Alternative Energy

What are the community's views on alternative energy's, and would it be a smart major to go into (Sustainable energy). How important is this to you, or are you just not interested in it.

What kind of class's would it be smart to take with this major, and do you think the need for these energy's (Solar power, hydroelectric power, wind power, ect.) will increase toward the future?

The simple truth of it is that if people would actually invest into these sources that the price of them would drop. This drop in price would cause other people too want to buy these sources of power; Therefore, causing the price for energy overall too drop.

If I'm wrong I'd like proof.

Comments, Questions, Opinions, Facts, All welcomed here.

 

We definitely need to find good sources of sustainable, renewable energy as soon as we can. Regardless of whether or not global warming is actually a problem, it is a fact that before long we will run out of the fossil fuels upon which we are so dependent. I think we need to start being realistic about it though. There is no point in implementing ideas that do not work just so that the public think that we're closer to a solution.

Wind power is a good example of this. I spoke to someone who designed some of the wind turbines that are used in the UK and he said that they are essentially pointless because it takes so many years for them to actually offset the energy used to produce and install them. He seemed to think that one of the main reasons that they are so popular is because it's an easy way to make it look like the Government have made a difference and are doing their bit for the global community.

It would be a very, very smart thing to go into indeed. You would become a key part of the future of the entire world. If you become good at what you do in this field then you'll do very well for yourself because a solution has to be found for the energy problems facing our planet.

I don't know what classes you'd need to take because I'm not at all familiar with the education system in America (which is where I presume you're from..?).

 

Yes I'm from America and It's interesting to know that about the Uk and the turbines they use. Probably goes the same for Germany as well, But I'm more interested in Solar power over anything but I would have to deal with all kinds to even think about getting into the business.

 

I always thought Wind Power was really good.
I did it a presentation it not too long ago and the only downside I saw was the noise and how some of the people living around the turbines wouldn't like it. Perhaps I was wrong. I do believe we have to do something about using alternative energy because as the above post stated, we will run out of fossil fuels.

 

Yeah and if we're not prepared when we do. It will be a bad sight.

 

I feel that Nuclear power is the key but it is something that mankind is not ready for yet.

 

It's something that would be an interesting major to get into.

HOWEVER, if you're looking for a major that involves energy/resources that will pay VERY well right up-front, I wouldn't look any further than petroleum engineering.
Our drilling engineers are starting off, fresh out of college, at around 160k/year salary for Devon Energy. Most of them are between 25-30.
Field consultants/rig foreman/company men are getting paid much more than that, but I'll be quick to tell you that actual field experience is much preferred over a degree for a rig foreman. It's taken me 7 years.

 

First of all, I hope you all understand my english, because it is not my first language.

Solar power, hydroelectric power, wind power, ect. will increase toward the future, that is right. But the point you also mentioned was the price. And the price plays a major role for the consumer. In order to successed with alternative energy's, it has to be cheap right? But it is not possible, because the cost for development and such these things is too high. And that's why we, the customers, are dissatisfied. It is really a difficult thing.

For example in Germay. Because of Fukushima, we decided to cancel most of the energy production from nuclear power stations and set on alternative engery's. This brought high electricity costs and again dissatisfaction.

 

My parents fitted solar panels on the roof of their house and they saved a crap load of money on bills.. It helps the environment and saves them money

When I get a house of my own I'll be investing in solar power
(Considering England has sun for about 10 minutes a millennium I'd love to see the power they produce in extremely hot countries)

 

I think everyone should be forced to use alternative forms of energy. Solar panels, shit to conserve water, composting, all that shit too.

 

With the major advances in solar power in recent years, it's becoming really popular with a lot of people.

Once the prices go down more, I'm sure you'll see a lot more people buy into it.

 

im not a scholar, but solar panels are awesome specially if you want to save on your lighting needs. they make cheap kits, you just need to measure out how many watts ya need and for how long .



A idea I really like that I heard on a local radio while driving in the backroads of west kentucky tobbacco farms is that they are trying to re-use the way people step on concrete so it stores power. kinda like a coil in a moped if you know what im talking about , this would be amazing in high density/populated places like New york or texas, I would say china but they already have robots that store human souls.........

 

Sorry for the late reply, Haven't been able to get on lately. About the solar panels my grandparents have there house practically running on solar power, and it's great. They occasionally don't have enough energy stored though, but overall it's a great way to save money and save the environment.

 

If your in the woods and wont have anyone poking around your system this is a great way to get by Specially if you can properly maintain your kit and skip from the city bothering you(depending on where you live)

 

The state of Nevada gets enough sunlight to power the entire country. All the materials and resources are there, its just getting them set up.

 

There's always gonna be energy, and I think Canada sells some to the States. Anyways, if price of energy drops, it'll be cheap, and your power bills will be cheap, and hopefully the economy will be greener. If not, then we still get charged up the ass for energy.

-LeetNeo.

 

Yes as said above there is action needed to be taken about trying to make the world a greener and more eco efficient place however I think things could be easily implemented by just doing simple things. E.g: If the government added in more grants for solar and wind energy to actually make it more worth your while.

 

I mean yeah the price for all the panels and getting it setup is pretty high, but once that's all up and running It seems that it would add up and come out to be positive.

 

Communities should require people to have solar panels installed on their house. That way, people won't think it's ugly if everybody has the same shit.

 

I've personally never thought Solar panels look ugly at all. If anything it looks nicer with them I.M.O.