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Types of Renewable Energy

When you think of renewable energy, what comes to your mind? Do you think of the wind and the giant wind turbines scattered across remote areas in different states? Do you think of solar energy and the solar panels you see on the roofs of some businesses and homes? Renewable energy comes in many different forms, some of which you may have not yet heard of!

Many countries get their energy from sources like coal, oil, and natural gas. These fuel types, also known as fossil fuels, are nonrenewable and eventually, one day, will become obsolete. These sources are also harmful to the environment, which is another reason why renewable energy sources are becoming more and more necessary for our future.

At Advanced Power Inc. we are focused on solar energy. We offer solar water pumps and solar panels that can be used in agricultural settings, as well as residential and commercial use. While it may be obvious that we are biased towards solar energy, we think that it is important to spread the word about other renewable energy sources. These energy types offer different benefits, but they are all better than using fossil fuels for energy. The types of renewable energy include

  • Wind Power
  • Ocean Power
  • Hydroelectric Power
  • Geothermal Power
  • Biomass Power
  • Solar Power

Wind Power

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Wind power has been used for thousands of years. Wind has been used to power windmills, push sails, and generate pressure for water pumps. Wind power is a more reliable form of renewable energy, since wind is consistent from all year round.

Wind power can be considered solar energy. Uneven heating and cooling of the atmosphere of the sun is what causes wind. While there are still farms that use single windmills to pump water, wind power has come a long ways. Wind farms feature many wind turbines that use the wind to create energy without adding more pollutants into the atmosphere. The United States can produce more than 10 times the energy needed by using wind power.

Wind is the most affordable energy source in many parts of the country. It does require a high installation cost; however, these turbines can be placed anywhere with high amounts of wind, including hilltops and offshore.

Ocean Power

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There are two types of energy that can be produced by the ocean; these include, thermal energy and mechanical energy. Thermal energy uses warm surface water temperatures that are heated from the sun and converts it into energy using different systems. Mechanical energy harnesses the flow of tides that are caused by the rotation of the earth and the moon’s gravitational pull.

 Hydroelectric Power

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Hydroelectric power is one of the most widely used sources of renewable energy worldwide. Hydro-power relies on fast moving water to generate energy. Rivers and other sources of rapidly descending water can be used to convert the force of water into electricity by spinning the turbine blades of a generator. This type of energy is 100 percent sustainable, clean, and renewable. No resources are wasted, and no pollutants are released.

Geothermal Energy

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Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that uses the hot temperature of the Earth to produce power. The Earth’s core is similar temperature as the sun’s surface. Heat can be sourced close to the surface from heated reservoirs of hot water and rock miles beneath the Earth’s surface. Geothermal power transfers steam into electricity.

With geothermal energy there are a few issues. These geothermal plants are extremely expensive to build, and the locations in which they can be built are very limited. In some areas, it is also a concern that these geothermal plants may increase the risk of earthquakes in areas that are more prone to seismic activity.

Biomass Energy

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Biomass energy is the most common source of renewable energy across the globe. Biomass energy refers to energy produced by organic materials. One of the simplest forms of biomass energy is burning wood, which has been done for centuries. In more recent years, newer methods have become more efficient to produce less carbon dioxide. These organic materials include everything from plants and animal waste to crops and more. The burning of biomass releases chemical energy that is generated into electricity through a steam turbine.

Although biomass energy is extremely common, it does not go without several issues. First, if not handled correctly, it can have a negative impact on the environment. In our previous blog about solar power benefits in developing countries, we talked about how these developing countries use biomass energy as a main source of energy; however, since they are not handling it as they should, they have harmed the lands around them. This has resulted in over harvesting the land, which has diminished the lands ability to replenish itself.

Solar Power

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We saved the best renewable energy for last! Again, we may be a bit biased. This type of renewable energy directly harnesses the sun’s energy. This is one of the fastest growing and most popular forms of renewable energy. To create energy, solar cells rely on the photo-voltaic effect. This is the process of turning photons absorbed from the sun into electrons. Solar power is sustainable and clean. While the initial cost of solar power may be high, maintenance costs are minimal and this energy source will save you money in the long run.

Solar panels are easy to add in many applications. They can be added to your home, your business, and can even be used to charge your favorite devices while camping in the middle of a forest. No air pollutants or greenhouse gases are created through solar power. They are also very unlikely to have a negative effect on the environment.

At Advanced Power, we manufacture and provide solar powered water pump systems and equipment for a variety of uses. We can help farmers with irrigation, allow water to be pumped for wells, and can provide solar panels for you home.

When you shop Advanced Power’s products you can find:

 ·  Complete systems

·  Solar pumps

·  Controllers

·  Accessories

·  Domestic solar products

·  Industrial solar products

·  Agricultural solar products

·  Irrigation solar products

·  Custom solar products

That’s right, we can even produce custom solar products that some customers need for unique applications. Since we are manufacturers our own products, we have the capabilities to create custom solar products for your specific needs.

If you have any questions about what products you may need or the type of system that would work best for your application, be sure to contact us! We are happy to help you go solar! 

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