It is a big decision to try to reduce you carbon footprint on the planet. The idea of “going green” may have appealed to you for some time, but there are so many different aspects of conserving energy, and so many different options for replacing traditional electricity from the grid that you may have trouble deciding which to use. Below is an outline of two of the most popular sources of alternative energy; wind and solar power.
Photovoltaics, more commonly know as solar panels, are a good choice because of their adaptability. They can be purchased in many different sizes and can be installed anywhere from on the top of your roof or barn to the middle of a field. It is not necessary to have a lot of space to install a solar panel and it is therefore a good choice for people living in more urban areas.
Even though sun may be more reliable than wind, it is still not a completely reliable source of energy. It is important to consider where you live in deciding to use solar to make sure your location receives enough sunlight. Also, although solar panels are increasing in efficiency, the lack of demand for the technology has slowed their development, making it still necessary to have many solar panels to completely power your home.
Wind turbines can add a picturesque energy source to your home. They can be purchased for very small scale production or large scale production. They also create less waste in their creation than solar panels. Smaller wind turbines can be installed to your roof. Wind is a good option for people living in areas where it is cloudy much of the time, especially if it is also very windy.
The main problem with using wind as your energy source is that it is less reliable than solar power. It is more difficult to predict the size turbine you need to power your home than the number of solar panels you would need. Also, if you do need a large turbine, you may be unsatisfied with the amount of noise it makes. In addition, large turbines are often strategically placed in wind pathways that are unfortunately used by birds in migration which sometimes get blown into the turbine.
Both solar and wind power can have additional benefits for people living in rural areas. In some places, it is difficult to be connected to the grid, or the power lines in the area are subject to frequent damage. Having your own power source, whether its wind or solar can give you more reliable power in cases like these; however, if you are off the grid it is a good idea to have a back up generator just in case.
There are many ways in which to reduce your energy consumption, and there are many kinds of alternative energy. The above are simply two of the most common options. Knowing whether wind and solar energy are practical for meeting your energy needs is a good place to start in your decision to find an alternative energy source.
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