3 Main Sources of Clean Energy
Clean Energy is Green Energy
Like green energy, clean energy is a fossil fuel alternative. Clean energy is defined as energy created without the combustion of coal, petroleum, or petroleum products, without nuclear fission, and without the conversion of municipal waste.
The three main sources of clean energy are wind energy, solar energy, and hydroelectric energy.
Wind Energy
Wind energy uses turbines to to generate electricity without pollutants. To generate mass amounts of power, wind turbines are often organized into wind farms which house hundreds to thousands of individual turbines.
Wind energy generates electricity when wind turns the blades on the turbine which rotates a generator which then produces electricity. Wind energy was a main source of energy in earlier centuries, but was replaced in the 20th century by fossil fuels.
Weather vanes or sensors sense the direction of the wind and automatically turn the turbine’s blades to point the appropriate direction. Wind turbines also have sensors that determine how fast the wind is moving, and automatically turn the turbine off if the wind is too fast so the blades aren’t damaged. Most turbines will break if they operate in winds moving over 55mph.
Solar Energy
Solar energy harnesses sunlight and heat from the sun and converts it into electricity. There are a few ways to do this, but the most common is through the use of solar panels. Solar panels contain solar cells which house semiconductors. When sunlight hits the semiconductor it knocks electrons loose. These loose electrons are then directed into an electrical field to form a one-way electrical current.
Solar panels have been used on spacecraft as well as the International space station, but they can also be installed onto the roofs of homes to provide small scale renewable energy.
Hydroelectric Energy
Hydroelectric energy harnesses water movement to produce electricity. Large fast-flowing rivers are best for creating hydroelectric energy as the water’s movement is what generates the electricity. For hydroelectric energy to work, the waterflow must be controlled. Thus, the river must be dammed and controlled by passageways. These passageway contain turbines rotated by the flowing water which generate electricity. Hydroelectric energy produces 20% of the world’s energy needs.
When more energy is needed, more passageways are opened, more turbines rotate, and more energy is produced. When less energy is needed, fewer passageways are opened, and less energy is produced. In the case of floods, dams include spillways which allow for water to pass through the dam without being converted to energy to ensure the dam’s structure isn’t harmed.
Hydroelectric energy has a few environmental concerns. To control water flow, rivers must be damned which can drastically change the surrounding environment. Normally it creates new reservoirs but it can also warm the water near the dam, forcing the nearby wildlife to adapt or move. These reservoirs have at least one benefit as they are often used as recreational areas, featuring boating and other water sports.
How To Use Clean Energy In Your Home
Using clean energy to power your home is easy. You can install a solar panel on your house, or you can become our partner in the renewable energy movement. We provide you with an energy platform, allow you to choose your low fixed rate, and provide you with renewable energy to power your home. You’re charged the same fixed rate every month and can cancel at any time with absolutely zero early termination fees. It’s that simple.
