America’s Bad Rap on Environmental Consciousness

America gets bashed globally for it’s gluttonous use of natural resources and lack of an environmentally sensitive approach to industry and development. Conversely, recent energy numbers show that we just might not be as apathetic as we seem. The United States currently leads the world-wide front on renewable energy production from solar, wind, and bio-mass.

According to the USGBC (United States Green Building Council), the US:

1. Produces one-third of the global photovoltaic (solar power from solar panels) market.
2. Is one of the top five wind power markets in the world.
3. Is the single largest biomass generator, representing a $15 billion investment and 66,000 jobs.

Use of on-site renewable resources have multiple benefits. In addition to preventing environmental degradation, on-site use of renewable power can improve power reliability and reduce reliance on the local power distribution grid. Relying on resources such as fossil fuels creates a dependency issue that quickly becomes a crises when resources are depleted. Renewable energy use also cuts energy costs like heating and air condition bills for homes and businesses and reduces the use of mechanical equipment that releases harmful pollutants such as CFC’s (Chlorofluorocarbons) into the atmosphere, thus damaging the ozone layer and creating smog.

Here’s a breakdown of how solar, wind and biomass energy are produced and the impacts they have on the energy market.

Solar- Photovoltaic’s are composite materials that convert sunlight directly into electrical power. In recent years, the efficiency of PV cells (or panels) has increased and the cost has significantly decreased. PV’s generate direct current (DC) electricity, which typically must be converted to alternating current (AC) in mainstream building systems.

Wind-These systems convert wind into electricity. Wind energy installations, commonly seen as “wind farms”, are becoming increasingly popular as users realize the supply, metering, and cost benefits.

Biomass- Plants material such as trees, grasses and crops are converted to heat energy in a boiler or gasifier. The heat is then converted to mechanical energy in a stream turbine, gas turbine or an internal combustion engine, and the mechanical device drives a generator that produces electricity.