Throughout history, we have seen change in the kinds of energies used. As early as the 1200s, nation swapped wood for coal as deforestation occurred locally. 300 years later, societies then depended on petroleum after depleting the supply of whale oil used to fuel lamps. In the early 1900s, corn-based ethanol oil supplied the need for energy.
When the world started to run on wheels and navigate the skies and seas, the need for fuel increased, finally drying up local oil wells. As a result, the US turned to importing oil to maintain transportation, manufacture, and domestic needs moving, ultimately relying so heavily on foreign oil that 58% of its supply is now imported.
In addition the depletion of our natural energy resources, across the globe, people are also feeling the effects of the rising cost of electricity and the growing cost of living expenses. On the home front, this poses a dilemma, as family needs are a priority, and electricity positively qualifies as a vital need.
The switch to alternative sources of energy will take time to put into action across the country but as the energy landscape changes, more homes and industries will be using alternative energy. This will be good for economies dependent on pricey imported oil, like the United States.
Solar energy is a favorite renewable energy alternative for household energy. In this alternative energy system sunlight converts into electrical energy. Solar panels alone develop hot water and steam. Combined, these technologies render optimum energy to power homes. Solar energy has very small levels of carbon dioxide emissions compared to gasoline emissions of the same chemical compound that is partly to blame for climate change.
For geothermal energy, the earth's heat is tapped to supply energy needs. To trap this energy, holes are drilled deep to the level where a possible geothermal heat spot is present. The escaping steam is directed into a turbine linked to a running generator, which converts steam to electricity. This is the preferred format for big industry and utility companies.
The householder, however, need not dig so far to enjoy the benefits of geothermal energy. The geothermal heat pump uses the stable ground temperature a few hundred feet below the ground to supply you with heat and air conditioning. It also supplies warm water.
Wind energy is converted to electricity with the use of wind turbines. Wind power produces a minimum 1.5 per cent of the world's electricity. Currently, this is a popular alternative energy source in Denmark, Germany, Spain and Portugal.
Jeff Sokol is an inventor and proponent of DIY Alternative Energy.He also owns a Green Social Network called GreenFuelSpot.com.
