The 5 Types Of Green Energy – From Solar To Geothermal

Living in a more carbon-conscious world, we all try and make ways to lessen our impact on our earth. But one of the easiest ways to greatly reduce your environmental impact is one that you would often overlook. The generation of your electricity and gas is one of the biggest factors of carbon emissions that we produce. We have options, over the years huge leaps and bounds have been made in the way we make energy.

The types of Green Energy you have available today have increased dramatically thanks to new technologies in development and production techniques being made constantly in order for us to move away from fossil fuels. So, we are going to cover some of the different types of green energy we have available today

Types Of Green Energy – Solar Panels

Solar power is a renewable energy source that has been harnessed by humans for over 5000 years. The use of solar energy has changed considerably over time, from using it for heating to powering satellites in space. But it is often that you see homes and buildings without these energy generating devices and money savers.

The way solar panels work is pretty simple, they are panels that are boosted with millions of solar cells. When the sun hits these panels, it causes electricity to flow through them because of the photovoltaic reaction in the materials. Then the electricity is used to power your home and save you money.

Solar power is gaining popularity in the United States, mainly because of how much it can save people on their electric bills. By using solar panels, you are using a renewable source of energy to power your home and reduce electricity costs. Not only do these types of panels save you money, but they also cut out the pollution released into the atmosphere.

Types Of Green Energy – Wind Power

When you look out to sea you wouldn’t be surprised to sea-wind turbines on the horizon. While they may not be the most attractive types of power plants, they are very effective. Using this source of energy is more common in Europe and other countries because of how many coastline regions they have to work with. Like solar power technologies, you’re using a renewable resource that has little to no environmental impact on land or sea life.

The way wind turbines work is that the blades on top of the structure are connected to a shaft that goes faster as it harnesses more wind. The rest of the power plant works just like typical types of power plants, using generators and turbines, but instead of burning fossil fuels, they use the wind to create electricity for either household or commercial use. You can also have a wind turbine installed onto your own property to use wind power to fuel your own personal energy source.

Types Of Green Energy – Hydropower

Now we are not saying go and get a hydroelectric dam installed in your backyard but see if your supplier or other suppliers utilize hydropower.

Energy is generated by hydropower using the water flowing (or more likely gushing) through rivers. The height of the water, the weight of the water and even the speed at which it is moving can be used to generate electricity. Waterwheels are types of generators that make use of this energy as they turn due to the force from rushing water against them (and also gravity).

The sheer number of rivers and other types of water flow we have in the world means we have plenty of locations to place hydropower plants.

Types Of Green Energy – Biomass

You may not know but biomass products are becoming more and more common in our everyday lives. Biodiesel is used to power cars, buses and commercial vehicles; biomass electricity generators are powering homes in some parts of the world and types of green energy are being found in more types of everyday things every day.

Take your boiler, for example, you can change your gas or electric boiler that generates copious amounts of carbon emissions for a biomass boiler that burns wood pellets. This method will heat your home and water with total CO2 emissions of under a ton a year. While in comparison to the on average 13 tons of electricity if using an electric boiler and 4.5 tons if using a gas boiler. And, finally, 6.5 tons if using an oil-burning boiler.

Types Of Green Energy – Geothermal

Now let’s head underground! Geothermal is a type of green energy that harnesses the heat within our earth, whether it is hot springs or volcanoes. This is a great renewable energy source as radioactive particles slowly decay. Geothermal sources are renewable because they will be around as long as the earth is still spinning, and there is no fear of them running out. Well, there you have it! We have covered the main types of green energy that is available to you.

Now before you leave and start looking for ways to make your energy use, green energy use. Why not take a look at our blog section! We have many articles that will help you improve your carbon footprint like our piece on 10 Simple Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and speaking of green heating why not read our piece on What is a Heat Pump and How Does It Work?