Many people are concentrating on developing renewable sources of energy to replace our need for fossil fuels. Even people that aren't concerned about pollution want to stop using fossil fuels because supplies are limited and quickly running out. Using fossil fuels cannot last forever and it is slowly destroying the environment. Solar and wind power is completely clean and doesn't cause any pollution. It also means we no longer have to rely on stocks of fossil fuels.

I'm sure everyone can work out exactly what solar and wind power do, they are fairly simple ideas. They harness the earth's supply of natural energy (wind and sun) and convert it into electrical energy.

Although both wind and solar power have the same end result, the way they go about it is different. Solar power uses panels containing reflectors to capture the energy from the sun, this energy is then transferred to a generator which creates energy.

Wind power on the other hand works differently. The wind pushes round propellers, which turn turbines in order to generate electricity.

Advantages of Solar and Wind Power

There are a number of very good advantages to use solar and wind power. The benefit most people will be interested in is that it's a completely free form of electricity. It is also completely renewable, and something we will never run out of (until the earth dies at least!) Both of these methods of generating power do not directly generate any pollution (although the production of the equipment probably will).

Solar panels only need minimum maintenance, in order to keep them in tip top condition. Wind power takes up a much smaller area on the land as they are mounted quite high, this means the land can be used for other purposes as well. Whereas with solar power it takes up lots of space. Wind turbines are used in developing countries that do not otherwise have power.

Disadvantages of Solar and Wind Power

Not everything about solar power is good, there are some distinct disadvantages. Wind and solar power are by no means perfect. Wind turbines are very noisy, and many people think that they spoil the look of the natural country side. Solar power and solar heating cannot generate power at night because they need sunlight. If you are using solar power you need additional sources of power in order to supplement this power.

Solar and wind power will drastically change the look of the natural area. Solar power captures power in DC, in order for this to be used with many electrical appliances it must first be converted into AC power.

Actually the benefits of solar and wind power often outweigh the benefits. They are going to grow in popularity over the next fifty years due to the earth's natural resources running out. By developing these technologies we can ensure we have a bright future ahead of us all!