Wind, solar, and geothermal energy are probably terms your are familiar with. But you may not know about the pros and cons, set-up costs, potential savings, and other details. Here are some of the basics about these types of alternative energy.
Wind Energy
Wind is a renewable energy source. Even though it comes and goes, it can’t be used up. This makes it an attractive choice for homeowners, and is considered a viable means by which entire communities can be supplied with electricity.
The wind’s energy is harnessed by rotating blades of various shapes and sizes (wind turbines). Wind power is not without its downside, however. Here is a brief description of the basics of wind power and its pros and cons.
The Not-So-Good:
* You have to have flat, windy terrain for wind turbines to work
* Equipment and set-up can be very expensive (this is especially true for the construction of large wind farms)
* Turbines must be maintained by professionals or a well-educated homeowner
* Large turbines can be extremely noisy and destructive to flying creatures
The Good:
* Wind is a renewable, clean energy source
* Your utility costs will go down significantly as you supplement your home’s power with wind-generated energy
* Home wind turbine kits are not very expensive and are widely available
Solar Energy
The invention of solar panels makes this renewable energy source very flexible. Solar energy can power small items like radios or cell phone chargers, or they can meet the energy needs of entire households and even communities.
What’s Not-So-Awesome:
* Solar energy only works when the sun is shining
* Solar panels can be tricky to install on your home
The Awesomeness:
* Solar energy is clean and renewable
* Batteries can be used to store extra power for use when the sun is not shining
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy makes use of the earth’s cooler (in summer) and warmer (in winter) temperatures. Geothermal heat pumps circulate liquid under the earth’s surface to be cooled or warmed depending on the season.
Why you will want to research more:
* A great deal of digging is necessary to install a geothermal heating and cooling system
* Government financial aid and tax rebates may be available to help finance your upgrade
Why you need this:
* Once again, this is a renewable source of energy that is clean
* You will be “off the grid” and not subject to power company rate-hikes
Pros and Cons of Alternative Power in General
Generally speaking, all of the above have certain pros and cons associated with them. Here is an overview of the general pros and cons of alternative energy.
Why this may not be the best bet:
* Installation of alternative energy systems needs to be done by professionals, which can get pricey
* Maintaining these systems requires specialized skills
* Your property and location can make or break or plans
Why this is one of the best things you could ever do:
* You don’t need to worry about power company rate-hikes breaking your budget
* Government grants and subsidies may be available in your area for installing various alternative energy apparatuses. Tax rebates also may apply
* Some forms of alternative energy, particularly solar, require little maintenance
And the most important bit yet…
Your grandchildren – all future children – will thank you! What better reason than that to make positive, clean changes for the Earth?
We are looking into solar energy for our house. We all need to look into it!
Those wind turbines creep me the heck out for some reason. Also they are UNBELIEVABLY loud.
Yes, as far as finding and utilizing new ways of sustaining ourselves, the world is in Kindergarten. We have to start somewhere! 😉
Would love to go solar some day. While there are cons, I really think that’s probably one of the best and most efficient options.
Great informative post on Alternative Energy- thank you!