Is it possible for alternative energy sources to replace refined sources of oil such as gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel? These commonly used fuels have many useful and beneficial characteristics.

A means of collecting the solar energy and a way to generate it are needed to make sure we can access the sun’s energy. The collector collects the sun’s radiation and converts some of it to another form of energy such as electricity and heat. It is critical to find a way to store solar energy. This is because the sun does not shine for 24 hours a day and on overcast days the energy is inhibited.

Using wind energy to power our appliances is nothing new. Wind has been used as a source of energy for many years. The Babylonians and Chinese used wind power to irrigate crops as early as 4000 years ago. Of course boats have long been powered by the wind in their sails. In Europe during the middle ages windmills were used to grind corn.

Geothermal energy is a kind of power than makes use of the earth’s heat. In some areas of the world geothermal energy has been used for thousands of years. The earth’s core is very hot. It has a temperature so hot that it can melt rock. In areas with lots of volcanoes molten rock can be found very close to the surface.

Wave energy is power produced by harnessing the action of the ocean tides. The tide moves in and out twice a day. As it does it moves massive amounts of water and energy with it. This is a plentiful supply of energy but it is not that easy to convert it into electrical power for every day use.