We are all becoming painfully aware that our dependence on oil for an energy source is not only poisoning our planet, eventually stocks are going to be depleted and we are going to be forced to consider alternatives. Meanwhile, the advantages of harnessing energy from the wind, sun and other sources are quickly bringing these alternative energies to the forefront.

Of course, each of these alternative energies have their own advantages and disadvantages, so when considering these alternatives the bad and the good should be weighed. Below are some key points on each of these types of alternatives.

Solar Power

Using solar cells to absorb energy from the sun, solar power can be used to power many appliances in the home as well as to provide lighting.

Advantages:

• No emissions of pollutants or greenhouse gases
• Simple to install
• Zero costs when installed
• Technology is constantly improving
• Sunlight is available virtually everywhere

Disadvantages:

• Solar power is only able to be collected during the day
• Weather, location and the time of year can affect the amount of sunlight available
• The technology is too costly for many people
• Solar cells can take up a lot of room in order to collect enough energy to power large items

Wind Power

Wind turbines take the power of the wind and convert it into electricity.

Advantages:

• Zero emissions of air pollutants or greenhouse gases
• Only a small plot of land is required
• One of the lowest costs per watt of all alternative energies
• Perfect for farms or ranches, and can benefit rural economies

Disadvantages:

• Intermittent power source, backup always required
• Higher initial investment
• Locality of turbines on large plots of land mean that the power is located far from cities, where it is most needed
• Turbines may be considered unsightly
• Noise pollution

Biofuel

This is any type of fuel energy that is obtained from the combustion of biomass such as living organisms, manure or disposed food products such as cooking oil.

Advantages:

• Can be renewable under certain circumstances
• Produces lower emissions in automobiles
• In a natural gas form biofuel can be distributed through existing gas grids

Disadvantages:

• It takes a lot of preparation to get biofuel available for use
• Other resources are required to complete the conversion process
• Wood used as a biofuel has caused erosion
• Using food for fuel creates competition between man and machine

It is important to remember that in the end alternative energies are needed to reduce human’s impact on the environment and to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Eventually we will have to find a way to get energy from other sources.