Fossil fuels are a finite resource that is getting more expensive every year. This trend will only continue as it gets harder to find, extract and deliver to the consumer. Apart from this, burning of coal and vehicle engine emissions are just some of the fossils fuels that are causing concerns about the environment as they deplete the ozone layer and contribute to global warming. So are there any alternatives to fossil fuels. Of course there is. This article will list a few alternative sources of energy.

The first alternative energy source that should be mentioned is solar energy. The sun as been used as an energy source since the time Mankind worshiped it as a god. A few things have changed since those times to the extent that it can be used in homes to generate electricity and power our gadgets and appliances.

Solar energy provides us with two sources of energy. There is heat and light energy.

Heat energy can be used to heat water or even cook food. It is the most apparent use of the sun's energy and has been used for thousands of years.

The use of light energy is a relatively new innovation. The technology developed to do this is called the photovoltaic (PV) cell. When sunlight or the photons in sunlight hit the PV cell a reaction takes place that causes an electron to flow through the cell. Many cells and more sunlight cause more electrons to flow. This is the basis of direct current. Direct current can be used as is, stored in batteries for later use or converted to alternating current for use in homes.

Wind power is also getting a bit of attention, mainly because of the wind turbines that are popping up all over the countryside. Depending on your perspective (and possibly your location in relation to them) they are intriguing structures or horrid eyesores.

A wind turbine is a towering structure that uses the power of the wind to turn a number blades. The kinetic energy is used to power a generator that creates electricity. Countries such as Germany, Denmark and the United States are increasing the number of wind turbines every year. They represent a clean and cheap way to create energy.

Water power is another alternative source of energy. Traditionally, the building of a dam across a river has created hydroelectric power. This has problems in that it is expensive to make and you need a river. It also has environmental consequences for the surrounding region.

Wave energy is another application of water power. There are two ways to do this. Using fixed or floating applications. The idea behind wave power is that the kinetic energy in the wave can turn a generator to make electricity. The movements of the wave can directly turn the generator or they can increase and decrease the air pressure in the generator housing that turns the generator fans.

Geothermal energy is another alternative that is used in certain parts of the world. The idea of geothermal energy is to take advantage of the massive heat that exists in the Earths core. For anyone that has been to a natural hot spring or spa you will understand how this works. It can be used passively by using the hot water created by the core. Or it can be used actively by passing cold water into the core and getting it heated. This can be turned into steam that can used to turn a generator.

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