Sunday, January 16, 2011

Wind Energy Disadvantages

People have known about the many wind energy advantages for centuries. The first windmills were build for the sole purpose of utilizing the energy of the wind. When the industrial revolution took off, however, other types of energy took center stage. Fossil fuels became a cheaper and more practical source of energy. Today, we are set to run out of fossil fuels soon and people are becoming more interested in wind technology again and how to build wind turbine technology. To help anybody who is considering to use wind technology in their homes we put together a list of wind energy advantages. But, in the interest of completeness we will also talk about some of the wind energy disadvantages.

For some more really great insider information on how to build wind turbines see How to Build Wind Turbine

Let's start our list of wind energy advantages with the fact that wind is a renewable resource that is also freely accessible. The next benefit is just as important: No harmful gases, e.g. sulphur dioxide, are being produced during the production of wind based energy. Therefore, health costs could be reduced. Furthermore, wind energy does not cause acid rain or other environmental problems.

Some wind energy advantages are so fundamental that our economy is even influenced by them. The expenses to keep wind technology running are very low (which is of importance for people who want to build wind turbine technology for  home). Furthermore, the government is helping to grow and develop the wind industry. This, of course, has a positive influence on our national economy. More businesses open up and more people can find jobs. Apart from economical or financial considerations, however, it is rewarding to know that working in the wind industry can help to make our environment greener.


Next to these benefits we will now discuss some wind energy disadvantages that you should know about, especially if you want to build wind turbine technology by yourself.

For more great  in-depth information and advice on wind energy disadvantages and advantages and practical tips and tricks regarding wind energy see Disadvantages of Wind Energy

Let's start with the biggest of all wind energy disadvantages: noise emission. By that we don't mean small individual wind turbines but large farms of massive turbines. It is amazing how noisy these wind farms are. Such large wind farms are also often seen as dangerous for wildlife especially birds. Another drawback of large wind farms is that they require massive amounts of free land which is usually quite rare close to highly populated areas. Finally, many people don't want to live near wind farms as they are considered to be ugly.

While these disadvantages of wind energy mainly relate to wind farms there are a couple of drawbacks of a more general nature. Firstly, wind does not always blow with the same strength. It can blow strongly at one moment and then not at all a moment later. While wind comes and goes our need for electricity stays. Secondly, wind technology requires considerable upfront investments, special governmental licenses etc. However, you do not incur these high investments if you decide to build wind turbine technology yourself.

Luckily, these disadvantages of wind energy can easily be overcome with time. With time wind energy technology will dramatically improve in efficiency and price and wind energy advantages will outweigh the negatives. This trend will certainly increase the attractiveness of wind energy as a way to power your house and many home owners might consider to build wind turbine technology by themselves.

I hope you found this essay helpful and informative. If you are looking for some more awesome insider information on all the advantages of solar energy  see Advantages of Wind Energy

Disadvantages Of Solar Energy

The main topic of this article is solar power. Our aim is to get a more complete picture by looking at solar energy advantages but also uncovering some of the disadvantages of solar energy. Anybody who intends to learn how to build solar panel should have the opportunity to inform themselves upfront.

For another great article on building your own solar panel at home see Instructions to Build Solar Panel.

The idea of using solar power has been around for hundreds of years. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, however, the idea was left untouched. Everybody was relying on fossil fuels to satisfy their energy needs. Nowadays, we realize more and more that fossil fuel resources are limited and solar energy is seen as a possible alternative. Home owners want to learn how to build solar panel to help reduce their electricity bills.

For more great  in-depth information and advice on solar energy advantages and practical tips and tricks regarding solar energy take a look at Solar Energy Advantages.

Some of the solar energy advantages are easy to use when we compare solar energy to fossil fuel based energy. It took millions of years to create our fossil fuel reserves while solar energy is being replenished every day. Solar energy is also easily accessible for us. Solar energy is all around us. We don't need to look for it. It is already here.

