Thursday, January 20, 2011

Alternative Energy Source Are for Your Advantage


While the prices of oil keep increase, we see our gas prices increase and that include the gas we need to heat our homes.  Other utility companies are increasing their prices too and even batteries are getting more and more expensive.  It’s just a fact of life though – isn’t it?  We need all of these things, so what can we say?

Remember that we do not have to sit idly by and let the utilities companies suck up all of our money.  There are other options.  There are alternative energy sources that can be utilized by anyone and they are saving people money all over the world.  Alternative energy sources are also more earth friendly by using up less of our planet’s non-renewable resources and they cause less pollution.

Alternative energy sources eliminate problems like smog that is caused by coal-burning plants and the possibility of nuclear meltdown that exists with nuclear power plants.  Our society is dependent on oil and more traditional energy sources though, and that makes it difficult for change to come about.  Alternative energy sources means making special arrangements that people are not used to but if more people start to use alternative energy sources our planet will see more benefits and more people will be likely to make the changes needed.

If you want to be one of the ones that encourage change you can start by moving to alternative energy sources.  Solar power is one of the sources that many individual homeowners are switching over to because it is relatively easy to set up and maintain.  It can provide enough energy to run an entire household or even a business.

Sunlight photons are converted in to electrical energy through the solar cells on solar panels.  They are then sent to an inverter and turned into electricity that can be used throughout the home.  If the energy is not used right away it can be stored for use on cloudy days or in the evening.  The solar panels can be installed on the roof or even on the ground.  While there is an initial investment, the solar panels are easy to maintain and will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Other alternative energy sources include wind power and hydro power.  Wind power harnesses the energy of the wind with a machine that looks like a big fan.  It is actually an electrical generator that given power by the wind.  Hydro power uses water that moves downward to turn turbines and thus create energy.  Both sources of energy are pollution-free and cost nothing once they are set up.  As with solar power, once the initial investment is made to have the alternative energy sources set up they cost almost nothing to maintain and they can provide energy for a household.

Hydro power, solar power, and wind power are all sources of energy that can be set up and maintained by the homeowners.  If you are knowledgeable about working with tools, can understand and follow instructions, and are able to choose the right tools and materials for building, you are likely able to build your own alternative energy source.  Choosing the right materials is important though.  For instances, the fasteners that you use – things like nuts and bolts – needs to be able to handle the proper strength loads and must be resistant to corrosion since they will be exposed to the elements.  If you are not confident in your ability to choose the right materials, you can still have someone install your alternative energy source.  While you may have a larger sum to pay up front, you will not have to worry about heating or electric bills again in the future.



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