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Fossil fuels, particularly coal, oil and gas are a dwindling resource. This is reflected in the price that consumers pay for their energy needs. It rises above average inflation each year and will continue to do this. Using these fuels also contributes to the environmental problems that the planet is experiencing such as acid rains and global warming. So are there any other options. Certainly there are many options, some more feasible than others. this article will detail some of the more popular alternative forms of energy. The first alternative source of energy to discuss is solar energy. Energy from the sun has been understood and used for thousands of years. Today it is used in a sophisticated manner that can turn it into electricity to power our homes and gadgets. Energy from the sun comes in two ways. It provides heat and light energy. Using the heat supplied from the sun is the most obvious application of using the sun's energy. You can use it to get hot water or dry clothes or cook food. In fact, this has gone on for thousands of years. The use of light energy is a relatively new innovation. The technology developed to do this is called the photovoltaic (PV) cell. When sunlight or the photons in sunlight hit the PV cell a reaction takes place that causes an electron to flow through the cell. Many cells and more sunlight cause more electrons to flow. This is the basis of direct current. Direct current can be used as is, stored in batteries for later use or converted to alternating current for use in homes. Wind power appears to be capturing the popular imagination. This is due to the large amount of wind turbines that are cropping up all over the countryside. Wind turbines seem to get a mixed review. Some feel they are massive eyesores on the landscape whilst other appreciate the potential of using them to create energy. A wind turbine is a modern and extremely more efficient wind mill. Huge blades are turned by the wind. This kinetic energy is used by a generator that makes electricity. This alternative method of energy is particularly popular in Scandinavian countries but many other European countries seem to be using them now. Water power is another alternative source of energy. Traditionally, the building of a dam across a river has created hydroelectric power. This has problems in that it is expensive to make and you need a river. It also has environmental consequences for the surrounding region. Wave energy has received some press recently however it is not really used in any commercial capacity. The principle of wave energy is to take advantage of the force of the wave to turn a generator. This can be done directly by the movement of the water. Or the wave can increase the air pressure in a housing that contains the generator. This increase in pressure drives the generator and produces electricity. Geothermal energy is used in limited amounts throughout the world. The principle behind geothermal energy is to use the heat from the earths core. This can be done passively by using hot water that comes out of the ground. Or actively by pumping cold water into the hot spot areas. The heated water can be used directly or the steam can be used to turn generators.
Article Source: http://www.solarpanelarticles.com
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