Poor management strategies around the world, but mainly by first world countries have led to unequal distribution of the world's energy, and water supply. We have used up most our non renewable resources such as coal, petroleum, and natural gases. On the other hand, new technology has enabled us to harness other sources of energy that are more environmentally friendly and renewable. These include: solar energy, wind energy, and hydroelectricity. It is hoped that as we learn improved ways to use these new sources of power that we will be able to phase out our old methods. .
Solar Power, hydroelectricity, and wind energy are all methods of renewable energy sources. However, they are not, as of yet the most cost effective, or readily available. But modern technologies are enabling us to harness these natural occurrences better, and have them be just as powerful as their more widely used energy sources, such as fossil fuel. .
Solar energy is in essence getting energy from the sun. A solar panel is made of the natural element, silicon, which becomes electrically charged when subjected to sun light and UV rays. Solar panels are directed at solar south in the northern hemisphere and solar north in the southern hemisphere at an angle dictated by the geographic location of where they are to be installed. This electrical charge is consolidated in the PV panel and directed to the output terminals to produce low voltage - usually 6 to 24 volts. The intensity of the sun's radiation changes depending on the hour of the day, time of the year and weather conditions. This makes it difficult to put the panels just anywhere, this is one of the reasons why they are not more readily used. Another reason, is the fact that they cannot be used to operate devices that require more than that certain amount of voltage. .
Of the renewable energy sources that generate electricity, hydropower is the most often used. It accounted for 7.