Renewable Energy Green

An ongoing concern for environmentally-minded folks around the world is how to power our nations. Between electricity for our homes and gasoline for our vehicles, we primarily use fossil fuels in form of either coal or petroleum. These sources are not-renewable, meaning they will eventually run out. While scientists vary on their opinion of how long before it happens, there is no debate that increased usage coupled with decreasing reserves will eventually deplete the supply. These concerns have prompted an increased interest in a renewable energy source, such as solar energy, to keep us powered through the millennium and beyond.

Solar power is accessible enough for anyone to take advantage of the absolutely free and unlimited home power supply. The ability to power a home from sunshine as a clean energy source has long existed, but the initial investment made it cost prohibitive for the average homeowner.

Innovations in the industry are bringing the costs down as new materials are developed to produce lower cost solar generation equipment. Solar panels currently are manufactured from a silicone base, but scientists have also developing such panels from magnets, grass clippings, and even human hair.

Solar energy continues to grow in popularity around the world, showing tremendous gains in the Middle East and Africa, as well as several European nations. Last weekend in Germany, the country set a world record solar power generation, with 22 gigawatts generated, supplying over 50% of the nation's energy needs on Friday and Saturday afternoons. The 22 gigawatts generated are an increase from 14 gigawatts generated year ago. Then on Tuesday this week, a solar energy plane completed the world's first intercontinental flight powered by the sun to show the potential for pollution-free air travel.

The benefits of solar power energy go beyond transportation and into construction, both residential and commercial. Many companies are finding cost effective ways to provide residential solar electricity via leasing agreements and rentals. As traditional electricity rates continue to rise, generating electricity from the sun could save consumers money in electricity costs as well as incentives from  federal and local rebates and tax credits. The future for solar energy is looking quite sunny!

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