Thursday 9 June 2011

Comparing Geothermal to Wind and Solar Energy

The wind, solar, and geothermal energies have two important things in common. They are non-polluting and do no deplete precious Earth resources. However, there are differences in their cost-effectiveness and environmental imprint.

The wind is actually a form of solar energy. Air moves as the sun warms the irregular terrain of Earth unevenly. Bodies of water and vegetation contributes to the flow. When gusts move the "propeller" of a wind turbine the kinetic energy generated is converted to mechanical force. This can be turned into the electricity we all depend on.

Though wind power produces no pollution, it does have an environmental effect. The turbines are responsible for the death of birds and bats that unwittingly fly into the propeller blades. The cost effectiveness of air current energy also varies with the geographical placement of turbines. Some areas of the world are breezier than others creating more power over the course of a day.

Solar panels have become a familiar sight in many parts of the world. To use the sun's light for power its rays are captured by different types of collectors (material that absorbs light). This can provide direct heat or is converted into another power source. One type of collector, photovoltaic cells, changes sunlight directly into electricity. Flat-plate collectors warm water by absorbing heat directly into it.

Sunlight technology is environmentally friendly although production of the collectors and storage units can pollute. Equipment is also expensive to produce making the electricity generated cost more than when using fossil fuels. Another drawback of solar power is that it operates only during the day. When daylight shortens in colder climates, even less power is generated over time.

The Earth's core is extremely hot. Temperatures there can reach above 9,000 degrees F. This heat flows outward and warms the planet's rock layer, or mantle. Most of the heated rock, called magma, remains underground. The force collected there (a geothermal reservoir) can be harvested as steam or hot water from the underground via direct-use systems, deep reservoirs to generate electricity, and geothermal heat pumps. Emissions and environmental imprint are minimal. The supply of geothermal dynamism is reliable and always available, increasing efficiency.

Though renewable power appears to cost nothing, harnessing, collecting, and transporting the energy is expensive. Structures built allowing renewable energy sources to perform work affect our environment for better or worse. The best type of renewable power to use depends on financial, environmental, and geographic considerations.

It's time to boost your energy efficiency and cut costs by using the incredible alternative energy resource of geothermal! Geo-Hydro Supply supplies all geothermal flow center and the insulation tap necessary to put in a geothermal system in your house. Wise up and secure geothermal energy for your home now!


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