Alternative Energies

OCTOBER 30, 2010

Alternative Energies Comparison and Selection Assignment

SOLAR ENERGY

Solar energy is a relative new technology with great potential to grow that capt the sun's energy and converts into useable energy to residences and commercial business. Today, according National Geographic, the technology produces less than one tenth of one percent of global energy demand. The capitation is made through solar panels called photovoltaic cells that are installed on the roofs where there is an adequate sunlight exposure. These cells are made of semiconductors material that in contact with the sun generates electricity. This, seems to be a very simple process but unfortunately the initial cost of solar cells still very high compare to fuel fossil energy because the capitation of one panel is relatively low, there is necessary the installation of several panels to generates enough electricity, which increases significantly the cost of installation. Although the initial investment of solar cells may be high, once installed, they provide a free source of electricity, which will pay off over the coming years. According resources the solar electricity after installed becomes free after five to ten years. Another concern about this technology is that the solar energy only can generate electricity during the day, and when the weather permits. Despite those, solar energy is great alternative to produce energy without harming the environment, since there is zero emission of carbon dioxide to generate electricity, and also contributes to reduce the world's dependence on fossil fuel that is so harmful to the earth (MILLER and SPOOLMAN).

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

Geothermal technology uses the heat from inside the earth to make clean power. According resources, exploring the heat stored in the earth can be used to produce energy to heat and cool buildings and to produce electricity. There are a few ways to explore the geothermal energy but for this paper we going to...