Alternative Energy Sources

Three main sources of alternative energy are wind, solar and hyrdo-power.

• Hydropower is generated from the flow of water, and the most common source of hydropower are dams. As power plant capacities can be added to already existing-dams, there is usually no further harm to the environment, save for the impact the dam already made. The second type of hydropower comes from tide turbines/generators and they have significantly less of an impact on the environment. They are, however, a new technology, and are being constantly being experimented with, and changed, and as they continue to improve the technology, tide turbines will probably see a surge in popularity.
• Wind Energy is generated by wind pushing turbines at a fast enough speed. Right now, they are the greenest alternative available, because they can easily generate enough electricity to cancel out the resources needed to make, transport and maintain the turbines. The major downside to turbines, besides relying on the wind, is the aesthetics. Many people refuse to endorse the technology in their area because they are afraid that it will ruin the view. While this is true, wouldn't you rather lose a bit of your view, and gain a source of renewable energy?
• Solar power is generated by solar radiation and heat being transformed into electricity via a photovoltaic cell (photons of light knock electrons into a higher state to create electricity). This is known as active solar energy, as opposed to passive generation which simply takes advantage of light, temperature, and energy-efficient building materials.

Passive solar energy and other passive technologies are what individuals can do reduce energy usage. Short of changing one's lifestyle, simple architectural details like aligning the house so it gets the most sunlight, a roof overhang, a skylight, and using building materials with more thermal mass can reduce energy usage.