Solar Energy ArticlesSolar Energy Compared to Other Alternative Energy Sources We have to switch to clean an energy source, which is for sure after realizing the consequences of using the fossil fuels and destroying the environment. The big question is how? Millions around the world depend on the vast energy reserves available deep down the earth. The reserves are depleting and will dry out soon. On the other hand the demand and the consumption rate are not going down. This is why we have to find out an energy source which will not only be free of pollution and eco friendly but also be able to produce enough energy to power our needs? So the question is whether there exist and energy source that can meet our needs or not. Let us discuss three alternative energy solutions that are available and find out whether that can be the one or not. Wind is basically created with the temperature changes. We also know that the wind blows from a high pressure area to a low pressure area. These changes in the temperature and pressure occur due to the difference in the amounts of heat energy received by different areas from the sun depending on the earth’s rotation. This energy in the form of wind can be converted into electrical or chemical energy, stored in the batteries. The devices used to tap this wind energy are windmills. As the wind blows the rotational energy of turbines is converted into electrical energy by generators. The process is clean, eco friendly and also renewable. One wind mill can produce enough energy to power a house. However the electrical energy that is produced from the turbines is not enough compared to the energy produced from the fossil fuels. The disadvantage is that it is costly and not completely renewable; therefore a better way needs to be discovered to produce energy completely clean and eco friendly. As the wind does not blow at a constant speed and there is no certainty about the wind direction and therefore the output is not efficient as it should be. Also, the wind mills subjected to a severe damage when struck by heavy rains and lightning storms can be subjected to heavy damage. The second is the biomass. Biomass is a true renewable source of energy. This is because the substance used to produce energy is the excretal waste and remains of plants and animals, also human waste. Basically any organic material can produce bio energy. This therefore includes agricultural wastes, organic wastes, waste paper and waste from the food processing industries. Since this type of waste keeps getting produced everyday and in tons, there is no chance that the biomass energy such as bio fuel can get exhausted. The cons are similar to the wind power, very expensive therefore not enough energy output. Apart from these constraints, a bi product is created nitrogen oxide which is not good for the atmosphere if produced in large amounts. Next is the solar energy, out of all the three energy sources this one is the most diversified form of renewable energy. Sun’s heat energy can be used for various purposes which make it versatile. Through technological advancement, we have the capability to tap solar energy and produce energy and then store it. We also have developed devices that can harness the sun’s heat energy for different purposes such as distilling water, boiling water for bathing or drinking etc. the cons is that the sunlight only remains for sometime during the day and therefore our solar panels should be efficient enough to absorb enough energy that can take us through the day. But as mentioned above efficient panels have been built and there is hope that we will be able to create solar panels powerful enough to absorb more energy and become self sufficient. Therefore solar energy seems to be the true alternative energy source we can turn to. Related articles
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