Alternative energy sources, or renewable energy sources, have been around for several years. In fact, many people comment that alternative energy has been around forever, and they’re partially correct. For example, one type of alternative energy, solar energy, has been around since the 1800s. Specifically, solar energy was first discovered in 1839 by William Robert Grove, the inventor of the first hydrogen fuel cell.
But what are alternative energy sources, exactly?
Besides solar energy, there are many different types of alternative energy sources out there, and there are sure to be many more discovered in the future. To break it down, alternative energy is energy from sources that are naturally replenished. We use energy from manmade electrical sources that come from fossil fuels and are susceptible to being used up.
Fossil fuels are exhaustible, indicating that fossil fuel energy is being exhausted by humans for industrialization and rapid growth. This results in the depletion of these fuels and energy. On the other hand, alternative energy sources, such as renewable energy, can be used repeatedly.
Some alternative energy sources examples include:
- Solar energy: Solar energy uses energy from the sun to create electricity through a thermal collector or photovoltaic (PV) panels. A thermal collector will provide users with hot water on days when the sun is shining, replacing the need for fossil fuels to heat the water, while PV panels will generate electricity through an electrical circuit, allowing users to power their homes.
- Wind energy: Wind energy uses turbines to harness wind and turn it into electricity. The turbine’s fan-like rotors rely on the blowing wind to spin its blades and produce electricity through an internal generator. Wind energy is primarily used for commercial properties, but smaller wind electrical systems can also be used on residential properties.
- Geothermal energy: Geothermal energy is a less commonly used energy type compared to solar and wind energy. It uses heat and coolness retained in shallow rock, ground, and water beneath the Earth’s surface.
How to Use Alternative Energy Sources?
Alternative energy sources, like all forms of energy generation, require planning, permits, and approvals from state agencies and other local government sectors, such as the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Before you dive into using alternative energy sources, it’s important that you contact the appropriate officials to get the go-ahead. You can start by contacting your specific DEP office or local municipal officials.
How to use alternative energy sources will depend on the type of source you’re using. For example, solar technologies harness the sun to power establishments, while wind technologies harness the wind to achieve the same effect. Hybrid models, which use both solar and wind energies, use both to provide power to residential and commercial properties.
Hybrid systems are stand-alone systems that function off-grid, without needing any electrical distribution system. Hybrid systems are nice for areas where the summer provides ample sunshine, and the winter provides wind. Even when wind and sun aren’t present, hybrid systems use batteries or engine generators to power their users.
If you’re planning on switching to alternative energy sources, you might wonder, are alternative energy sources renewable? The answer isn't so black and white. For the most part, alternative energy sources are inexhaustible since they can replenish themselves naturally. However, they are limited in how much energy is available per unit of time.
Do alternative energy sources displace fossil fuels? The answer to this question varies. In the U.S. and in most regions, the electricity produced by wind or solar energy displaces energy created through natural gas, coal-fired generators, or fossil fuels.
Solar Energy Specifics
Solar energy is one of the most prevalent alternative energy sources, partly because it can be harnessed just about anywhere and is widely accessible. The popularity of this type of alternative energy source continues to increase. However, the cost of owning a solar energy system has rapidly declined, especially during the last few years. The system used to set up a solar system is called a solar photovoltaic (PV) electrical generating system.
Before you decide to move forward with your solar plans, it’s essential that you consider important factors surrounding this type of renewable energy. Despite the declining cost of these systems, the solar PV system can still be a costly investment. So, understanding everything that goes into owning and maintaining one of these systems is important.
For example, you’ll have to decide whether you plan to install the system yourself or hire a solar installer to set up the system for you. Hiring someone is strongly encouraged, though it can add to an already expensive investment. Either way, you’ll want to contact your electric distribution company (EDC) to learn about the process of installing a solar system and the steps you need to follow.
If you decide to hire an installer, you should consider obtaining quotes from three or more installers. Ensure you know the specifics, such as the system size you’ll need. So, you can get an accurate estimate and not be blindsided by the cost.
As a precautionary measure, you should consider the costs alongside your budget. This can help you decide which contractor to hire. Installing a PV system is expensive, and hiring a contractor to install one for you just adds to the cost. Be sure to calculate the costs correctly and work them into your budget to ensure that you can afford to install a PV system.
Alternative Energy Sources Pros and Cons
The pros and cons of alternative energy sources vary depending on the type you use.
Solar Energy Pros and Cons
Solar energy is one of the most popular alternative energy sources.
Solar Energy Pros:
- Solar energy is low-emission, meaning there is a low carbon footprint, making solar energy less damaging to our environment.
- Solar energy is renewable. So, it can be used without being exhausted.
- Solar energy is remote area-friendly.
- Solar energy produces no noise.
- Solar energy provides users with a reduction in electricity bills.
Solar Energy Cons:
- Solar energy relies on the sun. So, it cannot provide power at night or when clouds are present.
- Storing solar energy and purchasing solar panels is costly.
- Solar technologies need a lot of space.
- Solar energy produces little to no energy when people need it the most, such as at night and when clouds overtake the sun.
Wind Energy Pros and Cons
Wind energy is the second most common type of renewable energy and continues to rise in popularity.
Wind Energy Pros:
- Wind energy is renewable and clean, meaning it isn’t destructive to the environment.
- Inexpensive to operate
- Low maintenance
Wind Energy Cons:
- Wind turbines are costly to install.
- Wind energy is noisy and provides visual pollution.
- Wind turbines must be used in places where the wind is frequent.
- Wind energy is unpredictable.
- Wind turbine blades are dangerous to birds who can potentially fly into them.
Geothermal Energy Pros and Cons
Geothermal energy isn't as popular as solar or wind energy, but many commercial residents use it.
Geothermal Pros:
- Geothermal energy is a reliable power source and allows users to access energy even on cloudy and non-windy days.
- Geothermal energy leaves a much smaller carbon footprint and produces no noise pollution.
- Geothermal energy can be used both in large and small establishments.
Geothermal Cons:
- Costly initial investment
- A few geothermal plants have been known to produce low levels of carbon dioxide.
- Geothermal energy requires the earth to be drilled into to access and manage power sources.
Conclusion
Alternative energy sources have been around for years now and have risen in popularity over the last few decades. If you plan to invest in renewable energy, just make sure you understand everything that goes into your investment, including installation, maintenance, and costs.