Oil prices are skyrocketing and it affects more than just your price at the pump. Utility companies are increasing their prices and the cost of batteries is always high, but there’s no way to live in the modern world and enjoy modern amenities without relying on a utility company or batteries to power the electronics which are so integral to our lives. Right?

Wrong! There are many forms of alternate energy sources that could not only save you thousands of dollars annually, but will help decrease pollution and its negative effects on our environment.

Most utility plants are coal-burning and even the “clean coal” produces some smog. The clean energy-producing nuclear power plants are few and far between and even they present the problem of possible nuclear meltdown and of how to dispose of toxic waste.

Alternative energy sources eradicate these pollution problems. Why, then, do traditional utility plants still exist? There are groups dedicated to the widespread promotion of alternative energy sources, but it is difficult for a culture so dependant on oil to change, especially when alternative energy sources require special arrangements and can sometimes have problems meeting the energy needs of thousands of homes and businesses all at once.

You can make a difference in your own home or business, though, by changing your individual energy source to an alternative energy option. Solar power, for example, is an alternative energy source frequently used in lieu of batteries to run accessories like flashlights or the electrical needs of an RV, but it also can produce enough power to power entire homes and businesses.

The solar cells on the panels convert sunlight photons into electrical energy and that energy is sent to an inverter, which converts the alternative energy into useable electricity. Excess energy not used immediately is stored for later use at night or on cloudy days. By installing solar power panels on the roof of or on the ground near your home or business, you can enjoy pollution-free, no-cost energy—after an initial installation fee, which could cost you between $10,000-100,000, depending on the size and energy needs of your building.

Hydropower, another pollution-free, no-cost alternative energy source, is more often used to power large buildings or entire towns, but if you have the appropriate environment, you may want to look into it—or you could even build the environment! Hydropower is an alternative energy source that uses the force of water moving downward—most often in waterfalls—to turn turbines that generate electrical energy.

Wind power is another popular source of alternative energy. If you live in an area with adequate wind, you can build a tall structure that’s similar to a giant fan on your property. This fan is an electrical generator powered by the wind, and similarly to other alternative energy sources, excess energy is stored for use when the wind is not strong.

There are quite a few alternative energy sources that are still undergoing testing, but you can do your part to help the environment today! Yes, converting to alternative energy sources can be expensive at first, but they are all virtually free to run after installation. Plus, without utility bills, you will more than make back your money over time. If you’re not ready to spend the money, look for alternative energy for accessories like flashlights!

Ready to install an alternate energy source in your home, business, or RV? Want to buy alternate energy-powered accessories? Eager to help spread the word about the benefits of alternate energy? Visit the Alternate Energy Resource Network at alternate-energy.net.