What Is Green Energy?

Green energy is a fairly new term, which twenty years ago would have had very different connotations. It is not really about the colour of the power, but the fact that it is power generated by environmentally sensitive, renewable sources. It is not just a better way to generate electricity, it can also save you money, hundreds, or even thousands, on your utility bills. It's much easier than you may have thought.

The two most popular forms of renewable, non-polluting (green) energy are solar power and wind power.

Most people are probably familiar with solar power, we've seen solar panels on roofs for decades, mostly just for heating water. However, modern developments of solar panels offer better ways to capture the energy of the sun and convert it into electricity. That electricity is then available to be used straight away, stored in batteries or fed back into the commercial grid.

Solar panels are completely green because they don't pollute the environment at all. The sunlight is a renewable source of energy so we don't have to worry about running out. The drawback is that you can only generate electricity during the day, and will have minimum production when it is overcast.

Wind power is captured by wind turbines, which look very much like windmills. These turbines are able to convert that energy into electricity which, like that from solar panels can be used as collected, stored for later use or fed back into the grid.

Turbines have come a long way in the last few years, the technology has advanced to the point where the turbines are now small enough for household use, you can install a turbine in your backyard or on your roof. The drawback is that some places just do not get enough strong wind to make it viable, unless it is used alongside solar generators.

The obvious problem with wind turbines it that the initial outlay puts it outside the budget of most people. However, building your own turbine is now an option. There are manuals available today that will show you how to easily and quickly build your own wind turbine using regular household tools, a few basic skills and purchasing the materials at your local electrical hardware store.

It really doesn't matter if you choose solar power, wind power, or a combination of both, the important thing is that you take full advantage of today's technological advances to use green energy to save the planet as well as your money.