| It is thought that alternative energy may be the | | | | without compromising structural integrity or |
| savior of our modern economy. As oil has been in | | | | drastically changing the structure. |
| the past and computers in the more recent past, | | | | Longevity |
| once a generation or so something come along | | | | Older model solar panels have a life expectancy |
| that can totally change the game. Alternative | | | | of 20-30 years. New solar panels are even better. |
| energy has the capacity to be that game | | | | They are still expensive but if you factor in the |
| changer. | | | | price you pay per year of service they are dirt |
| I am specifically talking about solar energy no | | | | cheap compared to other forms of electricity. |
| offense to the other fabulous options. I particularly | | | | Closely related to this is that photovoltaic panels |
| like solar for a few reasons. | | | | don't have any moving parts, they are |
| Highly portable | | | | maintenance free. Put them up and leave them |
| Portable photovoltaic panels can be seen | | | | alone, just let them soak up electricity. The only |
| everywhere these days. They started out in | | | | thing you might need to replace would be the |
| watches years ago and have moved to higher | | | | battery or transformer. Maintenance free is a big |
| cost items but now you are starting to see them | | | | plus. If I can put it up and not think about it, its a |
| in sporting good stores being sold to use on | | | | winner. |
| camping trips or in a pinch when you need a cell | | | | No Other Side Effects |
| phone charge. It is going to be no time at all until | | | | Wind turbines kill birds and change wind flow. |
| we start to see them on actual cell phones. You | | | | Nuclear? Well lets just say I don't want that in my |
| can get backpacks with built in portable solar | | | | backyard. Wave generators, disrupt tides and fish |
| panels. There are even clothing lines that sport | | | | populations. Fuel cells, they still haven't figured this |
| solar technology. The sky is really the limit when it | | | | out. Hydroelectric, dams are hugely destructive. All |
| comes to portable solar panels. | | | | of these other options require a huge amount of |
| Build-able | | | | maintenance and have some sort of negative side |
| Solar panels are great because you can integrate | | | | effect. Solar is totally passive and causes |
| them into a building structure much more easily | | | | absolutely no harm to the environment. |
| than say a wind turbine. They can be put on roof | | | | So weather you are interested in DIY Solar |
| or built into siding. They can be applied to windows | | | | Panels for your home or portable solar panels for |
| or they can be set up in a decorative fashion. The | | | | the trail there is something for you. |
| point being that they can be used in the building | | | | |