Is Alternative Energy Safe?
This page is built to discuss Alternative Energy. Is it safe? Let's look at some of these and put them under a microscope so to speak.
First here are some Facts About Solar Energy:
Solar Thermal uses the sun to create heat. With it we can heat our homes and our hot water. It can also be turned into steam to power generators for electricity. In 1999 a total of 8,583 Thermal Collectors were shipped worldwide by 29 companies.By 2008 a total of 16,963 Collectors were shipped by 74 companies.Solar Thermal is the most efficient form of Solar Energy.
Photovoltaic or PV Panels create electricity from sunlight.The majority of these panels are made from semiconductor material (silicon) sliced thinly to become cells.
Cells are then wired together to create panels. Panels are wired together to form arrays.This is the process of creating a PV system.
No one has ever died from Black Lung caused by installing one of these systems..No one has ever been blown up or trapped under a Panel.More info on Solar Power.
Next we can discuss Wind Power:
A minimal speed of of 11 miles per hour is needed to produce adequate power with a Wind Power Generator.In remote areas where wind is abundant these systems can be a realistic alternative to paying to have utility lines run to your home.Taking into consideration reduced utility cost or no cost will determine the payback period. The type, size and cost of the system factor in as well.If you live in an area where your utility rate is 10-15 cents per kilowatt hour (or more) and you have a sustained average wind of 11 MPH or more you are a candidate for Wind Power.
Wind Energy has never caused black lung.No one has ever been trapped under a windmill or been blown up by one.More info on Wind Power Other Renewable Energy sources on the list include Geothermal, Biomass, and Hydroelectric Power. These are called renewable because they can be used over and over without depleting naturals resources. Here are some things they all have in common: They do Not emit greenhouse gasses!They do Not pollute!These Alternative Energy sources play a prominent role in the reduction of Carbon Emissions!Up until now I have been taking "jabs" at coal. Allow me to take the gloves off. First let me say that the problem is with the mining industry. Not the Miners. Offending hard working miners is by no means my objective here!
Let's start with some facts: First the easy one. We know that coal fired electric plants cause pollution..In 2006 12 miners were killed by a Methane Explosion at Sago mine in W. Virginia!April 5th, 2010 it is reported that at least 12 and possibly 25 or more miners have been killed by a Methane Explosion at Upper Big Branch mine in W. Virginia.At a level of 5-15% methane can explode with a spark similar to a static charge created by walking across a carpet in winter.Let's set aside the damage coal does to the environment and ask what the cost is to mine it.
Should we ask the son or daughter whose Mother or Father is not coming home tonight?Should we ask the miner whose Doctor just told him he is dying from years of breathing coal dust? So just how expensive is coal fired electricity? I guess it depends on who you ask. Compared to Alternative Energy I for one say the price is astronomical!
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