With rapidly increasing developments in technology, there is an even greater need for efficient sources of energy.
Now more than ever, various equipment as well as specific technological processes require massive.
Amounts of energy to operate/ achieve completion. Hence, the big question that has been hanging over our heads for the longest time; “what is the most efficient energy source?”
To accurately determine an answer to this question, we need to understand the energy sources available and what they offer.
What are the Different Types of Energy Sources
Broadly speaking, there are two categories of energy sources:
- Renewable Energy sources
- Non-renewable energy sources
Considering efficiency, a key point would be how easy it would be to access the energy source. Therefore, we can safely conclude that the most efficient energy sources would be renewable. Namely because although the energy is used up, it can be easily replaced as well.
Here are some of the most common renewable energy sources:
Hydrothermal
Hydrothermal energy is obtained using a pretty simple mechanism of hot water being pumped under high pressure from deep in the ground using a well.
By the time the water hits the surface, it turns into steam as a result of a sudden pressure drop. The steam produced is powerful enough to spin a turbine which in turn is connected to a generator.
This spinning motion then leads to electricity generation.
Wind
Wind energy is generated by practically reversing the usual pattern of using electricity to power a fan, thereby producing breeze or wind. Instead, wind turbines are used to generate electricity.
The turbine features blades that have a close resemblance to propellers and are assembled around a rotor.
When wind intensity is sufficient, the blades begin to whirl and this motion triggers the spinning of the generator. And subsequently, electricity is generated.
Tidal
Tidal energy is generated like wind energy.
A turbine is involved as well, and the blades typically rotate between 12 and 18 times per minute, based on tide strength.
The turbine is linked to a gearbox that is in turn connected to a generator. The gearbox turns the generator, thereby generating electricity.
Solar
Generating electricity with solar energy simply involved trapping sunlight and transforming its energy.
The various solar technologies all perform the base function of converting sunlight into electrical energy either via mirrors that can concentrate solar radiation or PV (photovoltaic) panels.
The energy generated can be stored for future use in batteries or via thermal storage. It can also be used to generate electricity straight up.
What is the Most Efficient Energy Source?
The most efficient energy source is sunlight or solar energy.
To accurately determine that solar energy is indeed the most efficient energy source, we would have to consider various aspects that add up to efficiency.
And of the four renewable energy sources outlined in the previous header (namely hydrothermal, wind, tidal, and solar energy).
Why? Find out below!
What Makes the Source of Energy Most Efficient
We have to conclusively detail practical factors that make solar energy the best bet. So, here it is. The following factors make solar energy the most efficient source of energy:
Renewable Nature
For starters, it is an energy form that is renewable. Therefore, no fuel is required to be burned to generate energy.
Given that you don’t need fuel, incredible amounts of electricity can be generated without having to bother about fuel running out.
Similarly, once the panels have been set up, maintenance costs are very minimal.
It is Clean Energy
Using solar panels to create electricity implies that you’re not dealing with fossil fuels.
Therefore, no greenhouse gases are produced and this is healthy for the environment.
Since the sun is capable of producing more than enough energy than we would ever need, it is a major basis around which the campaign for clean energy use is centered.
Limitless
The amount of energy that we can get from the sun is infinitely limitless. It’s a continuous usage process without a need to stop for refueling, as in the case of using fossil fuels.
Once the sun is out, we can start to tap constant energy from the sun. The only limit to solar energy is our human ability to harness it economically and cost-efficiently.
Conclusion
The main feature of solar energy that makes it the most efficient lies in the ease of access. The sun shines practically everywhere, making it easy to harness easily.
To use the other energy forms, we would have to identify specific locations that either tend to be windy, have high water pressure, etc.
But with the sun, once it’s out, that’s pretty much all that you need. It’s also significantly more cost-efficient than generating energy using other forms.