Let's now look at some solar energy advantages that derive from the same principle. While during the consumption of fossil fuels harmful gases such as Sulphur Dioxide develop this is not the case with solar energy. Therefore, solar energy is being seen as a clean source of energy. This could lead to a massive reduction in gas emissions and in turn to less damage to our health and to the planet. In a world with solar power and without fossil fuels many health problems would probably be minimized (at least) and health costs would start to come down.

Over recent years the efficiency of solar technology has improved tremendously. In 1982, for example, the average silicon cell had a conversion efficiency of 4%. This rate has been improved to 20% now.

Governments are also supporting the installation of solar technologies by offering tax incentives. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 is one of many examples. There are countries that go even further and allow people to feed home-made energy into the grid. Against payment, of course.

Now that we looked at the benefits let's look at the disadvantages of solar energy.

The following are the most important disadvantages of solar energy. The lack of efficient enough technology to satisfy all our energy needs is one of them. Also, the initial installation of solar technology in your home is very expensive. It is actually very easy to learn how to build solar panel and then you can save money by doing it yourself. The last drawback is the fact that solar energy cannot yet be stored efficiently enough so that we can consume it even during night time.

Improved technology and higher demands will solves all of these disadvantages of solar energy. Given time and a further advancement of solar technology we might be able to take full advantage of all the solar energy advantages and more people will learn how to build solar panel by themselves.

I hope you enjoyed this article. To find out more useful information about disadvantages of solar energy  see Solar Energy Disadvantages

Solar Energy Advantages

The purpose of this writing is to get a better understanding of solar power. While there are many solar energy advantages that are often talked about we intend to also deal with the biggest disadvantages of solar energy. Only when you know both sides should you decide whether or not to start learning how to build solar panel to power your home.

For another great article on building your own solar panel at home take a look at Click here.

Solar power has been used for hundreds of years. However, during the last 100 years it somehow got forgotten. The whole industrialization process relied on fossil fuels as the main source of energy. Fossil fuels are a limited resource and stock levels are already low. Suddenly, solar energy is becoming more interesting again. To take full advantage of solar energy many people have learned how to build solar panel and started to use this knowledge to provide power for their homes.

If you are looking for an awesome free site on solar energy advantages and all sorts of other free solar energy information then see Solar Energy Advantages.

When comparing to fossil fuels solar energy advantages are very apparent. While fossil fuel resources are limited, solar energy is a renewable energy source. In addition, it is an energy source that is freely available in abundance. We only need to collect it and then we can start using it straight away.

The next couple of solar energy advantages are based on the same fact. Solar energy is considered a clean form of energy because no harmful gases are being produced during the process of harnessing solar power. This is a very important advantage considering the massive damage our century long burning of fossil fuels has caused to our health and this planet as a whole. An elimination of harmful gas emissions would certainly be very beneficial to our health and thereby help to reduce health costs.

Solar technology today is much more efficient and affordable than it was a few years ago. Between 1982 and today the conversion efficiency of silicon cells, for example, has been improved from 4% to 20%.

Governments also try to help the solar industry by providing certain tax breaks. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 had that objective in mind. Some countries even offer payments to households that feed self-produced energy into the grid.

In the next part we are going to talk about the disadvantages of solar energy.

Here, we will only consider the biggest disadvantages of solar energy. The lack of efficient enough technology to satisfy all our energy needs is one of them. Solar energy technology is still quite expensive to set up. Luckily, you can save on these expenses because it is very easy to learn how to build solar panel yourself. Lastly, the question of solar energy storage needs to be solved so that energy is available at day and night time.

Luckily, these disadvantages of solar energy are only of a temporary nature. With time solar technology will improve and we will be able to fully enjoy all solar energy advantages and more people will learn how to build solar panel for themselves.

I hope you enjoyed this article. To find out more useful information about disadvantages of solar energy  take a look at Solar Energy – A look at Disadvantages

Alternative Wind Energy

Using alternative wind energy is not a new concept but it might become a global reality in the not so distant future.

