Renewable Energy Systems - Beyond the Finite

Although we have become accustomed to using fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas for our energy sources, they are by no means the only source of power. Renewable energy systems provide electricity and heat from natural sources such as the sun, wind, tides, falling water, geothermal heat and biomass.

Fossil fuel sources are finite they will eventually be used up. Renewable energy systems can conceivably be used to support our energy needs for tens of thousands of years without any danger of using them up. They are also clean sources of power which (besides the burning of biomass) cause no pollution.

Thanks to advances in technology we are now able to provide more of our power needs from solar panels and wind generators. These can be installed anywhere the conditions are right and have found applications in all sorts of climates.

Coastal areas can also take advantage of the movement of tidal water to produce power. As the tides come in and out, the flowing water can drive turbines that are used to produce electricity.

Flowing water has been a source of power for hundreds of years. Mills used to grind grains were originally powered by flowing river water and hydro-electricity plants have been in use for almost 100 years.

We can now produce electricity from sunshine by using photovoltaic cells. These are installed in panels which can be placed on rooftops or anywhere else that receives a lot of sunlight.

Solar panels can be used in both urban and remote areas. They are often used as a supplement to the power supplied by a municipal power company. The energy produced can be fed back to the power company if it is not needed by the household or business where the solar panels are installed.

Renewable energy systems are the wave of the future. Governments are promoting their use with incentives such as rebates and tax cuts. They are better for the environment and for society as a whole. They can provide a better life for everyone and improve the outlook for our children and grandchildren.

In fact the possibilities are so numerous that we are only hold back by our imagination and the economical feasibilities.