Renewable Energy

In the modern world, many people have come to rely on energy for everyday tasks and needs - everything from cooking your food to washing your clothes, playing games on a device, doing your homework, and keeping things cool. When non-renewable energy sources run out, which they will, it is going to be a big, uncomfortable change for most people. People today need a solution. Renewable energy is renewable, (obviously) doesn’t pollute, and is highly likely to save its owner money, while nonrenewable power isn’t renewable, (of course) and will run out. Replenishing energy sources can cost thousands of dollars. Energy is a big factor in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, but there are people opposed to having a renewable power source, like a solar panel, in their neighborhood. Many people may want solar panels or other renewable energy sources, but they often go against the neighborhood or village code. Renewable energy is admirable, so why stop it?

There are many kinds of renewable energy that can be used. Wind power uses the wind to push a turbine. Solar energy converts heat from the sun into energy. To make hydropower people use moving water to turn a turbine and make energy. Hydropower is powerful! St. Anthony's Falls, in Minnesota, uses hydropower to generate energy. It can generate 2.75 megawatts of electricity. That could power over 1,600 homes, without using up or destroying the water in any way!

Another reason renewable energy benefits the environment is because it doesn’t pollute. The US Energy Information Administration says that fossil fuels make up more than 80% of the energy in the USA. (see chart at bottom) This is a problem because when fossil fuels are burned they release a lot of carbon dioxide. 54% of gasses released in the world is Carbon Dioxide. Because renewable energy sources are not burning anything they have no way to pollute.

Renewable energy also is likely to save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. As coal and oil become scarce, they are going to become more expensive. Also, as more people buy renewable power sources for their homes and businesses, companies will start to mass-produce the systems and they will become less expensive and easier to find. Not only will renewable energy save you money in that way, but maintenance and fuel costs are lower too. You don't have to pay for fuel, and with very few moving parts it's less likely to break.

Renewable energy sources have some drawbacks, but they can be fixed or easily dealt with. It costs more money in the short term to install a renewable power source, but once it is up and running, you are very likely to save money in the long term. The higher upfront cost can be dealt with by the various ways the government will give you money to install it. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency says that there are incentives and policies in every state (see map at bottom) to help people with the upfront cost. Many people may worry about their power source running out during periods of time when it doesn't have access to whatever "fuels" it, like solar panels during the night. Most power sources like this don't use all the power they store up during the periods of time when they do have access to their sources, and during when they don't have it - such as the night or a cloudy day when you have solar panels - they can use the stored-up energy.

Some people have a geothermal system. A geothermal system uses heat that the Earth has stored to heat your home in the winter, but in the summer, when the Earth is still at its pretty consistent temperature, they will use it as "air conditioning" to cool down their home. It’s like a different version of solar energy. To install it, you, unfortunately, have to temporarily rip up your lawn, but think of this as the perfect opportunity to plant what you have always wanted to plant! (or just more grass)

This graph shows the programs to help with renewable energy sources. The darkest states have the most programs.