| The inevitable consequence of fossil fuels is that they | | | | to graze or planting of crops. In other words, the land is |
| are finite and will run out eventually. At the moment | | | | not totally wasted with the wind power turbines. |
| resources like oil and gas are at premium rates. | | | | Disadvantages of Solar Power and Wind Energy |
| Whether this is being driven by market forces or these | | | | Both of these forms of energy creation are reliant on |
| resources are genuinely becoming scarce is debatable. | | | | the elements, however further research, especially in |
| What isn't debatable is that governments and the | | | | solar technology, is making these systems more |
| general population are beginning to feel the pinch of | | | | efficient. Japan and Germany lead the way in solar |
| these prices and are looking for alternatives. Solar | | | | research and these countries are not noted for long |
| power and wind energy have been popular ways to | | | | periods of sunshine throughout the year. |
| create energy for many centuries but have been | | | | Wind power can be quite noisy because of the |
| largely ignored by governments and utilities companies | | | | spinning of the turbine blades. Depending on how big |
| because they were reliant on the elements which, in a | | | | the turbine is, some people may think that the structure |
| word, were unreliable. However for individual properties | | | | is unsightly and ruins the landscape. |
| in the right environments they are useful. They have | | | | With both solar and wind power, a lot of turbines and |
| the added advantage that they are renewable and do | | | | reflectors are needed to make a significant energy |
| not give off greenhouse gases that harm the | | | | impact for an area. And with solar power, the cells that |
| environment. This article will look at some of the issues | | | | capture the energy produce DC power which must |
| around solar power and wind energy. | | | | then be converted to AC power. |
| Solar and wind power are quite straightforward in how | | | | With solar power, solar heat and electricity cannot be |
| they work. Solar power derives its energy from the | | | | produced at night or when there is no direct sunlight, so |
| sun, either passively through direct heating or actively | | | | complementary power sources must be used as a |
| through photovoltaic cells that convert photons to | | | | contingency. Many people that live off the grid utilize |
| electricity. | | | | solar power, wind energy and a generator as their |
| Wind energy is derived from the air that is converted | | | | energy sources. The generator is the ultimate back up |
| to mechanical energy, in the shape of a turbine, that | | | | but the solar and wind power can be combined to |
| can then be used directly or to create electricity. | | | | produce all the households needs provided the house |
| Advantages of Solar and Wind Power | | | | is insulated adequately. |
| There are quite a few advantages to solar and wind | | | | Solar power and wind energy are the way to go in |
| power. The energy is free after installation and the | | | | remote areas like farms or countries with under |
| equipment requires minimal maintenance. Both methods | | | | developed utility infrastructures. However it may not be |
| are pollution-free with no greenhouse gases emitted. | | | | too far away in the towns and cities. This is especially |
| In terms of solar power, little maintenance is needed | | | | the case of solar panels, that are fairly unobtrusive and |
| for the solar panels. A wind turbine does not interfere | | | | have many incentives and rebates to use them. |
| with the land around it so this can be used for animals | | | | |