Solar Power

Advantages of Solar Power Disadvantages of Solar Power It has become relatively a new source of energy that is arguably the most importance source of energy for the future because of it's advantages. Solar Power is a renewable resource that prevents us from depleting it's reserves. Its power come from the Sun's heat and energy. The upside to solar power is that it requires very little maintenance because there are no moving parts that have to be controlled. Solar cells can last a lifetime. The biggest disadvantage of Solar Power is the cost of the equipment to harness the sun's power. Solar energy installation requires a large area for the system to be efficient in providing a source of electricity. This may be a disadvantage in areas where space is short, or expensive. Pollution can be a disadvantage to solar panels, as pollution can degrade the efficiency of photovoltaic cells. Clouds also provide the same effect, as they can reduce the energy of the suns rays. This certain disadvantage is more of an issue with older solar components, as newer designs integrate technologies to overcome the worst of these effects. One of the most important effects of Solar Power is that the sun must be out and shining fully so the technology can work to their full effect.

Process of solar power

Wind Power

Advantages of Wind Power Disadvantages of Wind Power Wind can be captured efficiently for free without worrying of running out. After the wind is used in wind turbines, it does’nt let off any greenhouse gases or any other type of harmful gases that might harm the ozone layer. Wind turbines are built in small places of land causing no kind of space problems. Remote areas that are not connected to the electricity power grid can use wind turbines to produce their own supply. Wind turbines are available in a range of sizes which means a vast range of people and businesses can use them. Many countries have limited sources now a days so Wind turbines have a role to play in both the developed and third world. The strength of the wind is not constant and it varies from zero to storm force. This means that wind turbines do not produce the same amount of electricity all the time. There will be times when they produce no electricity at all. Depending on whether where the Wind turbine is built, the machine can be limited to the amount of energy it produces. Wind turbines are noisy. Each one can generate the same level of noise as a family car travelling at 70 mph. Many people feel that the countryside be left untouched because the Wind turbines are unsightly structures and not pleasant to look at. When wind turbines are being manufactured some pollution is produced.

Process of Wind Power

Hydro Power

Advantages of Hydro Power Disadvantages of Hydro Power once a dam is constructed, electricity can be produced at a constant rate. If electricity is not needed, the sluice gates can be shut, stopping electricity generation. The water can be saved for use another time when electricity demand is high. Dams are designed to last many decades and so can contribute to the generation of electricity for many years / decades. The lake that forms behind the dam can be used for water sports and leisure activities. Often large dams become tourist attractions beacuse it is a sight to see. The build up of water in the lake means that energy can be stored until needed, when the water is released to produce electricity. When in use, electricity produced by dam systems do not produce green house gases. They do not pollute the atmosphere. Dams are extremely expensive to build and must be built to a very high standard. The high cost of dam construction means that they must operate for many decades to become profitable. People living in villages and towns that are in the valley to be flooded, must move out. This means that they lose their farms and businesses. In some countries, people are forcibly removed so that hydro-power schemes can go ahead. The building of large dams can cause serious geological damage. For example, the building of the Hoover Dam in the USA triggered a number of earth quakes and has depressed the earth’s surface at its location. Building a large dam alters the natural water table level. For example, the building of the Aswan Dam in Egypt has altered the level of the water table. This is slowly leading to damage of many of its ancient monuments as salts and destructive minerals are deposited in the stone work from ‘rising damp’ caused by the changing water table level.

Process of Hydro Power