Alternative Sources of Energy - It’s About Time

By Bob Nesheim

Article published by Rabbi Yitzhak Miller

Believe it or not, high energy costs and global warming are good things. It is because of these factors that there is a renewed interest in alternative sources of energy. Even the U.S. Government is on the bandwagon by earmarking sites it feels will be best suited for the establishment of solar energy generation. Although these solar energy plants won’t be up and running for many years, if at all, at least alternative sources of energy are being seriously considered. All I can say is it’s about time we woke up.

One of the many problems the government faces is how to get the electricity from the solar plants, expected be located in remote areas of the Southwest, to mainstream America. This would require installation of thousands of miles of new power lines to reach the east coast. Obviously that will take some years and cost big bucks. This presents another problem, who is going to pay for all this? However, if money is the biggest concern in converting to alternative sources of energy, it should be the least of our worries.

Estimates are that it will take decades before alternative sources of energy, such as wind or solar power, are able to produce even 20% of U.S. electric demands. So if you’re looking for a quick fix to high energy costs you will need to look elsewhere. An increasingly popular way to help save the environment, and also reduce your electric bill, is the installation of solar panels for your home. Even though solar energy is renewable and free, the technology required to take advantage of this resource is not. A professionally installed solar power system will cost you an arm and a leg. That’s why now, more than ever, homeowners are building and installing their own solar or wind power system.

Besides lowering your utility bill, the advantages of building and installing your own home energy system are many. Homes that take advantage of these alternative sources of energy have higher appraisal values, no fear of power shortages and outages, no fluctuations in electric costs due to rising fossil fuel prices and they are helping to protect our environment as well. In addition, once implemented there are virtually no additional costs involved. The energy is being generated by itself, no other fuel is needed. Except for the rare replacement of a mechanical part in a wind generator, these home energy solutions are maintenance free.

Once installed, these systems can be used for as long as you need them. To make things even better, building and installing a solar or wind power system is not hard and can be completed for a fraction of the cost of a professional installation. In fact, you can build a solar panel or wind generator for less than $200 and most of the parts are readily available at your hardware store. Of course, you can’t tackle this project without a proper set of instructions, a quality do-it-yourself guide is essential. But once you are ready to start all you need is a weekend or two and you’ll be on your way to energy independence. Not only will it save you money but it’s also something you will be proud of.

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