What is wind energy?
Wind, that is moving air, possesses some kinetic energy due to its high speed. Wind is a result of the solar energy, as heating of land results in movement of air. The most common application of wind could probably be kite flying! Or even paragliding, sail boats etc. Well these activities are definitely not possible without wind. Ever wondered what else it could be useful for?? Wind energy can be harnessed and used for generating electricity or for other smaller purposes by a windmill. In olden times, windmills were used to draw water out of wells or to grind flour etc. It is the rotatory motion of the shaft in a windmill that is used to rotate the turbine and convert it to the form of energy we need it in.
The main advantage of wind energy is that harnessing it doesn�t disrupt natural processes or harm the environment, unlike a lot of other energy sources. To generate electricity on a large scale, a number of windmills are set up over a large area, called a wind energy farm. Such areas need a wind speed of 15kmph.
Lets discuss advantages and disadvantages of Wind Energy.
Advantages Of Wind Energy
1) Wind Energy is an inexhaustible source of energy and is virtually a limitless resource.
2) Energy is generated without polluting environment.
3) This source of energy has tremendous potential to generate energy on large scale.
4) Like solar energy and hydropower, wind power taps a natural physical resource.
5) Windmill generators don�t emit any emissions that can lead to acid rain or greenhouse effect.
6) Wind Energy can be used directly as mechanical energy.
7) In remote areas, wind turbines can be used as great resource to generate energy.
8) In combination with Solar Energy they can be used to provide reliable as well as steady supply of electricity.
9) Land around wind turbines can be used for other uses, e.g. Farming.
Disadvantages Of Wind Energy
1) Wind energy requires expensive storage during peak production time.
2) It is unreliable energy source as winds are uncertain and unpredictable.
3) There is visual and aesthetic impact on region.
4) Requires large open areas for setting up wind farms.
5) Noise pollution problem is usually associated with wind mills.
6) Wind energy can be harnessed only in those areas where wind is strong enough and weather is windy for most parts of the year.
7) Usually places, where wind power set-up is situated, are away from the places where demand of electricity is there. Transmission from such places increases cost of electricity.
8) The average efficiency of wind turbine is very less as compared to fossil fuel power plants. We might require many wind turbines to produce similar impact.
9) It can be a threat to wildlife. Birds do get killed or injured when they fly into turbines.
10) Maintenance cost of wind turbines is high as they have mechanical parts which undergo wear and tear over the time.
Even though there are advantages of wind energy, the limitations make it extremely difficult for it to be harnessed and prove to be a setback.
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Earlier in the discussion about advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy we saw how nuclear energy is beneficial, if used in the right manner and its scope utilised to the fullest.
However, there is a great deal of radiation danger associated with Nuclear energy. It is capable of causing genetic disorders, thus once exposed, can affect generations to come adversely. Another drawback is the storage of nuclear wastes, as it too can lead to disastrous effects if not disposed or stored in the right manner.
A well known nuclear disaster was the attack on Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States during World War II. An experiment, as described by some, was a grave event in the history of nuclear energy and its effects. It was the first of its kind. Another infamous event is the Chernobyl disaster. Although an accident, it made the world realize that controlling such a potentially great power is not entirely in our hands. The accident happened during a test in a nuclear power plant. The extent of damage was controlled as the plant was shut down immediately, and the residents relocated. Even now, the city is in ruins, a pale picture of its past.
The most recent nuclear mishap was the Fukushima Accident in Japan. It was caused by an earthquake-generated tsunami. The nuclear reactor was seismically robust, however could not sustain the effect of the gallons of sea water that went inside the reactor, thus leading to power failure which in turn led to overheating. This ultimately resulted in a hydrogen explosion and subsequent events led to the discharge of radioactive materials into the atmosphere.
Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
1) Radioactive minerals are unevenly distributed around the world and are found in limited quantities.
2) Supply of high quality uranium, one of the raw material, will last only for few decades.
3) Nuclear waste from nuclear power plant creates thermal(heat) pollution which may damage the environment.
4) A large amount of nuclear waste is also created and disposal of this waste is a major problem.
5) The danger of accidental discharge of radio activity also exists.
6) Starting a nuclear plant requires huge capital investment and advanced technology.
7) Nuclear plants are opposed on moral grounds, by many groups, because of their close linkage with development of nuclear weapons.
