The benefits of renewable energy are persuading more and more people to make the switch from fossil fuels. Many individuals, companies, and governments are taking power production into their own hands by installing solar panels, batteries, and wind turbines. So, why are people so enthusiastic about renewable energy? In this blog, we’ll explore four reasons why scientists and everyday citizens alike believe that generating power and energy from alternative sources is the way of the future.
1. RENEWABLE ENERGY IS BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
We’re sure you’ve heard this one before, but the environmental benefits of renewable energy are a significant motivator behind their increased popularity. Most climate scientists agree that relying less on fossil fuels is essential for the future of our planet. The scientific consensus, as well as the advances in renewable energy technology, are convincing people to make the switch.
To generate power from fossil fuels like coal, crude oil, and natural gas, they must be burned. Burning fossil fuels increases the levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. This carbon dioxide causes the earth’s temperature to rise, bringing harm to our climate and its fragile ecosystems. Scientists also believe that the process of obtaining fossil fuels, which involves mining or drilling them from the ground, causes harm to the environment. Clearing land for mining damages the landscape, including forests and mountains, and disturbs native animals.
Renewable energy sources produce almost no pollution. They allow us to power our homes and businesses without harming nature or consuming finite resources. Instead, they take advantage of our climate and weather, including the sun and the wind. Because of this, renewable energy has a much lower environmental impact than fossil fuels.
2. IT WON’T EVER RUN OUT
Most of the power we create and consume is generated from fossil fuels mined from the ground. These fossil fuels are, as the name suggests, derived from the fossilized remains of plants and animals that roamed the earth hundreds of millions of years ago. One major downside of using these fuels to power our world is that they will eventually run out. Once we remove them from the earth, they do not regenerate.
Relying more on renewable energy now will ensure we can continue generating power for hundreds of years to come. Using the force of moving wind and water and light from the sun to generate power does not deplete our natural resources. We can use the same source of energy over and over again without fear of running out.
3. GREEN ENERGY LETS US BE MORE SELF-SUFFICIENT
If you’re sick of relying on electricity companies for your power supply, you’re in luck! Take power production into your own hands by installing renewable energy systems at home. Whether you opt for solar panels, wind turbines, or micro-hydropower system, creating your own alternative energy system will help you ditch big companies while doing your bit for the environment.
4. RENEWABLE ENERGY SAVES MONEY
It’s a fact that renewable energy costs less to produce than fossil fuels. The costs of producing renewable energy have been falling for the past several years, and with advances in renewable energy technology, look set to decrease further. Not only do companies and governments save on power production costs – they also pass these savings onto you!
Switching to renewable energy will help you save on your power bills every quarter. Electricity companies only charge you for the grid-generated power that you use. This means that power your renewable system generates won’t be included on your bill. If your renewable system produces more power than you can use, many jurisdictions allow you to sell it back to the grid for a profit.
So, while it’s true that home renewable energy systems can be costly to set up, they’ll pay for themselves in no time! On top of this, to help ease the purchase cost, many states and countries offer rebates to purchase and install solar panels, wind turbines, and hydro systems. These rebates will help you to maximise the financial benefits of generating your own green electricity.
Do you want to find out more about the future of energy, including alternative sustainable energy sources? Check out at Careerline’s online Alternative Energy course! Learn from experts how you can become less reliant on traditional energy from oil and gas. And the best part? You can study in your own time from the comfort of your own home. Careerline offers hundreds of courses across many disciplines and subject areas. We’re sure there’s one that’s perfect for you! Get in touch today to learn more about our extensive range of courses.
FEATURED COURSES
1. Alternative Energy: If you want to become less reliant on electricity companies and grid power, our Alternative Energy course is designed for you. Over eight online lessons, you will learn about generating, storing, consuming, and conserving a broad range of alternative energy sources. You will also study the process of converting a home or building to become reliant on alternative energy.
2. Climatology (Climate Science): Do you want to learn more about our climate and how it is changing? Study this online Climatology course to broaden your understanding of our planet’s atmosphere, weather patterns, and circulation, and how they are affected by our changing climate. You will learn about the man-made and natural factors that contribute to climate change, and the impact these changes will have on our environment in both the short and long term. This course is suitable for environmentalists, teachers, and educators, environmental officers, and anyone with an interest in the future of our planet.
3. Self-Sufficiency: Careerline’s online Introduction to Self Sufficiency course teaches you the basic skills you’ll need to work towards self sufficient living. While studying this course, you will learn how to successfully grow your own food, while choosing appropriate crops for your needs and climate. You will also learn about generating power through alternative energy sources, including solar energy, wind power, and wood burning. The course also comprehensively covers beekeeping, raising livestock, and building and crafting skills.
