About Alternative Forms of Energy

There are a number of alternative energy sources. Here are some of them.

History

Some forms of alternative energy have been used for years. Water power was used as far back as ancient Greece. Solar power has also been around for years but was never developed to its full capacity. Wind energy was used extensively hundreds of years ago, but was abandoned for more modern techniques.

Types

Solar power is used to heat swimming pools, power cars and help with heating homes. In the past, it has been very expensive to install solar panels on a house, but the cost is coming down.

For hundreds of years, wind mills have powered flower mills. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has proposed putting wind mill on top of the city's bridges and skyscrapers as a means to make the city energy independent.

Geothermal energy is a source that has not been developed much--yet. It taps into the heat under the surface of the Earth and generates steam to run a turbine and make electricity. It is not cost-effective at the moment.

The ocean's tides have a tremendous force and it can be turned into electricity.

Hydroelectric Power involves damming a river and then releasing the water under pressure, which in turn creates electricity.

Significance

In 2007, only 7 percent of the nation's energy came from alternative energy sources. Petroleum supplied 40 percent, natural gas 23 percent, coal 22 percent and nuclear power 8 percent. Projections are that the use of alternative energy will increase greatly.

Potential

With solar power, you will see your electric meter run backward. You will only draw from the electric company when your solar batteries do not have enough stored energy. Wind power is also viable for private uses, but only in the country where there is plenty of open land and high ground to catch the wind. It works much in the same way as solar power.

Hybrid cars can give consumers as much as 30 miles more per gallon by combining electric battery and conventional gasoline power. The electric motor powers the car at lower speeds and the gasoline engine at higher speeds. A lot of gas is used just sitting and waiting for red lights to turn green. The electric motor will take over for the gas engine here and keep the car running until you start to move. It can also store energy, making it possible for you to go longer between electric charges.

Expert Insight

Major car manufacturers such as Ford, Toyota, Chevy, Saturn and GMC have hybrid cars available.

21st Century Goods has everything from solar panels to a solar-powered cell phone charger. Affordable Solar has both solar- and wind-powered products.

Resources

• Alternative Energy Sources
• Sources of Solar And Wind Powered Products
• Energy Information from the Government