8) There are number of restrictions on the export or import of nuclear technology,fuels etc.
9) Nuclear power stations are always at the risk from terrorist attack.
10) Aftermaths of Chernobyl cannot be forgotten easily.
11) Safety issues associated with nuclear power are hard to be overlooked.
12) Proliferation of nuclear technology increases the risk of nuclear war too.
13) The waste produced remains 'active' over many years and disposing it safely is a an issue which needs to be addressed properly.
14) Nuclear power is not a renewable source of energy. Uranium is a metal that is mined from the ground in much the same way as coal is mined. It is a scarce metal and the supply of uranium will one day run out making all the nuclear power plants obsolete.
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What is nuclear energy?
Nuclear energy is a powerful source of energy, generated during a nuclear reaction, by change in the nucleus of an atom. The source of nuclear energy is the mass of the nucleus and energy generated during a nuclear reaction is due to conversion of mass into energy (Einstein's Theory)
There are two ways to obtain nuclear energy:
1) Nuclear fission and
2) Nuclear fusion.
In a nuclear fission reaction, the nucleus of a heavy radioactive element like uranium, plutonium or thorium splits up into smaller nuclei, when bombarded by low energy neutrons. A huge amount of heat is generated in this process, which is used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity.
Nuclear fusion reaction involves the combination or fusion of two light elements to form a heavier element and release uncontrollable energy. Thus it cannot be used to generate electricity, unlike fission reaction. Did you know that the sun�s energy is generated by nuclear fusion reaction? The heat and light that we get from Sun, is all due to the continuous reactions going on inside it. We can now imagine how much energy would be released in the nuclear fusion reaction, that it is the source of sun�s energy.
Let�s cut out the technical part behind nuclear power and discuss advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy, starting with advantages.
Advantages of Nuclear Energy
1) As compared to other conventional energy sources, Nuclear power produces very less amount of pollution.
2) Very small amount of raw material is required to generate huge amount of nuclear energy. To put it into perspective, about 28gm of Uranium releases as much amount of energy as is generated by 100 metric tonnes of coal.
3) Since they are required in small quantities, atomic materials can be easily transported to far-off places even at a global scale. Thus transportation is easy unless you are considering security part of it.
4) If nuclear power stations are operated up to their full capacity they can produce cheap electricity and gain from other benefits of Nuclear energy.
5) The quantity of nuclear waste produced is also small. Cons of this advantage are discussed in Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy.
6) It is a very reliable source of energy. The average life span of a nuclear reactor is approx. 40 years which can be extended up to 60 years.
7) Nuclear power stations are usually very compact compared to thermal stations.
8) Although the initial capital cost of building a nuclear plant is high, the maintenance and running costs are relatively low.
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In our discussion about advantages and disadvantages of solar energy, we have already discussed advantages of solar energy. Now lets take a look at disadvantages of solar energy.
However, this seemingly free source of energy is not free of cost in literal terms, let�s see how.
Too much exposure to sun rays can be harmful for the skin and may lead to skin problems. But the atmosphere acts as a sieve and removes a major part of the unwanted harmful rays of the sun. However, due to the global warming (caused due to release harmful gases into the atmosphere), the ozone layer has a hole in it now. Nature has provided us with all solutions to keep us safe and cozy, but it too demands care, or at least doesn�t want its own destruction. Utilizing its resources in the right manner is the only thing we can do. Over utilization has led us to a stage where we need to change the way we live and that comes at a huge monetary cost.
So, the choice is up to us. Whether we want to this big ball of fire to spoil our future for the present or refrain from harming the soil we have grown on, for a sustainable life.
Disadvantages of Solar Energy
1) Solar energy is mostly available in tropical and sub-tropical areas. The region with maximum Solar energy potential is lying between 50 degrees north and south of equator. As we move towards poles, proportion of solar energy received by earth goes on decreasing.
2) It is seasonal in nature and cannot be utilized during monsoon or when weather is cloudy.
3) The solar power technology is still at infant stage and is quite expensive.
4) Cost of installation of solar energy plant is very high.
5) During night it is not possible to produce Solar Energy.
6) Storage of this form of energy is difficult.
7) At present heavy machines are not possible to operate on this source.
8) Solar panels consume land, as power generation per unit square is low.
9) Silicon, used in production of SPV (Solar Photo Voltaic), is a pollutant.
