Wind energy is one option
when it comes to renewable power. Large spinning turbines
harvest the movement of the air, and the energy is transferred
into an electricity generator for usage in any application.
While it's not available everywhere, wind energy represents
one of the fastest sectors of growth when it comes to alternative
power sources, and it is consequently one of the most widely
used alternative sources. As a matter of fact, since the year
2000, the number of wind turbines present in the United States
has more than doubled!
Solar power
is another significant source of renewable energy. Solar cells
known as photovoltaics are placed on sun-catching areas such
as the roof of a house. These cells turn light energy into
electricity, and enough electric panels can provide power
for an entire home, leaving you independent of the energy
companies altogether.
Geothermal
energy represents a source of energy that is
not commonly discussed. Heat from underneath the earth's surface
is harvested as steam, which helps to spin a turbine much
in the way of wind power. The spinning motion is sent to an
electricity generator, and the power can be used in any modern
application.
Low impact hydropower represents
another significant source of renewable energy. Incorporating
the use of a turbine, hydropower is created in streams and
rivers which produce enough of a force to properly spin the
turbines. Many aspects of hydropower need to be approved to
ensure that the turbines do not significantly effect wildlife
that may be living in the area where the energy is being harvested.
Most hydropower sources do not dam a river up; they operate
with the river in free-flow as to minimize the effect on the
environment.
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