Do you sometimes feel a little scared when you see your electricity bill? Do you think, “Oh, the bill is so high again this time”? You may also be wondering if there is no solution to this problem. There are actually good solutions to this. Today, in addition to the electricity we use every day, which is made from things like gasoline, diesel, and coal that are extracted from the ground, we are going to talk about “alternative energy sources” that are also environmentally friendly and come from nature.
What exactly are these alternative energy sources?
Simply put, these are energy sources that are naturally occurring and do not run out. We also call these “Renewable Energy Sources.”
Think about it, most of the electricity we use now is produced by burning things like coal, natural gas, and petroleum that are dug up from under the ground. We call these “fossil fuels.” These take millions of years to form. As we continue to use them, these resources will gradually run out. Also, the smoke that is released into the environment when we use them causes major problems like air pollution and global warming .
But alternative energy sources are not like that. Take sunlight for example. Just because you use sunlight today, it doesn't mean the sun won't rise tomorrow. The same goes for wind. These are things that don't run out, they come to us naturally. So, in this system, we use these to generate energy.
The main alternative energy types we can use
There are several main types of alternative energy that are currently being widely discussed and used in Sri Lanka, as well as around the world.
1. Solar Energy
This is currently the most popular alternative energy method in the world and in Sri Lanka. It simply uses sunlight to generate electricity . There are two main methods for this.
- Solar Thermal Collector: These use the heat from the sun to heat water. You may have seen systems like tanks mounted on the roofs of some houses. These can produce hot water for bathing and cooking without using electricity.
- Solar Panels (Photovoltaic – PV Panels): This is the most popular method. In this, the blue/black panels mounted on the roof convert sunlight directly into electricity. We can use this electricity for household purposes and if we have excess electricity, we can sell it to the Electricity Board. This provides a great opportunity to reduce or even eliminate our electricity bills .
2. Wind Energy
If you've been to places like Hambantota and Puttalam, you must have seen giant fans mounted on large towers. That's what they're called wind turbines.
What happens in this is that the blades of these turbines rotate in the fast-moving wind. Then, electricity is produced through a generator connected to it. These are often operated as large-scale power plants. However, in some countries, there are also small wind turbines that are suitable for homes.
3. Geothermal Energy
This is a method that is not as well known in our country as solar energy and wind energy. This involves using the high temperature inside the earth to generate electricity. This involves generating electricity by turning turbines with hot water or steam from underground.
How can you harness this energy source for your home?
Imagine you have decided to install a solar PV system for your home. This is not something you can just go to the store and buy something. This requires obtaining the proper permits and approvals .
The most important thing is to definitely seek advice from a knowledgeable and trusted organization before doing something like this.
In Sri Lanka, you can get information about this from institutions like the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority . It is also important to ask your local CEB/LECO office about how this process works.
The best thing to do is to get quotes from several reputable, experienced companies that provide this service. By getting a clear idea of the system size you need based on the amount of electricity your home requires, you can avoid unnecessary expenses.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of alternative energy?
Like anything, these alternative energy sources have their pros and cons. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of the three main types.
| Solar Energy | |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| The damage to the environment is very minimal. | Electricity cannot be generated at night or on cloudy days when there is no sunlight. |
| An endless source of energy. | The initial investment, meaning the cost of purchasing the panels and system, is high. |
| Electricity bills can be significantly reduced. | Sufficient space is required on the roof to install the panels. |
| No noise, minimal maintenance. | To store the electricity produced, a battery system is required, which is also expensive. |
| Wind Energy | |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| Environmentally friendly, clean energy. | The cost of installing turbines is high. |
| Implementation costs are low. | Turbines may cause some noise and visual disturbance. |
| Low maintenance required. | It is only effective where there is constant wind. Wind speed is difficult to predict. |
| There is a risk of bird strikes on turbine blades, causing accidents. | |
Take-Home Message
- Alternative energy sources are not depleting resources like fossil fuels. They are naturally occurring, free, and renewable resources like sunlight and wind.
- These have very little impact on the environment, which is why they are also called "green energy".
- The most popular method in Sri Lanka currently is solar energy systems installed in homes. These can greatly reduce your electricity bill.
- Before installing such a system, carefully research the initial cost, maintenance, and required approvals . Only get service from a reputable company.
- Although this is a big investment at first, in the long run it can be a very valuable thing that saves you money and protects the environment.
Alternative energy, renewable energy, solar energy, wind energy, solar panels, light bill, electricity, Sri Lanka
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