10) Return of Investment(ROI) on solar energy takes around 3-5 years.
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Solar energy is energy that people can obtain for free. The sun produces energy every single day that is completely wasted, but now it can be used. By using a solar system, people can make use of the energy that the sun produces on a day to day basis. One of the most popular ways is to use photovoltaic cells in solar panels, that eventually are converted using a converter, into electricity.
Solar energy capturing has been done for a number of years. Nowadays there are extremely effective ways to do this, although the best is using solar panels. The solar panels absorb the rays from the sun, which creates energy. This energy can be easily converted into electricity to power the home. The great thing is, if there is any left, the owner can sell the electricity units to a utility supplier.
The main advantage of using solar energy rather than conventional energy resources is that they produce free energy. Instead of spending hundreds every month, people can now produce their own electricity for free. In fact, they can actually make money if they have extra energy to sell to utility suppliers.
There are a few barriers that stop a lot of people using solar energy. One of the major disadvantages and barriers of using solar energy is the fact that the upfront cost is extremely high. In many cases, it will cost thousands to produce and install a solar energy producing system, which means that a lot of people simply can not afford it.
Sumber : http://solarenergyfaq.net/
What is Biomass Energy?
Biomass means all materials which come from living organisms. For instance, waste material of plants and animals, wood, agricultural wastes, dead parts of plants and animals. Since all living organisms contain carbon compounds, biomass has energy stored in the form of chemical compounds. The method of harnessing energy from each one of them could be different. Direct burning of these materials generally causes pollution but could be the cheapest form of energy. Eg. Using wood or dried cow dung cakes as fuel generates a lot of smoke. However, if cow dung is used in biogas plant, clean fuel can be generated. Mostly in villages, all types of biomass are traditionally burnt directly to produce heat. And if modern methods are used, they can be utilized properly.
Lets talk about advantages and disadvantages of biomass energy.
Advantages of Biomass Energy
1) It�s a renewable source of energy.
2) It�s a comparatively lesser pollution generating energy.
3) Biomass energy helps in cleanliness in villages and cities.
4) It provides manure for the agriculture and gardens.
5) There is tremendous potential to generate biogas energy.
6) Biomass energy is relatively cheaper and reliable.
7) It can be generated from everyday human and animal wastes, vegetable and agriculture left-over etc.
8) Recycling of waste reduces pollution and spread of diseases.
9) Heat energy that one gets from biogas is 3.5 times the heat from burning wood.
10) Because of more heat produced the time required for cooking is lesser.
11) Pressure on the surrounding forest and scrubs can be reduced when biogas is used as cooking fuel.
12) It is a more cost effective means of acquiring energy as compared to oil supplies. As oil supplies are getting depleted day by day, it is becoming a costly commodity.
13) Growing biomass crops use up carbon dioxide and produces oxygen.
Disadvantages of Biomass Energy
1) Cost of construction of biogas plant is high, so only rich people can use it.
2) Continuous supply of biomass is required to generate biomass energy.
3) Some people don�t like to cook food on biogas produced from sewage waste.
4) Biogas plant requires space and produces dirty smell.
5) Due to improper construction many biogas plants are working inefficiently.
6) It is difficult to store biogas in cylinders.
7) Transportation of biogas through pipe over long distances is difficult.
8) Many easily grown grains like corn, wheat are being used to make ethanol. This can have bad consequences if too much of food crop is diverted for use as fuel.
9) Crops which are used to produce biomass energy are seasonal and are not available over whole year.
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Tidal Energy : Introduction
Tides are the waves caused due to the gravitational pull of the moon and also sun(though its pull is very low). The rise is called high tide and fall is called low tide. This building up and receding of waves happens twice a day and causes enormous movement of water. It is so powerful that it has caused many mishaps and resulted in sinking of ships. Thus tidal energy forms a large source of energy and can be harnessed in some of the coastal areas of the world. Tidal dams are built near shores for this purpose. During high tide, the water flows into the dam and during low tide, water flows out which result in turning the turbine.
Lets now discuss the advantages and disadvantages of tidal energy.
Advantages of Tidal Energy
1) It is an inexhaustible source of energy.
2) Tidal energy is environment friendly energy and doesn�t produce greenhouse gases.
3) As 71% of Earth�s surface is covered by water, there is scope to generate this energy on large scale.
4) We can predict the rise and fall of tides as they follow cyclic fashion.