Oil prices are rising all the time. Fossil fuel resources are depleting quickly. It is also clear to us now that burning fossil fuels releases too many harmful gases into the atmosphere. Furthermore, climate change is occurring much faster than anticipated. Producing and consuming coal is not a long-term solution either as the problems associated with it are very similar to oil. We need to develop clean ways to generate our electricity, e.g. using renewable wind energy.

Since every country needs and consumes energy every country needs to make a contribution to finding a solution to our energy crisis. Not all countries consume an equal amount of fossil fuels per annum. Some countries might have already implemented a large amount of renewable energy technology. Especially countries with a large manufacturing base like India and China are under pressure to take fast action as their countries emissions are very high.

We need to stop polluting our planet. We need to stop using fossil fuels and start using other more environmentally friendly sources of energy. The best options are solar, water, geothermal and renewable wind energy. These alternative sources of energy don't produce harmful gases for the environment and are therefore being described as clean energy sources.

For countries to harness these green sources of energy certain preconditions need to be fulfilled. One prerequisite for generating renewable wind energy, for example, would be strong enough winds. Some countries, like Germany and Japan, have spent a few years researching alternative wind energy and are already using it to generate electricity. Countries like Japan have a large shoreline. This makes running wind farms more economical.

To build wind turbine farms you have to go where you can find wind. Most wind can be found out on the open sea. Therefore, more energy could be generated at those locations. Building offshore of course has it's own challenges. To start with extra foundation work would increase the overall cost of such a project. The extra energy that can be produced here might offset the higher initial investment.

Wind energy technology is continuing to improve in efficiency. This will eventually lead to lower production costs and a heightened attractiveness of alternative wind energy. Sven Sigaard, president and CEO of Vestas Wind Systems (Denmark) believes that once it is possible to build wind turbine farms close enough to the shore line and with technology that is efficient enough the kilowatt/hour price can compete with other forms of energy.

Mr. Sigaard originated in Denmark, a country where windmills were already used more than 200 years ago to generate more than 25% of the nation's industrial energy requirements. We should certainly listen to what he has to say.

Renewable Wind Energy

Given our current energy situation alternative wind energy might very well become one of our most important sources of energy in the future.

The price of oil is constantly rising. The amount of fossil fuels that is still left on this planet is low. In addition, using fossil fuels has caused drastic damage to our health and the environment. We can also already see how quickly and profoundly our climate is changing. Coal production and consumption causes just as many problems as oil does. The answer lies with renewable wind energy and other clean types of energy.

We certainly have to cooperate at an international level if we want to solve our energy problem. The amount of fossil fuels burned or consumed by each country is certainly different. Countries that are more advanced in their economic development might already have replaced some of their fossil fuel consumption with cleaner energy technology. Countries with a large industrial sector, such as India and China, for example, need to pay special attention to their pollution contribution.

We cannot continue polluting our planet any more. We all have to work together if we want to develop alternative sources of energy. Renewable wind energy as well as solar power could be one of those sources. These alternative sources of energy don't produce harmful gases for the environment and are therefore being described as clean energy sources.

Some forms of energy are available globally while others require specific locations. In a location with no or only mild winds it would be very difficult to generate renewable wind energy. Germany is one of the leading countries in terms of alternative wind energy. It is easier for countries with a large shoreline to build wind turbine farms at a larger scale.

While winds are strong near the coastline they are even stronger offshore. Experts suggest to build wind turbine farms there. Therefore, more energy could be generated at those locations. The drawback is, that building on the open sea can be a big challenge. Each turbine would need to be able to withstand the harsh conditions on the open sea. Having said that, once the breaking-even-point is reached these wind farms will work much more competitively.

The technology to harness wind power is always  improving. With every decrease in production costs the interest in alternative wind energy increases. Sven Sigaard, president and CEO of Vestas Wind Systems (Denmark) believes that once it is possible to build wind turbine farms close enough to the shore line and with technology that is efficient enough the kilowatt/hour price can compete with other forms of energy.

