A solar powered vehicle is one that runs on energy converted from the sun’s rays. This is an exciting technology because solar power is essentially free. And unlike fossil fuels, which are used to make gasoline, we do not need to worry about running out of energy from the sun any time soon.

Solar powered vehicles are still relatively new and the specific technology surrounding them is still being developed. However, it would not be surprising if we were to begin seeing solar powered vehicles emerge over the course of the next decade, especially as they become more affordable to produce. From there, we may even be able to eliminate our dependence on oil and fuels altogether while boosting the economy in the process.

To produce solar power, you need a surface covered in crystals. These crystals, which at first were made of silicon and more recently are made of thin and flexible chemical films, contain electrons, which move and produce a current when exposed to sunlight. This means that producing solar power does not require turbines. Turbines, which are used to generate electricity from water and wind sources, require fossil-fuel powered backups for use when there is not enough wind or when water conditions aren’t good for producing electricity. Additionally, while wind is capricious and there are many times when there is not enough wind to move a turbine, and water is a limited resource, the sun’s energy is virtually unlimited. In desert climates, there is enough sunlight to power as many solar energy panels as people can erect for most days out of the year.

Right now, cost and energy storage are the biggest issues limiting the widespread use of solar power. But if scientists can work out solutions to these problems, an unlimited source of free, clean energy is shining down on us.

• Turn off the lights. When you leave a room, turn off the lights. Why spend money to illuminate a room if no one is there to appreciate the light? The same goes for ceiling fans. Fans move air around the room, but they don’t actually lower the temperature. Leaving a ceiling fan on in an empty room only wastes energy”and money!
• Upgrade your lighting. Switching from incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) can save you up to 75 off your lighting costs. A switch from incandescent to light emitting diodes (LEDs) can save up to 90.
• Insulate. Be sure your attic and crawl space or basement is well insulated. Your HVAC works hard to regulate the temperature inside your home. Don’t let all that effort go to waste!
• Weather strip windows and doors. Weather stripping is inexpensive and easy to install. Sealing up air leaks makes your HVAC work more efficiently.
• Program your thermostat. Overnight and when you’re out of the home for extended hours, you can save a lot by setting back the thermostat. Investing in a programmable thermostat makes it super easy to regulate the temperature without even thinking about it.
• Shop around for a lower rate. If you live in a deregulated energy market, you can choose your energy supplier. Get a lower rate on home energy when you shop natural gas rates New York.

One of the best advantages of solar energy is the effect it has on the environment. It has virtually none. Solar energy helps cut down on greenhouse gases by not burning coal or oil. As most people know, greenhouse gases produced from burning fossil fuels and other nonrenewable energy sources, is the leading cause of global warming. Having a much smaller carbon footprint will not only help yourself out, but potentially billions of other people.

Using solar energy in your home also saves countless species all over the world. Mining of energy producing minerals can destroy habitats and make some wildlife extinct. Even if the mining doesn’t directly affect a particular mini ecosystem, it can indirectly with pollution and waste.

Using solar energy not only helps you out, but helps out those around you. It can save money and the environment simultaneously. It is something that everyone should look into.

One of the top things to do is to install extra insulation in the basement, attic and crawl space of your home to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter.

Using weather stripping to seal off gaps around doors and windows is also a great way to save energy.

Dirt and dust restricts air flow and reduces heating and cooling efficiency, so it is wise to change air filters monthly.Is this new to you? Catch up here

A programmable thermostat will help save energy. To save money, set the temperature is set a few degrees lower than usual.

Gadgets such as microwave ovens, coffee pots and the charger for your cell phone zap energy, so unplug them when they are not in use.

Using a power strip for electrical devices such as computers and DVD players will help will help save energy when they are not in use.

Switching to fluorescent light bulbs will also help cut the energy bill.

Washing laundry in cold water and air-drying clothing can also help save energy and money.

Another way to cut down on energy expenses is to only wash dishes in the dishwasher when it is full.

Finally, purchasing Energy Star appliances is a very effective way to save energy.

Most likely the most recognized form of green energy is the use of solar power. The suns energy is captured with the use of cells, then converted into electric for your home. With new technology developing daily, the cost of installation of a solar panel is steadily decreasing.

The use of wind power is growing at an exceptional rate. Wind is used to turn turbines, thus generating electricity. Not only would this provide clean green energy, but also create multiple jobs by building and maintaining the equipment.

Deep within the earth a great deal of heat is produced. Efforts are being made to drill and use this energy. This is called geothermal energy. Geothermal energy does require digging, and laying pipe, thus it can be costly. The long term efficiency of using this type of energy usually will out weight the initial investment.

The use of water as a renewable energy source has been studied or quite some time. Hydroelectricity does not put off any pollution, but does pose the risk of other environment concerns. Still, hydroelectricity is one of the more cost efficient means to renewable energy.

Last is nuclear energy, one of the more controversial forms of renewable energy. The idea is that electricity is produced with nuclear reactions. The concern here is that of radioactive waste. Still, nuclear energy poses no pollution threat.

As you can see, there are many alternatives to using fossil fuels as our main source of energy. Although all forms of renewable energy do seem costly at start up, it is thought that the long term benefits of renewable energy outweigh that of the use of fossil fuels.