All the Green Energy Sources: Explained

6 out of 10 Americans say that climate change is affecting their local community. If you want to do something about climate change instead of just worrying, you need to learn about some green energy sources.

By learning about alternative energy sources, you can choose the best one to fit the needs of your household. Green energy is all around us and comes in many forms that may be feasible for you to harvest.

What are alternative energy sources? They are sources of energy that don’t use fossil fuels or harm the environment. Read on to learn all you need to know about green energy and how it can benefit your life.

Wind Energy

Wind energy is a popular renewable energy source. For large-scale power production, large wind farms are a feasible option. These are numerous and very large wind turbines constructed in a windy area like a ridge or field.

For small-scale power production, individual homeowners can purchase small wind turbines and use them to power their homes. Wind power is only practical in areas that get enough wind to make it functional.

Hydroelectric Power

Anywhere with running water has potential for hydroelectric power. Damming a river is the most common way to make large-scale hydroelectric power. The flowing water turns a turbine in the dam and makes power

For small-scale power production, homeowners can buy a small water turbine. This is only feasible for homeowners that have a creek, river, or stream flowing through their property.

Biomass Green Energy Sources

Burning biomass is a green form of renewable energy. Although, burning biomass does produce carbon dioxide. It is however more renewable than burning fossil fuels.

The burned biomass is converted into power through a steam-powered generator. The burning fuel boils water and converts it into steam. The steam then turns a power turbine.

Photovoltaic Solar Energy

Photovoltaic solar energy is great for large-scale power production or individual households. For large-scale production, massive solar farms are set up in a sun-drenched area. These countless photovoltaic arrays link to the power grid.

For individual homeowners, a single photovoltaic system on your rooftop can make enough power for your home’s electricity needs. It is a good idea to learn about solar near you so you can take advantage of this.

Passive Solar Energy

Passive solar energy is a great way to heat your house. All you need are some large windows on a south-facing aspect. Sunlight will produce a natural greenhouse effect that heats your home. This is known as passive solar energy.

Passive solar energy is also great for heating water. You can use it to heat your pool. You can also heat copper pipes filled with water using thermal energy from the sun and use it for various purposes.

Concentrated Solar Power

Concentrated solar power is a method of large-scale solar power production. At a concentrated solar power plant, massive mirrors direct the sun’s rays towards a water tank. The water boils, changes to steam, and turns a turbine.

Geothermal Green Energy Sources

Popular in places such as Iceland, geothermal energy is using heat from below the earth’s surface to produce power or heat things. Geothermal heating is far more common than geothermal power production.

Pick Your Best Green Energy Option

Some green energy sources such as geothermal may not be accessible to you. Others such as solar energy may be abundant in your locale. Chances are, you have at least one or two green energy sources you can take advantage of.

Use the information in this guide to select the best green energy option for your home or business. If we all do our part, we can help heal the planet. For other vital information make sure to check out our blog.