In today’s world, there’s a lot of talk about fossil fuels, the greenhouse effect and global warming. These conversations often go hand-in-hand with living a green life, preserving the planet and being eco-conscious. In order to keep up with these talks and form an opinion, it’s important to understand what fossil fuels are and why some people are favoring renewable energy sources.
Non-Renewable vs. Renewable Energy
As much as 85% of the energy that’s consumed in the United States is from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels include coal, oil and natural gas. These sources of energy are non-renewable, which means that when they run out, they cannot be replaced. Eventually, fossil fuels will run out and people will have to find alternative types of energy. Many people who are trying to live their life in an eco-friendly manner have already began using alternative types of energy.
Dangers of Fossil Fuels
When fossil fuels are turned into energy, various threats to the environment can occur. Both the air and water becomes polluted, which becomes a health concern for individuals. The release of carbon dioxide worsens the greenhouse effect. When coal is burned, sulfur dioxide is produced, which in turn creates acid rain. Oil spills can cause extensive damage to the earth and natural vegetation.
Renewable Energy Sources
The two basic types of renewable energy are wind power and solar power. Wind power is both constant and abundant, and it’s also the least expensive type of renewable energy. Plus, wind power hasn’t been used much, which means this power source is so far untapped. To begin using wind power, businesses and towns have to have wind turbines set up. These turbines convert the kinetic energy from wind into mechanical power, which is then converted into electricity via a generator.
While solar power is more expensive than wind power, it’s also more reliable. The sun’s radiation is converted to electricity through photovoltaic solar panels. So long as the sun is shining, solar power will be an option. Everyone across the globe can be sustained with solar power. Homes and corporate buildings that utilize solar power often have large windows on the sunniest side of the building. Inside the building are walls and floors made from heat-absorbing material. During the day, the material collects the heat and at night it’s released to warm the building.
Benefits of Renewable Energy
There are several benefits to using renewable energy. The most obvious benefits have to do with limiting your use of energy and minimizing bills. Renewable energy benefits include:
- You’ll help the environment by living a green life. Living green means being eco-conscious and eco-friendly.
- Alternative energy sources can lower your utility bills, saving you a lot of money every year.
- You’ll be saving money because you’re saving energy, which means that your carbon footprint will be reduced as well.
- Utility bills will be relatively the same from month to month, which means budgeting for your utilities is easier and more reliable.
- When you install a solar energy system, you may be eligible for a high tax credit.
- Homes and businesses that utilize renewable energy sources can gain and eventually sell Renewable Energy Credits.
Sunny Fernandez follows the energy sector in Australia and looks to provide a wealth of information on solar panels for residential and commercial homes.