5) Efficiency of tidal power is far greater as compared to coal, solar or wind energy. Its efficiency is around 80%.
6) Although cost of construction of tidal power is high but maintenance costs are relatively low.
7) Tidal Energy doesn�t require any kind of fuel to run.
8) The life of tidal energy power plant is very long.
9) The energy density of tidal energy is relatively higher than other renewable energy sources.
Disadvantages of Tidal Energy
1) Cost of construction of tidal power plant is high.
2) There are very few ideal locations for construction of plant and they too are localized to coastal regions only.
3) Intensity of sea waves is unpredictable and there can be damage to power generation units.
4) Influences aquatic life adversely and can disrupt migration of fish.
5) The actual generation is for a short period of time. The tides only happen twice a day so electricity can be produced only for that time.
6) Frozen sea, low or weak tides, straight shorelines, low tidal rise or fall are some of the obstructions.
7) This technology is still not cost effective and more technological advancements are required to make it commercially viable.
8) Usually the places where tidal energy is produced are far away from the places where it is consumed. This transmission is expensive and difficult.
Tidal Energy is thus a clean source of energy and doesn�t require much land or other resources as in harnessing energy from other sources. However, the energy generated is not much as high and low tides occur only twice a day and continuous energy production is not possible.
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Ocean wave energy can be captured directly from surface waves. Blowing wind and pressure fluctuations below the surface are the main reasons for causing waves. But consistency of waves differs from one area of ocean to another. Some regions of oceans receive waves with enough uniformity and force. Ocean waves contain tremendous energy. Currently scientists and companies are considering exploiting the wave power of oceans to harness clean and green energy.
ANSYS Inc is a global trend setter of simulation software and technologies. Recently it has developed software that is assisting in converting the persistent forces of ocean waves into electricity. Green Ocean Energy Ltd is an Aberdeen based renewable energy company. Their mission is to create and innovate in the field of clean and green energy. They are developing mechanisms to harness energy from the Earth�s oceans. They are also focusing on other facts such as the economic viability and sustainability of their products.
Green Ocean Energy has produced two innovative devices � Ocean Treader and Wave Treader. These devices will move on the ocean surface in a manner as if someone is nodding, these up and down movements of the arms will help in generating power.
It is estimated that each machine will produce around 500KW of electrical power. This power can be transported to the shore with the aid of underwater cables. This amount of electricity can be utilized by about 125 homes. Wave power farms can be established to generate any required amount of power.
Ocean Treader is a floating device. It will be tied up 1 � 2 miles offshore in ocean wave systems. It will not pose any obstruction on the shoreline. The theory has been put to test in wave tank. Now the company is producing a full size machine for offshore testing.
Wave Treader has grown out of our work with Ocean Treader. Wave Treader uses its Sponsons and Arms and are mounted on the base of a static offshore structure. That structure can be a Wind Turbine or Tidal Turbine. By sharing the high infrastructure costs with another device, such as the foundation costs, cabling costs, etc., the economics of both devices are enhanced and the energy yield for a given sea area greatly improved.
Green Ocean Energy has receives a noteworthy boost to the development of its wave power technology after managing �100,000 of funding from the Scottish Enterprise Seed Fund. They have also secured �150,000 of private investment. Graeme Bell, Special Projects Director at Green Ocean Energy said: �We are delighted to receive this support from Scottish Enterprise. The funding will enable the company to take a major step forward and begin detailed engineering and design of a full scale Wave Treader. It�s been an exciting time for the company and we�re enjoying a fantastic level of interest in our activities.�
This financial support will enable the company to continue the engineering and testing of its ground breaking Wave Treader device. This device is affixed to the transition piece of an offshore wind turbine thereby providing combined wind and wave energy.
It is expected that manufacture of a full scale prototype will start next year once an appropriate site has been acknowledged with deployment in early 2011. Commercialization is expected to being in 2012.
Sumber : http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/
The Earth receives an incredible supply of solar energy. The sun, an average star, is a fusion reactor that has been burning over 4 billion years. It provides enough energy in one minute to supply the world's energy needs for one year. In one day, it provides more energy than our current population would consume in 27 years. In fact, "The amount of solar radiation striking the earth over a three-day period is equivalent to the energy stored in all fossil energy sources."
