Is America Falling Behind!?

That's the common question asked when referring to usage of alternative energy in America and many times the answer would be yes or the rate we're going is very slow considering our easy acceptability to materials and extraordinary scientists. According to climateprogress.org, United States does not have standards in place to use cleaner forms of energy. In other news, President Obama does have a plan set to make America move faster towards alternative energy. A 2007 study showed that Untied has the second largest amount of wind power and for solar energy we fall in fourth place. So what do you think? After our presentations are completed, leave your opinion below (in the "post a comment box") and answer: Do you think United States is falling behind in alternative energy? and why!?     

Source

Lozanova, S. (2008, SEPTEMBER 9). 5 top countries

   for renewable energy investment. Retrieved from

   http://www.triplepundit.com/2008/09/5-top- 

   countries-for-renewable-energy-investment/

Different Methods of Energy

Renewable Energy:

Solar Energy 

Is the collection of light photons from the sun. Solar cells (photovoltaic cells) can be found on solar panels, these cells collect and absorb the photons which is then converted  into electrons. Thus creating energy. One minute of sun light can produce the world's energy need for one year! (according to  altenergy.org)

 

Wind Energy 

Converting wind into a electricity to power homes and also the water system.  Wind turbines are used to collect the kinetic energy from wind. An electric generator is connected to the blades of the turbine, every time the wind moves the blades it creates energy. To get the most out of wind turbines, they are located in areas where wind flows through constantly for example on the coast line.       

Different forms of Wind Turbines

Biomass Energy

The usage of plants (such as wood and crops), animal waste and/or garbage to create fuel and energy. The process to turn these materials into energy and fuel is a complex process. This method of energy poses danger for the environment because of the emission of greenhouse gases (though not as much as fossil fuel burning).

 

Hydroelectric Power 

Dams are built to control the flow of water to create energy. Depending on how much electricity needed the dam's gate is either opened or closed. According to altenergy.org,  water turbines can convert 90% of the water flow into energy.     

Sources:

Toothman , J. (n.d.). How solar cells work . Retrieved

     from http://science.howstuffworks.com

     /environmental/energy/solar-cell4.htm 

Wind basics. (n.d.). Retrieved from

    http://www.eia.doe.gov

    /kids/energy.cfm?page=wind_home-basics 

Biomass an important source of renewable energy.

    (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.biomass.net/