They are biodegradable, nontoxic and free of aromatic hydrocarbons. The carbon dioxide they release during combustion does not add to the average composition of carbon in the atmosphere because it is readily used up by plants for photosynthesis (Reyes, 2007)
For example, in Israel 90% of homes use solar hot water system hot water systems (Bradford, 2006). Solar energy being chosen to be the next big thing in energy production has come because of the advantages the following advantages (Scheer, (1995)): i
The amount of pollution caused by these fossil fuels is a big concern that has made people more aware of the need to find a more environmentally friendly energy source. (Solangi, Islamb, Saidura, Rahimb, & Fayazb, 2011) Solar energy has been used for a long time ever since the prehistoric times where it was used to heat the house, cure food or dry clothes
By December 2010, global installed capacity for PV had reached around 40 GW with crystalline silicon base photovoltaic cells dominating the market. Since fuel costs are highly volatile and capital costs of solar technologies are changing every year, an economic analysis carried out in one year might be outdated the next year (Timilsinaa, Kurdgelashvilib, & Narbelc, 2012)
Shipments of these cells have increased around the world, and it is the second fasted growing form of renewable energy behind wind power. Archimedes recorded raising temperatures by using the sun to heat up mirrors (Borowitz, 1999, p
By 1998, the cost dropped to $800 per kilowatt, and this makes it quite competitive with coal-generated energy. In addition, "The wind-power market, valued at roughly $2 billion in 1998, has seen annual growth rates of more than 20% during the 1990s, making it the world's fastest-growing energy source" (Flavin & Dunn, 1999, p
The biggest change in public opinion comes from the growing knowledge that the Earth's climate is changing as a result of global warming, and global warming is a direct result of fossil-fuel emissions from cars, buildings, coal and oil burning plants, and homes heated with fossil fuels. However, much of the public does not like many forms of renewable energy, because they take up valuable open space (such as wind farms and solar collectors), they reduce the picturesque value of certain areas, and they can even smell bad, as is the case for some geothermal production facilities (Pasqualetti, 2000, p
However, they do not generate power when the wind is not blowing, and that can be a major drawback to their continued development. One expert notes, "Recognizing that the energy of the wind is proportional to the cube of the wind velocity, a critical criterion in wind project site selection is determination of the long-term wind characteristics of candidate sites" (Rogers, 2000, p
Renewable fuels received considerable attention during the Carter administration in the late 1970s, and less attention from the following administrations. Another researcher writes, "During the Carter administration DOE [Department of Energy] supported and encouraged research on solar and other renewable energy sources and demonstrated concern for long-range energy policy" (Shakespeare, 1994, p
The ability to generate nuclear energy is dependent on the ability to carry out effective purification and reprocessing at every stage of the process. Waste disposal and reprocessing are very crucial in nuclear energy since every step in this process is dependent on the next and the cyclic re-use of fuels (Adamson, p
However, researchers refute this claim by arguing that the costs of obtaining, maintaining, and disposing nuclear power plants are relatively high. Actually, no one knows the cost of a new reactor until one is developed while estimates for new construction continue to escalate (Totty par, 42)
Moreover, the expansion of nuclear power plants could contribute to the proliferation of nuclear weapons since by-product of these power plants can be converted into nuclear bombs. Nuclear power plants are also likely to become the target of armies and terrorist because they contain plutonium, which is the most life-destroying component known to humanity (Williams, par, 5)
The United States of America alone expends about $500 billion on energy each and every year. (Energy Sources, U
There is not an unlimited supply of oil, natural gas, or anything else that is being used for energy today. There are arguments to the contrary, of course, just as there are with any idea, but the fact remains that the Earth is running out of some of the things it needs to continue to allow production of energy in the way it has been produced in the past (Healy & Tapick, 2004)
Part of the reason behind that has to do with the fact that these countries are not yet sure how they could create a widespread, green energy revolution with the currently available technology. In other words, the technology that is used now is not enough to take what is seen on the roofs of a few houses and businesses in the way of solar panels, and extrapolate that out to a town or city (Komp, 1995)
Where green energy is concerned, there are no pollutants. Solar power puts off no emissions of any kind (Marion & Wilcox, 1995; Komp, 1995)
Natural gas is another alternative energy source that has been incorporated into numerous sustainability studies and programs. While it is still a fossil fuel, it is much cleaner to burn than oil or gasoline and much cheaper to source and produce (Hekkert et al
As an energy source, hydrogen fuel cells are perhaps one the most sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Their waste product is water, and hydrogen is readily available everywhere on the planet (Hoffmann, 2002)
It certainly poses some security risks if it this technology is misused or mishandled, but the benefits certainly outweigh the costs. This type of energy production does not create smog, or direct environmental wastes, and many scientists, entrepreneurs, and engineers are looking at low cost, micro-nuclear solutions for small cities and towns (Kruger, 2006)
S. And many energy conscious European nations have begun to employ wind turbines in many of their coastal and plains areas (Manwell, et al