Solar energy is a free, inexhaustible resource, yet harnessing it is a relatively new idea. The ability to use solar power for heat was the first discovery. A Swiss scientist, Horace de Saussure, built the first thermal solar collector in 1767, which was later used to heat water and cook food. The first commercial patent for a solar water heater went to Clarence Kemp of the US in 1891. This system was bought by two California executives and installed in one-third of the homes in Pasadena by 1897.
Producing electricity from solar energy was the second discovery. In 1839 a French physicist named Edmund Becquerel realized that the sun's energy could produce a "photovoltaic effect" (photo = light, voltaic = electrical potential). In the 1880s, selenium photovoltaic (PV) cells were developed that could convert light into electricity with 1-2% efficiency ("the efficiency of a solar cell is the percentage of available sunlight converted by the photovoltaic cell into electricity"), but how the conversion happened was not understood. Photovoltaic power therefore "remained a curiosity for many years, since it was very inefficient at turning sunlight into electricity." It was not until Albert Einstein proposed an explanation for the "photoelectric effect" in the early 1900s, for which he won a Nobel Prize, that people began to understand the related photovoltaic effect.
"Solar technology advanced to roughly its present design in 1908 when William J. Bailey of the Carnegie Steel Company invented a collector with an insulated box and copper coils." By the mid-1950s Bell Telephone Labs had achieved 4% efficiency, and later 11% efficiency, with silicon PV cells. From then on, interest in solar power intensified. During the late 1950s and 1960s, the space program took an active role in the development of photovoltaics. "The cells were perfect sources of electric power for satellites because they were rugged, lightweight and could meet the low power requirements reliably." Unfortunately, the cells were not practical for use on earth due to the high cost of making them efficient and lightweight, so further research was necessary.
Solar energy may have had great potential, but it was left on the backburner whenever fossil fuels were more affordable and available. "Only in the last few decades when growing energy demands, increasing environmental problems and declining fossil fuel resources made us look to alternative energy options have we focused our attention on truly exploiting this tremendous resource." For instance, the US Department of Energy funded the installation and testing of over 3,000 PV systems during the 1973-1974 oil embargo. By the late 1970s, energy companies and government agencies had invested in the PV industry, and "a tremendous acceleration in module development took place." Solar energy improvements were again sought during the Gulf War in the 1990s.
Considering that "the first practical solar cells were made less than 30 years ago," we have come a long way.The profligation of solar professional companies designing unique and specific solar power systems for individual homes, means there is no longer an excuse not to consider solar power for your home. The biggest jumps in efficiency came "with the advent of the transistor and accompanying semiconductor technology." The production cost has fallen to nearly 1/300 of what it was during the space program of the mid-century and the purchase cost has gone from $200 per watt in the 1950s to a possible mere $1 per watt today. The efficiency has increased dramatically to 40.8% the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Lab's new world record as of August 2008.
We still use solar power in the same two forms today, thermal and photovoltaic. The first concentrates sunlight, converts it into heat, and applies it to a steam generator or engine to be converted into electricity in order "to warm buildings, heat water, generate electricity, dry crops or destroy dangerous waste." Electricity is generated when the heated fluid drives turbines or other machinery. The second form of solar power produces electricity directly without moving parts. Today's photovoltaic system is composed of cells made of silicon, the second most abundant element in the earth's crust. "Power is produced when sunlight strikes the semiconductor material and creates an electric current." The smallest unit of the system is a cell. Cells wired together form a module, and modules wired together form a panel. A group of panels is called an array, and several arrays form an array field.
There are several advantages of photovoltaic solar power that make it "one of the most promising renewable energy sources in the world." It is non-polluting, has no moving parts that could break down, requires little maintenance and no supervision, and has a life of 20-30 years with low running costs. It is especially unique because no large-scale installation is required. Remote areas can easily produce their own supply of electricity by constructing as small or as large of a system as needed. Solar power generators are simply distributed to homes, schools, or businesses, where their assembly requires no extra development or land area and their function is safe and quiet. As communities grow, more solar energy capacity can be added, "thereby allowing power generation to keep in step with growing needs without having to overbuild generation capacity as is often the case with conventional large scale power systems." Compare those characteristics to those of coal, oil, gas, or nuclear power, and the choice is easy. Solar energy technologies offer a clean, renewable and domestic energy source.
Photovoltaic power even has advantages over wind power, hydropower, and solar thermal power. The latter three require turbines with moving parts that are noisy and require maintenance.
