Renewable energy is one of the best ways to power the world while supporting the planet’s health, and new sources of energy are being discovered every day. Among the most popular are solar power and hydroelectricity — but is one better than the other? Here’s a quick comparison of the two.
Solar Energy
When it comes to a solar power system New Jersey is just one of many places that stands to benefit. Solar energy absorbs light from the sun through panels, where the light is converted into electricity. It only takes a few hours of sunlight to power a home for an entire day at full capacity, and the cost of solar power is significantly lower than fossil fuels or coal. While solar panels are easy to install and take up little space, they are complicated to make and can be a costly investment. However, the investment easily pays for itself in the long run.
Hydroelectricity
Not unlike solar power, hydroelectricity takes advantage of another natural and renewable resource: water. This form of energy uses water to spin turbines which then power generators, providing electricity to countless homes and businesses. In most hydroelectric power plants, the water in question is held in a reservoir and controlled by a dam; the dam can be raised and lowered, which forces the water to fall and ultimately spin the turbines below it. The amount of power generated depends on how much water falls and how far it travels, so consistency is critical.
In short, both hydroelectricity and solar energy come with a lot of benefits and fewer drawbacks than traditional sources of power. They both use naturally occurring sources, though each is powered differently and yields differing results. In the end, both leave a much smaller carbon footprint than traditional sources of power.
