GEOTHERMAL

PROS

Environmentally friendly compared to gas or oil furnaces (no combustion).

Not a significant source of pollution.

CONS

High upfront costs with implementing geothermal energy. ($10,000-$20,000)

More suitable for new home builds as retrofitting involves large scale excavation.

SOLAR

pros

Solar energy is a renewable energy source. This means that we cannot run out of solar energy, as opposed to non-renewable energy sources

The potential of solar energy is beyond imagination. The surface of the earth receives 120,000 terawatts of solar radiation (sunlight) – 20,000 times more power than what is needed to supply the entire world

cons

In 2010, coal received $1,189 billion in federal subsidies and support for electricity production while solar is not far behind at $968 billion.[

Solar energy is an intermittent energy source. Access to sunlight is limited at certain times (e.g. morning and night). Predicting overcast days can be difficult. This is why solar power is not our first choice when it comes to meeting the base load energy demand. However, solar power has fewer problems than wind power when it comes to intermit

WIND

pros

Clean Source of Power

Renewable Source

cons

Wind Reliability

Threat to Wildlife

hydroelect

PROS

Green

Reliable

CONS

Environmental Consequences

Expensive

biomass

PROS

Dependency on Fossil Fuels is Reduced

Carbon Neutral

CONS

Not Totally Clean When Burned

Can Lead to Deforestation

COAL

pros

Abundant supply, concentrated in industrialized countries

Relatively inexpensive.

cons

Coal is nonrenewable. There is a finite supply.

Coal contains the most CO2 per BTU, the largest contributor to global warming.

oil

pros

Easily Accessible and Economical

Substantial Type of Energy

cons

Not a Renewable Source of Energy

Environmental Pollutant

natural gas

pros

Natural gas is abundant and a major source of energy.

A relatively clean fossil fuel, a ‘bridge’ fuel

cons

Natural gas is itself a powerful greenhouse gas.

Natural gas a nonrenewable resource

nuclear power

pros

Low Pollution

Low Operating Costs

cons

Environmental Impact

Radioactive Waste Disposal