Five Popular Sources Of Green Energy
Nowadays, the need for "going green" has increased. Due to environmental and cost factors, we are turning to more sustainable methods of providing energy to our environment. Using green, or renewable, energy can help us accomplish common, everyday tasks safely and cheaply. Read the below article to learn of five green energy sources that are becoming more and more popular.
Solar power involves absorbing sunlight and converting it into electricity, either directly by photovolaics (PV) or indirectly through concentrated solar power (CSP). CSP uses the sun's energy for boiling water, which then provides power. Solar power is the most commercial form of green energy available today. Consumers can find all kinds of solar panels to use in their homes at a reasonable cost.
Wind power involves using energy from the wind to transform it to a type of useful energy. This includes using wind turbines for creating electricity, windpumps for creating water drainage, sails for powering ships, etc. Although wind power is consistent when used for up to 20% of the total electrical output, problems can occur when wind power is used for more than 20% due to wind variations.
Geothermal energy is thermal energy that comes from the Earth's crust. Twenty percent of this energy comes from the planet's original formation and the other eighty percent comes from mineral radioactive decay. The geothermal gradient, the temperature difference between the planet's core and its surface, causes thermal energy to develop, which will rise to the Earth's surface. Geothermal energy is very cost effective, sustainable, and reliable. This form of energy has only traditional been used in places located near tectonic plate boundaries; however, recent technological advances have expanded the usage of this energy to all over the world. Geothermal energy can now be used to heat your home.
Nuclear power involves using nuclear fission to produce heat and electricity. Nuclear power plants produce approximately thirteen percent of the world's total electricity. This type of power has many uses. It can be used to provide electricity in your home, yet it is also used in X rays and CAT scans.
Finally, tidal power is a type of hydropower green energy source that converts energy from tides into power, usually electricity. Even though this form of energy is not widely used at the moment, it is one of the most reliable forms of green energy and is more predictable than solar or wind power due to the predictability of tides. Unfortunately, the high cost and limited sources of high tidal ranges have halted the development of this form of power. However, with technological advances, tidal power could become more common.
Businesses and normal people are beginning to realize the importance that green energy carries, especially in this new age. As you have seen from this article, there are all kinds of ways you can produce energy naturally, without causing harm to the environment. Now that you've read this article, you are more educated on five increasingly popular types of green energy and how they are used.
