Anyone watching the news lately has likely heard plenty of discord concerning climate change. And more often than not, the term “alternative energy” is being bandied about. That being said, let’s take a closer look at alternative sources of energy regarding today’s energy consumption.

What’s the alternative? Or rather, what’s the standard?

To begin, we first need to address the word “alternative” because in the context of energy, it implies that there’s something conventional.

When it comes to energy production within the United States, the vast majority of electricity comes from burning natural gas, petroleum, and coal. In fact, these three sources accounted for nearly 78% of the energy produced in 2016.¹

So, how do you account for the other 22% of energy production? This came from other alternative energy sources—alternatives to fossil fuels—including nuclear energy, hydroelectric energy, geothermal energy, biomass energy, solar energy, and wind energy.

Renewable energy vs alternative

Is renewable energy the same as alternative? While these terms may be used interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing.

Forms of energy that do not come from fossil fuels can be categorized as either alternative or renewable energy sources. Alternative sources of energy refer to any energy source that does not involve fossil fuel extraction, though it doesn’t always mean the energy comes from a renewable source. For instance, nuclear power is an example of an alternative source of energy that typically uses uranium, an abundant but not renewable resource.

Renewable energy sources, on the other hand, include clean energy options like solar and wind power, which are naturally occurring and replenish continuously.

Why pursue alternative energy?

Climate change is a topic at the forefront of nearly everybody’s mind. In fact, according to a recent Gallup poll, almost 45% of Americans worry “a great deal” about global warming.²

Regardless of your stance on politics, we can all agree that remaining dependent on finite resources isn’t a long-term solution to any problem, least of all meeting the energy needs of an increasingly energy-dependent society.

That’s where alternative sources of energy enter the picture. Consumers are increasingly searching for ways to help mitigate dependence on fossil fuels, opting instead to generate electricity for themselves. And why shouldn’t they? Not only can this help moderate the ongoing impacts of climate change, it can also help them save a lot of money in the process.

Renewable energy for your home

When it comes to owning an alternative source of energy, wind power turbines and solar systems for homes are generally the most common renewable energy resources in off-the-shelf technologies. Of the two, solar is by far the most common.

While we acknowledge other alternatives exist—such as geothermal and biomass—they generally require large areas of land and aren’t as readily available to those who live in cities and suburbs, as does the vast majority of the population.

In 2016, solar energy accounted for 39% of all new electric generating capacity and 1.4% of total U.S. electrical generation. That amount is expected to double in the next six years. Best of all, solar prices have dropped by 19% over the last year alone, and nearly 63% over the last 5 years. ³ 

By switching to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, homeowners can also make a significant contribution toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which are a primary driver of climate change. Simply put, there’s never been a better time to go for solar power and switch to clean energy.

Save money with solar panels

When you look at the bottom line, solar panels likely represent the best way to generate alternative energy in your community. Plus, depending on how you choose to go solar, savings in your state could really add up.

 To learn more about home solar, speak to a Sunrun solar advisor.