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'a I Edition
Alternative energy sources
provide powerful choices
u A dam H olmes ______________
Staff Reporter
Record high prices are
fueling discussions of
alternative energy sources,
and with good reason. If the
world keeps consuming
this much oil and natural
gas, petroleum resources
will run out by the
end of the century. We
need to look to the
future and to the world
our children and
the generations to
come will inherit.
Some forms of
alternative energy are
available now. One of
these is solar power which
is one of the more popular
choices, possibly because
this source of power is
essentially free after the
initial setup costs. The
sun emits thermal energy
that can be converted into
electric energy. All that is
required is installing a solar
collection system, more
commonly referred to as
solar panels.
There are three different
types of solar conversion
systems. The first is known
as a stand-alone system
which is most commonly
found in remote areas.
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The second connects to
a grid and is the most
common one for urban and
suburban living. The third
is a back-up system for
when power failures occur.
Although this system can
keep the most important
systems working, a larger
system is required to keep
everything running during
these failures.
This source of power has
many positive aspects to it.
Aside from the purchase of
the solar panels, the energy
is free and can cover up to
15% of electric costs. It does
not require any fuel, does
not produce any pollution,
decreases greenhouse gas
emissions and will last for
decades.
The cost of installing
solar panels can be
expensive, sometimes up
to $100,000 to convert a
house to a total energy
independent house off the
grid. However, there are
programs in Oregon that
offer cash incentives of up
to $10,000 for converting
to solar power. Oregon
tax credits and federal tax
solar electric system.
Wind power is another
alternative that does not
produce any pollutants.
Wind power is collected
through windmills and
converts the kinetic energy
into mechanical power.
This form of energy is most
commonly used in farms,
but can also be installed
near households if set up
properly.
Some of the positive
aspects of this source are
that it's safe, costs nothing
aside from installation,
and is inexhaustible.
The main problem with
wind generated power is
that it can be very noisy
and since they take up
so much space, they are
only efficient in rural
locations. In addition,
like solar panels, they are
expensive to manufacture
and produce. Having one
installed can cost anywhere
between $6,000 to $27,000.
"We need to be careful
about quick fixes and know
about the environmental
cost before producing,"
Gary Eppelsheimer, former
incentives can co v er up to
Environm ental Science
50% of the total cost of a
teacher, said.
Unplug electronics when not in use (cell phones & iPod chargers).
Walk, bike, or take the bus._______________________________
Turn off your computer every night (and those at school, too).
Save water: take shorter showers, turn it off when you're not using it.
Eat locally and organically—ask your parents to buy organic.
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Think about what you’re buying. Do you need it? How is it packaged?
Turn off the lights when you leave a room.____________________
Plant a tree.____________________________________________
Don’t buy another bottled water, REFILL!
If you drive, don’t let your car idle.
SPREAD THE WORD!
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