Generators require fuel – a cost that is constantly increasing. Moving generator parts must be replaced from time to time due to wear and tear.
Even the tiny percentage of sunlight that touches the earth is plenty to meet the energy and power needs of the entire human population more than 8,500 times over.
Generally it's worth investigating the economic viability of installing a solar hot water system if you have an electric water heater with utility rates of at least 5 cents per kilowatt hour and have tax credits or rebates available. (It may even be worth changing out a gas-powered water heater if your costs are at least $8/million BTU).
Generators are not so. After installation, a generator will require regular servicing by a professional every 6 months.
If you house is already served by a utility supply, you may install a grid-connected solar power system with battery backup.
One must look beyond the initial cost, however, to get the full comparison of solar power versus generator.
There two forms of solar power: Thermal solar power is where the heat of the sun is used to heat water to drive a turbine to produce electricity. Photovoltaic solar power is when electricity is produced directly from the sun without any moving parts.
Other natural resources are also being explored as renewable energy resources such as wind power and water, however water generation is limited to areas where there is a sufficient flow to operate turbine generators.
Solar energy is first of all a very useful source of alternative energy, as it can provide electricity during power failures.
Solar panels are often warranted to maintain 80% of their efficiency for up to 25 years. Other parts will need to be replaced sooner, but if all goes well there should be no maintenance costs at all for the first five years.
A wide array of wind power generation tools is available for this purpose. These tools are termed home wind power kits. 17th October, 2009
Wind power cost levels have fallen by around 80 per cent since the days when utility-grade wind energy units were used. 3rd October, 2009
This article presents some of the major offshore wind projects either in commercial production or in development stages. 19th October, 2009
A quick description of the major advantages and disadvantages of wind power. 7th October, 2009
Wind power is steadily finding wider application usage all over the world, and is currently one of the most ideal sources of renewable energy. 5th October, 2009
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