Alternative Energy Sources

Solar Energy Solar Energy is producing power by harnessing the Sun’s radiant light and heat Types: Passive Active

Solar Energy Types Passive Solar Heating: When the use of materials collect solar energy during the daytime and slowly release it during the evening. Can provide up to 70% of energy needed to heat a house and 60% of energy needed to cool it. Cost of operating a solar home is 30-40% lower than operating a traditional home. Active Solar Heating: Use of “collectors” (panels, fans, pumps) to absorb solar energy and distribute it throughout the home. Solar panels on a roof can heat water up to 149 F, which is warm enough to wash dishes, clothing, and bathe. Other Examples of Solar Heating: Solar Cookers Photovoltaic Cells

Advantages / Disadvantages Solar energy does not cause pollution and is free to use Little effort to maintain We are not capable of collecting and/or storing solar energy Today’s most efficient cells only convert about 20% of Sun’s rays into electricity Initial setup costs: $7-$9/Watt, so to power a home would costs tens of thousands of dollars

National / Global Solar Energy Leaders California ranks #1 in solar energy production in the United States The total cumulative solar power capacity for the entire world is 177,003 megawatts (mW): enough to power over 29 million homes Top Solar Power Producers in the World: Germany (38,250mW) China Italy Japan United States (18,317mW) One of many solar farms in Germany

Solar Energy in North Carolina Based on North Carolina’s location, the state has good solar resources. In the nation, we currently rank 3rd in solar energy production Energy from the sun can be used in several ways: Generate electricity by means of using photovoltaic (PV) systems that convert sunlight directly to electricity Direct thermal energy conversion either for heating or cooling applications Electricity generation utilizing the sun’s thermal energy

Solar farm at SAS Institute in Cary Solar farm at SAS Institute in Cary. They use sheep to keep the grass around the panels under control

Wind Energy Windmills, or wind turbines, convert energy of wind to mechanical energy which is then used to produce electrical energy Wind energy increases with the cube of the wind speed (so when wind speed doubles, the energy is increased 8 times) Experts hypothesize that wind energy could supply more than 10% of the world’s energy by the year 2050

Advantages / Disadvantages Unlimited supply of wind Farms can be built quickly and easily Farms are nonpolluting and land on farms can be used for livestock grazing or agricultural activities Inexpensive Wind is not consistent so there is a need for a back-up plan Unattractive to scenery Interfere with and kill migrating birds and birds of prey Noisy, interfere with radio and television reception

National Global Wind Energy Leaders In the United States Iowa leads wind energy production, supplying 31% of its electricity At the conclusion of 2015, the worldwide total cumulative installed electricity generation capacity from wind power increased 17% in comparison to 2014 Top Wind Power Producers in the World: China United States Germany Spain India China is the largest electricity production nation and uses both new and old methods to produce energy. Wind energy methods have no effect on humans and can be established in seawater

Wind Energy in North Carolina The State’s best wind potential can be found along the east coast and in the western mountains NC Wind Farms The Mountain Ridge Protection Act of 1983 (Ridge Law) states that no building, structure or unit shall protrude at its uppermost point above the crest of the ridge by more than 35 ft. Windmills however, are exempt from the Ridge Law Just a fraction of the wind energy resources off North Carolina's coast would help the state meet 20% of its energy needs

Energy from Water Hydroelectricity is electrically generated by the kinetic energy of moving water. Most widely used for electricity generation Hydroelectric Power: Water from falls, reservoirs, or dams is diverted into massive turbines that produce mechanical energy to drive generators and produce electrical energy Energy from Oceans: Kinetic energy from waves (created by wind) can generate electricity

Advantages / Disadvantages It is abundant and extremely reliable When water being contained (dams / reservoirs) fills up it floods large areas, which causes water quality to degrade Ocean levels can change, disrupting coastal and marine life Geothermal steam is full of minerals that can clog pipes and pollute surface water Geothermal energy is useful only near sites where it exists Water diverted from Niagara Falls powers tubines that provide 26% of electricity needs to Upstate New York

National / Global Hydroelectrical Energy Leaders In the United States, Washington is the leading producer of electricity from hydroelectric sources, producing 30% of the nation's net hydroelectricity generation Top Hydroelectrical energy producers in the World: China (652.8TWh) Canada Brazil United States (250.9TWh) Russia Three Gorges Dam in China is the biggest hydroelectricity producer structure in the world

Hydroelectrical Energy in North Carolina Currently, North Carolina ranks #9 in the United States for hydroelectricity generation Duke Energy has implemented the Bridgewater Hydroelectric Project, building dams to serve as hydrostations Duke Energy currently manages 30 hydrostations throughout North Carolina Cheoah Dam Hydro Project Little Tennessee River: Graham County, NC

Geothermal Energy Energy produced from naturally occurring steam and hot water The steam turns a turbine, which produces mechanical energy that converts into electrical energy (just like hydroelectric power) Is a product of Earth’s internal heat (powers geysers and hot springs) Estimated to be able to provide up to 30 times as much energy as our country currently uses

Advantages / Disadvantages Abundant, renewable, and reliable (“old faithful…”) Considered an untapped resource; predicted that geothermal reservoirs could produce up to 30 times more energy than the US currently uses! Small land footprint (can be built partially underground) Causes minimal pollution Heavy initial costs associated both with the geothermal power plants and heating/cooling systems in homes Only realistic for areas close to the power sources The steam often contains minerals that can clog pipes or pollute surface water

National / Global Geothermal Energy Leaders In the United States, California is the leading producer of geothermal power, net hydroelectricity generation Top Geothermal energy producers in the World: United States Philippines Indonesia Mexico New Zealand The Geysers, located north of San Francisco, is the largest geothermal power producing plant in the world

Geothermal Energy in North Carolina North Carolina does not have the geothermal resources to create electricity, but many homes, schools and businesses are starting to use ground source heat pumps These can provide 30 to 60 percent of the heating and cooling requirements, which can save money We could significantly reduce our fossil fuel consumption and would create far less pollution The state did provide a tax credit incentive (35%) but that expired in 2015

Hydrogen Fuel Cells An electrical-chemical device that converts fuel, such as hydrogen, into an electrical current