The sun produces
both light and heat that can be converted to usable energy. Wind
power is another viable source of energy. Large wind turbines are
beginning to dot the landscape as power producing wind farms. Hydroelectric
energy in the form of large dams also provide a major boost to our
energy hungry economy. Even the motion of waves in the ocean are
now being harnessed as an energy source.
The
fact is that we already have all the energy we need. We now need
to develop methods to utilize those natural renewable energy sources
on
a personal basis. If you are waiting for large corporations to lead
you to a cost effective personal solution you will
probably be in for a long wait. It is in the individual's
best interest
to change the status quo by becoming
energy independent. It will not be a benefit to the large utility
companies that feed us energy by the unit over large inefficient
transmission
grids.
Solar
Energy
Converting
the sun's energy to electrical energy available for use and storage
is one of the most promising technologies under development.
Solar panels that produce electricity from sunlight have existed
for years but have been cumbersome and expensive. Recent innovations
in thin
film technology have brought new life to this type of energy
production because of the ability to produce lightweight and efficient
panels at an increased production rate. This technology has advanced
a great deal in the past few years and is unfortunately being made
available primarily to electrical utilities and other corporate sources.
It may be years before individuals can utilize this technology for
their own benefit.
Using
the heat of the sun via solar collectors is another method of converting
the sun's energy to a personal energy resource. This has been accomplished
through the use of heat collectors, mirrors, or lenses to collect
and focus solar energy. Temperatures from focused solar rays can
reach several thousand degrees. This heat is then used to power steam
turbines, stirling engines, and other mechanical devices to drive
electrical generators.
