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"Alternative Energy Sources"The global price of natural oil had toppled the mythical $100/ barrel quite some time ago. Last month it reached a new high of $113/barrel. This is enough to demonstrate the extent of fossil fuel scarcity that is staring the world on its face. The need to tap inexhaustible energy resources had never been more exigent. Since their natural inventories are relatively unlimited, wind, solar and hydro energy avenues can provide a far better alternative to their non renewable fossil fuel cousins. SOLAR STRATEGIES: If we could only trap the immense solar potential and channelize it into meeting our energy demands, it could fix a host of our energy shortages. Solar space heating, solar water heating and solar pool heating, are some of the best applications that solar energy be put to. All of this precious energy is green and clean. Due to the exponential progress that technological innovation has registered in the last few decades, we now have access to revolutionary devices like photovoltaic panels. This unique system stores the photons and uses it to generate electricity that can be efficiently used to light up our homes. THE WATER WAY: This renewable resource is available in ample quantities everywhere. The procedure of hydro energy conversion to operational forms is known as hydro electric. The water accumulated in the dam is diverted through a constricted notch and the targeted jet of fluid hits the turbine wheels at a stupendous force. This rotates the turbines and furnishes electricity which is later transmitted across United States. About a tenth of our energy demands are met in terms of hydro power. The Windy Solution: Tapping wind energy is not new. It dates back to the era of our primitive ancestors. In fact the wind mill was first operationalised as early as in 7th century B.C. by the Persians. Later on, sailors and farmers perfected this art of windmill making further. While the former utilized the air currents to navigate their ships, the later engaged its latency to hoist the water out off low-lying water shafts. The Dutch especially were adroit in this aspect of wind power applications. The dawn of the 19th century saw the windmill undergo a sea change. It slowly began to be slated as an equal to other renewable energy sources like solar and hydro power. In the present context the windmill usage is on an overdrive and you can take your pick from the inexpensive residential schemes to their grander industrial versions which are meant for extensive energy creation. However, setting up a hydro electric dam isn't exactly a practical solution at the household level, is it? Well, no need to go that far. Look about yourself and chances are that you will discover plenty of DIY (do it yourself) catalogues that provide thorough instruction listings on how to put together a solar or wind energy harnessing arrangement. Not only will this curb your energy bills but you can also reap significant gains by transacting back any excess production with commercial power organizations. Rome was not built in a day! Neither are you required to switch over to alternative energy options overnight. Best practice is to begin with experimentations on solar and wind options and then make steady progress. Next Article: Living off the grid -
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