Solar energy is most sought today in developing countries, the fastest growing segment of the photovoltaics market. People go without electricity as the sun beats down on the land, making solar power the obvious energy choice. "Governments are finding its modular, decentralized character ideal for filling the electric needs of the thousands of remote villages in their countries." It is much more practical than the extension of expensive power lines into remote areas, where people do not have the money to pay for conventional electricity.
India is becoming one of the world's main producers of PV modules, with plans to power 100,000 villages and install solar-powered telephones in its 500,000 villages. By 2000, Mexico plans to have electrified 60,000 villages with solar power. Zaire 's Hospital Bulape serves 50,000 outpatients per year and is run completely on solar power, from air conditioning to x-ray equipment. And in Moroccan bazaars, carpets, tin ware, and solar panels lie side by side for sale. Probably the most outstanding example of a country's commitment to solar power is in Israel . In 1992, over half of all households (700,000) heated their water with solar energy systems. And there are 50,000 new installations every year.
Solar power is just as practical in populated areas connected to the local electrical power grid as it is in remote areas. "An average home has more than enough roof area to produce enough solar electricity to supply all of its power needs. With an inverter, which converts direct current (DC) power from the solar cells to alternating current (AC), which is what most home appliances run on, a solar home can look and operate very much like a home that is connected to a power line."
Household energy supply is but one use of solar power. There are actually four broad categories that can be identified for solar energy use: industrial, rural habitation, grid-connected, and consumer/indoor. Industrial uses represent the largest applications of solar power in the past 30 years. "Telecommunications, oil companies, and highway safety equipment all rely on solar power for dependable, constant power far from any power lines." Roadside call boxes and lighted highway signs rely on the sun's energy in order to provide reliable services without buried cable connections or diesel generators. Navigational systems such as marine buoys and other unmanned installations in harsh remote areas are also ideal applications for solar power because "the load demands are well known and the requirements for reliable power are the highest." Rural habitation includes "cabins, homes, villages, clinics, schools, farms, as well as individually powered lights and small appliances." Grid-connected systems pair solar power with an existing grid network in order to supply a commercial site with enough energy to meet a high demand, or to supplement a family's household supply. Consumer/indoor uses of PV cells include watches and calculators; PV modules power computers and radios.
The practicality and environmentally safe nature of solar power is influencing people worldwide, which is evident in equipment sales. According to Seimens Solar, production of PV cells and modules increased threefold from 40 MW in 1990 to about 120 MW in 1998. "Worldwide sales have been increasing at an average rate of about 15% every year during the last decade . We believe that there is a realistic possibility for the market to continue to grow at about a 15% rate into the next decade. At this rate, the world production capacity would be 1000 MW by 2010, and photovoltaics could be a $5 billion industry."
There are only two primary disadvantages to using solar power: amount of sunlight and cost of equipment. The amount of sunlight a location receives "varies greatly depending on geographical location, time of day, season and clouds. The southwestern United States is one of the world's best areas for sunlight . Globally, other areas receiving very high solar intensities include developing nations in Asia, Africa and Latin America ." See also sustainable house design
But a person living in Siberia would not benefit much from this renewable resource. And while "solar energy technologies have made huge technological and cost improvements, [they]are still more expensive than traditional energy sources." However solar equipment will eventually pay for itself in 2 to 5 years depending on h ow much sun a particular location receives. Then the user will have a virtually free energy source until the end of the equipment's working life, according to a paper called "Energy Payback Time of Crystalline Silicon Solar Modules." Future improvements are projected to decrease the payback time to 1 to 3 years.
The best way of lowering the cost of solar energy is to improve the cell's efficiency, according to Larry Kazmerski, Director of the DOE's National Center for Photovoltaics. "As the scientists and researchers at the NCPV push the envelope of solar-cell efficiency, we can begin to visualize the day when energy from the sun will be generating a significant portion of the country's electric power demand." Any improvements and subsequent cost cuts will also be vital to space applications.Also try finding the right Electric company in order to save money. Power companies can help you benefit with decisions such as this.
As the price of solar power lowers and that of conventional fuels rises, photovoltaics "is entering a new era of international growth." So much so, that solar power "will remain an excellent energy option, long after the momentary fossil fuel model fades into smoke."
Source : http://www.altenergy.org/
What is wind energy?
