XML RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Add to Google

Home
Solar Blog
DIY Solar Heating
Solar Energy Facts
How It  Works
Solar Photovoltaic
Global Warming
Renewable Energy
Solar PV Programs
Green Roof
Solar Energy Vs Waste
Contact Us
Electricity Prices
Solar Toys
Solar Products
Science Projects
ONLINE SHOP

Sign up to my FREE newsletter 'EnviroZine' and receive our exclusive course 'How To Save Energy In Every Room Of Your House'. Enter your E-mail Address

Enter your First Name (optional)

Then

Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you EnviroZine.
 

Hydroelectric Energy



Hydroelectric energy is a renewable energy source using the hydrologic cycle of water, which involves evaporation and the flow of water due to gravity.

Accessing this energy from flowing waters can produce low-cost electricity.

Today, this is the largest form of renewable energy in the world.

Hydroelectric Energy Advantages



  • Out of all the renewable energy systems this has the lowest cost per watt hour.


  • A consistant all year round power output.


  • Usually this system doesn't require a large battery bank.


  • Unlike many other renewable energy systems, this one is not obtrusive.


  • It is relatively quiet.


  • Minimum maintenance is required.


  • Hydroelectric Disadvantages



  • Water supply is not always available.


  • Often requires substantial modification of water resource.


  • Initial installation cost can be high.


  • In colder climates, freezing of pipes, can be a problem.


  • Moving parts will eventually wear out.
  • The larger installations have created problems of their own. By blocking rivers with massive dams problems have arisen including;

  • Habitat destruction of local wildlife
  • Prevention of fish passage
  • Displacement of local communities
  • However, done correctly, it can be a sustainable and non-polluting source of energy that can help decrease our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce the threat of global warming.

    Useful resources

    Click on solar photovoltaic energy for information on solar for electricity.

    Click on diy solar heating for information on solar water heating.

    To go back to the renewable energy page.

    To return to our solar energy home page.

    Do you have a great energy saving tip? Do you have an interesting solar power story? Or maybe some pictures of a completed installation?

    Well, if you have something to share with the rest of the world concerning solar energy, then me and my website visitors would love to hear from you.

    Enter Your Title

    Tell Us Your Story! [ ? ]

    Upload A Picture (optional) [ ? ]

    Add Picture Caption (optional) 

    Author Information (optional)

    To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

    Your Name

    (first or full name)

    Your Location

    (ex. City, State, Country)

    Submit Your Contribution

    Check box to agree to these submission guidelines.


    (You can preview and edit on the next page)


    footer for hydroelectric energy page