Steven asks…
Looking for hotels/hostels that use renewable energy in South America?
I’m planning a 6 month trip to South America and need help finding places to stay. I’d like to find places that use renewable energy in cool ways, or even just have interesting things that they do to save energy.
The Expert answers:
Go to BookMe. You can compare prices on all the major travel sites from one location. It’s the only way you can guarantee the best deals for the best hotels for your money online.
Maria asks…
Is an article about renewable, clean energy/biofuels considered an informative article?
I was asked for a school assignment to choose an informative article on a topic that interests me and answer some questions about it. I picked a National Geographic article called Green Dreams, which is about future forms of renewable energy. go google the article if you don’t know what I’m talking about. I’m just trying to make sure that I actually picked an informative article. Thanks!
The Expert answers:
Heck yes that is definitely informative! And good for you for doing your part to educate the general populous on important environmental issues.
Ruth asks…
what are your thought on renewable energy?
I would like to know if decreasing the price of renewable energy would increase people to bye it?
and if your know a site that shows some statistics on the prices of renewable energy in new york state.
The Expert answers:
This is already being done. In most states, there are programs that let you either pay more to get your power from “Green” sources, or take part in massive federal and state subsidy programs to install systems like Solar Power, High Efficiency Appliances, etc. In my state, you can now purchase a complete solar system for almost half the original price installed.
Check out you local electric utility web site for special subsidies. I bet you will be surprised what has been on offer for many years now.
The problem with Solar and Wind is it is still very expensive, even with the subsidies. In my state of Arizona where it is almost ideal conditions for solar power, it still takes about 18-20 years to break even financially, even with the government paying for almost half the initial cost. Be careful. Don’t believe salesmen and so-called “Environmentalists” when looking into these systems. Get the facts. Do your homework. Calculate the real rate of return/payback time.
Nuclear Power is the only form of alternative energy we have available today that has a chance of providing the massive amount of RELIABLE 24/7 energy we require at close to a reasonable / practicle cost. This is fact.
Laura asks…
What is the efficiency of renewable energy?
What is the efficiency of renewable energy?
The Expert answers:
You have to take a look at the whole process of getting the power to where it is needed.
Take a look at the first link for a real good flow chart of US energy from source to use.
Renewable energy has a larger up front cost and then lower operating cost than traditional sources.
Wind turbines, photovoltaic, passive solar, solar thermal, micro hydro, etc. All have various efficiencies in transferring the energy into electricity. PV solar is what is most thought of is 15-20%. The advantage is that this electricity is produced where it is used so there is little additional loss.
Check the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) website for a wealth of information.
Traditional energy sources have to keep digging fuel to run the power plants. That energy used to make energy would need to be taken into consideration. The power plants themselves are 30-50% efficient. Since they are large operations there economies of scale that make investment practical that an individual could not afford. (Analogy: On a per loaf basis, a bakery can produce a loaf a bread far more energy efficiently than a single loaf in a home oven)
The real loss in the efficiency of traditional power plants is in transporting that energy to end-user. This averages around 2/3 of what comes out of the power plant.
Looking at the numbers:
A lower efficiency PV setup converts power and delivers it for use is at about 15%.
A higher efficiency power plant at 45% that loses 2/3 in transmission is about 15%.
Daniel asks…
What can I do with a degree in renewable energy?
Illinois State University has a bachelor’s degree option of Renewable Energy. What can I do with this degree if I pursue it?
The Expert answers:
It depends on exactly what the degree teaches you, but green energy is in higher and higher demand, and the field is on the verge of exploding. I’d say it’s an excellent degree to get as far as job opportunities after graduation.
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