There are three categories for the sources of energy.
Category one is nonrenewable energy. This energy category is largely made up of the fossil fuels, coal, oil and natural gas. Some classifiers add nuclear energy also. Nonrenewable means there is a finite amount to the energy source and when it is used up, there will be no more of it. Although there is some valid debate as to whether oil is being produced by the earth at this time, the truth is that most if not all newly created oil is very, very deep. This makes it difficult and expensive to extract. The end result is that oil is, in a practical sense, a nonrenewable form of energy.
Category two are forms of alternative energy that may or may not be nonrenewable. As an example, a switch from oil to natural gas is a switch to an alternative energy but it is still in the nonrenewable category. Alternative energy can be in either category, depending on the source. Alternative energy use usually results from a shortage of the most used energy, particularly regional in scope. A switch is made to a more abundant fuel source.
Category three are renewable forms of energy that can be used without depleting the source of the energy. An example is solar energy. Solar energy can be used at will without being used up, since the sun continually replenishes it from sun up to sun down. Solar energy also drives most of the other alternative, renewable energy sources, such as wind, hydro power, waves, tides, biomass, etc. The moon also contributes to tidal action.
When considering producing your own power, keep these definitions in mind. To be able to be truly energy independent, you must use renewable, not simply alternative, energy. If you simply switch from electric cooking and heating to natural gas cooking and heating, you are switching to alternative energy but not renewable energy. If fact, part of the electricity may even be generated by renewable sources.
Winter Lake Renewable Energy Sources
Here at Winterlake Research Center, we are currently using two sources of renewable energy. To see what we are doing in this area, click on the links below. The weakest link in solar electric power systems is the battery bank. I have written a complete battery tutorial. Please study it and understand it. Otherwise, you most likely will destroy your first set of (expensive) batteries.
Batteries
Solar
Biomass
Lighting
Systems
We have design work done for a wind turbine and plan on installing wind power in 2010.
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