Coming from a country where windmills were used since around 1790 to generate 25% of all the energy needed by the Danish Industry Mr. Sigaard's statement certainly deserves our attention.

Renewable Energy Sources

Why is renewable energy technology in every newspaper and magazine? Why is the search on for new sources of renewable energy? Many aspects of our daily lives are changing. Change is usually not welcomed and it forces us humans to take action. The change we talk about here relates to the way in which we produce and use energy. Our century long consumption of fossil fuel based energy has caused severe health and environmental damage and can no longer be sustained. We need to move quickly from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

For a long time nuclear technology was considered the way out of the energy crisis. They spent their budgets on building plants and developing infrastructure. It is evident by now, however, that nuclear power is not a viable option. Other sources of renewable energy need to be found.

Today, renewable energy technology has evolved and a number of different options have emerged that promise us greener and cleaner power. Solar, wind, water and geothermal energy are probably the best known ones. These renewable energy sources need to be explored further before they can become a viable alternative to fossil fuel based energy. However, it is not possible for just one nation to solve the energy problem. Therefore, we need an international solution to implementing sources of renewable energy.

In the US the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a faculty of the US Department of Energy (DOE) is conducting research and development in a number of different areas all related to renewable energy technology.

But it's not just the public sector anymore, private investors are also lining up to get in on the action called renewable energy sources. There is a worldwide growing demand for this new energy technology. What was once a minority issue has now become mainstream..

But for things to really change we all need to cooperate. Electricity based on sources of renewable energy can only become a viable option if we all participate. You can find numerous renewable energy technology at your local energy store. Solar powered outdoor lighting is a good example because it already contains its' own solar technology. You could change your hot water system from gas or electric to a solar powered one. If you need help speak to your local energy company for ways in which you can benefit from renewable energy sources.

We need to understand that this is our only option. Soon, we will have consumed all the fossil fuels that we can harness. Our environmental situation is becoming more serious every day.
Of course, we cannot live or function without energy. But what good does this energy do if we don't have air to breathe or food to eat. The answer lies with renewable energy sources.

To benefit from these sources of renewable energy we need to develop and implement renewable energy technology. Let's cooperate! After all there is strength in numbers.

Sources Of Renewable Energy

Why is everybody talking about renewable energy technology? Why is everybody searching for sources of renewable energy? Many aspects of our daily lives are changing. This change has to occur whether we like it or not. We are forced to find new ways to produce the energy we need. The cost of using fossil fuel based energy cannot be justified any longer. A change to renewable energy sources is necessary.

For a long time nuclear power was seen as the solution. They went ahead, spending what was necessary to develop this technology. However, we have seen by now that compared to fossil fuels nuclear power generates at least as many problems. We need other sources of renewable energy.

To harness any of these clean and green energy sources we need renewable energy technology. Most of us will probably have heard of solar and wind energy. The technologies to take advantage of these renewable energy sources still need to be further developed before a global implementation becomes possible. However, it is not possible for just one nation to solve the energy problem. And the solution can only be the substitution of limited fossil fuels with sources of renewable energy.

In the US the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a faculty of the US Department of Energy (DOE) is conducting research and development in a number of different areas all related to renewable energy technology.

Renewable energy sources have also become increasingly attractive to private investors. There is a worldwide growing demand for this new energy technology. Because of this perception investments from Sir Richard Branson, GE and Wal-Mart have already started flowing in.

But for things to really change we all need to cooperate. Everyone of us can use some of the sources of renewable energy in their homes. Many types of renewable energy technology are already on the market. Why not upgrade your outdoor lighting system to one that uses solar energy. You could change your hot water system from gas or electric to a solar powered one. These are just some examples how you can start using renewable energy sources.

We really don't have any other options. Fossil fuel resources are limited. Our environmental situation is becoming more serious every day.
Of course, our society cannot function without energy. At the same time we also need a clean living environment with fresh water to drink and clean air to breathe. In other words, we need green and renewable energy sources.

In order to harness these sources of renewable energy we need to have suitable renewable energy technology. In the end, a big difference is build from many small differences.