Renewable Energy Sources and Green Living

Energy that is generated from naturally self renewing sources such as the sun, water. wind, or geothermal, is called renewable energy. Green energy, clean energy, and sustainable energy are also common terms for this type of energy. These types of renewable energy sources do not rely on elements of the earth that can not be replaced and can never be depleted unlike traditional energy sources like fossil fuels. It is estimated that approximately 18% of the global energy consumption from just a few years ago was produced by some form of renewable energy source or green energy technology.

Renewable energy sources have been growing rapidly in popularity, for example wind generated power is estimated to be growing at a rate of 30% per year. In 2008 the estimated capacity of wind systems installed globally was in excess of 121,000 megawatts. Solar power using photovoltaic systems such as solar collector panls reached an estimated energy production capacity of 6,900 megawatts worldwide and geothermal power at the world's largest geothermal energy producing installation had an estimated capacity of 750 megawatts.

Most of the renewable energy sources used today are part of industrial and large scale projects, but renewable power technologies can be used in renewable home energy production and small projects that can give rural areas great self reliance by providing green energy from solar or wind energy products instead of attempting to get traditional distribution networks from far away more developed areas. Small remote villages in some nations already take advantage of these types of renewable power system grids. Often it is virtually impossible to get a rural area connected to the main power system or would be even more expensive than having their own renewable energy source. In these instances some nations have begun implementing small solar energy or wind energy facilities designed specifically to provide power to those villages.

Many of us can begin to take advantage of renewable energy sources with the hundreds of products and services that are becoming more mainstream and widely available. Renewable resources such as bio-fuels are relatively accessible in most areas and many larger utility companies have started programs giving their customers the alternative option to buy green or clean energy. Many other products like home solar panels, rain water collection systems, and geothermal heating systems are great ways for the average person to begin taking advantage of the renewable energy sources available today. Every consumer has options and choices available. Choosing renewable energy sources is not only a money savings choice but also a choice to better the planet. Everyone who takes advantage of the various products available will begin to see savings in expenses and will feel proud to know they are doing the right thing for the planet.