceived as an emerging technology, harnessing natural power has been applied in transportation, heating, lighting, and many other applications for a long time. The wind has propelled boats to sail through water bodies and windmills to grind grains.
The sun also provides warmth during the daytime and assists in kindling fire to last into the evening. However, for the past approximately 500 years, humans have increasingly shifted into dirtier and cheaper energy sources like fracked gas and coal.
The following are some of the advantages of using renewable energy:
- Renewable energy does not run out
- Its maintenance needs are low
- Saves on costs
- Renewable energy has many environmental and health benefits
- Renewables reduces dependence on foreign energy sources
Forms of Renewable Energy Sources
Solar Energy
For thousands of years, people have been using solar energy to provide warmth, grow crops, and dry food. According to scientists, more solar energy falls on the earth in an hour than used by the entire global population in a year. Today, people use sun rays in various ways.
For example, it is used to heat businesses and homes, power devices, or warm water. Solar or photovoltaic cells are manufactured from materials such as silicon that convert sunlight into electrical power.
Solar systems produce electricity locally for businesses or homes, either through public projects that power the whole neighborhood or through individual rooftop panels. Solar farms may produce power for many households using mirrors to concentrate sunlight across large surfaces of solar cells.
The application of solar farms can be a reliable use of wastewater amenities and water bodies that are not ecologically sensitive. If you are unsure if you can install solar panels, consult your solar installation company to determine whether solar is a good option for you.
Wind Energy
The use of wind energy has significantly transformed from the old-fashioned application. Today, turbines with a wide diameter and as tall as skyscrapers are being used across the world. Wind energy converts turbine blades which feed an electric generator to produce electricity.
Wind energy has become the most affordable energy source in many parts of the world. For instance, top wind power states in the United States include Texas, California, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
Encouraging the use of renewables, or using them in your home, can hasten the transition toward achieving a clean energy future.