Alternative Energy and the Environment

We live in a world where global warming, climate change and environmental pollution are not just empty buzzwords but are quickly becoming manifested in disastrous events around the globe. Most of these events can be traced to the problems associated with man’s seemingly insatiable greed for fossil fuels including coal, petroleum and wood. Fortunately, we are seeing light at the end of the dark tunnel through the increasing availability of viable sources of alternative energy sources.

These alternative sources for power and electricity are called renewable resources for the obvious reason that the Earth appears to have an inexhaustible supply of said sources. These sources are the sun with its radiant energy, the wind with its capacity to move rotor blades and the earth itself for its geothermal heat.

It must be emphasized that not all of the technologies related to these renewable sources of energy are viable for all locations and applications since environmental impacts, issues and conditions must be carefully considered. For example, wind energy may not be applicable to congested urban areas but solar energy can have moderate applications in the same locations. Or it may be that solar energy is best harnessed than geothermal energy.

Whatever of these alternative energy sources is eventually chosen for application in a certain geographical area, the benefits to the pockets, the environment and to the economy are definitely positive. The trick is in choosing the best renewable energy system that will provide the most benefit to the people involved on one hand and the least negative impact on the environment on the other hand.

Solar Energy

The sun is the ultimate source of all non-renewable and renewable energy sources on Earth for many reasons. For one thing, the energy stored in fossil fuels like coal and petroleum have been captured millions of years ago by the plants and animals in a process called photosynthesis and cellular respiration, respectively. Basically, we are still using the sun’s power from eons ago.

Then, the most viable source of alternative energy among homeowners that can either be used immediately or stored for later use – solar energy, of course – is still the sun. Humanity can expect the sun to provide its tremendous power for the next 5 billion years even at the rate with which the nuclear fusion of hydrogen atoms to form helium atoms happens at its core.

For another thing, all the renewable sources of energy are borne from the actions of the sun. Take the wind as the best example of such fact – the action of the sun’s radiant energy on the land eventually produces the phenomenon that we know as wind. In turn, the action of wind turns the blades on the wind turbine that then becomes electricity.

So, when we say that the sun is the be-all and end-all of all sources of alternative energy on Earth, it is neither an exaggeration nor a lie. And the fact that the sun is the cleanest, most renewable and most viable renewable energy source further emphasizes the fact that we must consider solar energy as the ultimate answer to the environmental, social and financial woes that beset our societies in general and our families in particular with the continued dependence on fossil fuel-powered electricity. Here then are the ways how solar energy minimizes humanity’s impact on the Earth:

• The Earth is spared the aggressive digging of soil, cutting down of trees and mowing down of mountains with solar energy for the simple reason that the sun gives off its radiant heat without any action on man’s part. Yes, large amounts of land are necessary for large-scale utility solar power plants at a rate of one square kilometer for every 20 to 60 megawatts of generated electricity. Then again, fossil-fueled electric plants and nuclear plants require larger spaces with more adverse effects on the land itself.
• Solar energy systems as alternative energy sources emit little to no pollution on all levels. Air, land and water as well as noise pollution are avoided since the solar panels and other system components have little by way of emissions of harmful substances. Of course, the manufacture, installation and disposal of the solar panels also use fossil fuels but such usage is offset to a significant degree by the eventual benefits to the environment particularly in the lesser dependence on fossil fuels. In short, the energy balance comes up in favor of solar energy.
• Even the smallest homes can have its own do-it-yourself solar alternative energy system installed within the available budget. In contrast, electrical power plants require millions in investments to be operational.

Indeed, solar is the best way to go. But for purposes of discussion, we must also discuss wind energy especially as it is also gaining worldwide attention.

Wind Energy

As previously mentioned, wind power comes from solar power but the former is often harder to harness for obvious reasons. While the sun will shine on virtually all parts of the Earth with many technologies to multiply its energy, the wind patterns in many places are unsuitable for wind turbines with little that can be done to bypass such a deficiency in this type of alternative energy source.

In fact, the few places that host commercial wind farms were carefully studied to determine that its wind patterns – speed, direction and frequency, among other factors – will justify the high costs of setting up the wind turbines. In contrast, solar energy can be optimally harnessed by strategic placement of the solar panels on the south side, by the rotation of the photovoltaic panels to literally follow the sun, and by the storage of radiant energy in the event of rainy, cloudy or wintry days.

Like solar power as an alternative energy source, nonetheless, wind power also minimizes humanity’s impact on the environment in various ways. Wind turbines emit no substances that cause air, water and land pollution; pose no threat to the public’s health, welfare and safety; and allow for maximum use of the land occupied by the tall structures.

If you were made to choose between these two alternative energy sources, we suggest going for solar energy. You can easily harness the power of the sun with do-it-yourself solar panels incorporated into an energy-efficient system designed to provide usable electricity, which can lead to partial or complete off-the-grid lifestyle.