Alternative Energy

Alternative Energy

Angelina Guzman



Solar Energy ● How it’s created-Solar panels convert
sunlight into energy by electrons in silicon
cells using the photons of sunlight.

● Presently used-One of the most reliable and
efficient forms of alternative energy. Can
power steam generators and give a house its
energy.Solar energy facilities use
concentrating solar power as the heat
source to boil water, or they convert sunlight
directly into electricity using solar cells.

● Do we use it-The US does use solar energy,
but only .6% of the nation uses it.The leader
of the world with solar energy is China. In
China these mass group of people get
together to have rallies and protest for the
government to help clear their air.



Solar Energy ● Benefits-
○ cause less chemicals to be
put into the air
○ Sunlight is free
○ Lessens our dependence on
fossil fuels

● Drawbacks-
○ Cost
○ Weather Dependent
○ Solar Energy Storage is
Expensive
○ Uses a Lot of Space



Wind Energy ● How it’s created- A turbine connected
to propellers which is connected to a
generator. When the wind blows it
spins the propellers creating wind
energy.

● Presently used- wind energy is usually
used for water pumping or
communications. However,
homeowners, farmers, and ranchers in
windy areas.

● Do we use it- yes, we produce more
than 0.94% of our energy comes from
wind powered turbines. The US is the
lead in the wind energy form. By 2030
20% of US energy will be produced by
wind.



Wind Energy ● Benefits-
○ Doesn’t use fossil fuels
○ Doesn’t produce or release
chemicals or release greenhouse
gases

● Drawbacks-
○ Can kill animals flying within the
vicinity of the wind turbines
○ Distract people from the beautiful
surroundings
○ Makes a lot of noise
○ Cost of maintenance is high
○ Cost of traveling to get to the
places the turbines are kept is
expensive.



Geothermal Energy ● How it’s created- by using heated
waters steam miles under the earth's
surface that turn the turbines to create
electricity.

● Presently used- for heating and
cooking

● Do we use it- most geothermal plants
are on the west coast that create up to
5% of the states electric. We are the
lead in geothermal energy. California
alone makes 20% of it’s electric by
thermal energy while the whole country
of Brazil makes 15%.



Geothermal Energy ● Benefits-
○ Repump the steam from
geothermal energy back in to
make more energy.
○ Clean and efficient
○ Small amount of land is needed
○ Abundant

● Drawbacks-
○ Geothermal plants can cause the
land to be unstable
○ High electricity costs
○ Heat pumps need a power source



Hydroelectric ● How it’s created- Water flows through
Energy a turbine causing the turbine to move
which creates it’s energy.

● Presently used- It’s used by a dam with
turbines within it to get the turbines
moving. Usually on a river.

● Do we use it- Yes, hydroelectric is one
of the highest renewable energy
sourced used. The US have produced
6.1% of the total US energy with
hydroelectric. The US leads the world
in hydroelectric energy due to
advanced technologies.



Hydroelectric ● Benefits-
Energy ○ Doesn’t pollute the air.
○ Domestic source of energy
○ Clean electricity

● Drawbacks-
○ Fish population can’t migrate
upstream
○ Plants can be impacted by
drought
○ Can cause low dissolved
oxygen levels