Investigating alternative

Solar

Plants and Super Man use it so why can’t we? Solar power cells generate energy by photovoltaic means, creating a renewable source of energy that has the capacity to power any building that can afford their panels. The only drawback is that it is not always sunny in Philadelphia.

Wind

Wind energy is plentiful, renewable and a unique way to capture the invisible energy that blows across the planet. A number of scientists have suggested placing these “wind mills” in places like the Great Plains and even along the U.S. coastline. Some complain this would make the horizon less appealing and pose a safety threat to birds.

Geothermal

Deep within the earth is a molten rock core, but you don’t need to dig down too far before you start to feel the heat. Geothermal energy sources take this heat and use it to generate electricity, much like its solar cousin, only it is a much more reliable and constant source.

Tidal

Tides are as constant as the moon and are, for that reason, an attractive source of renewable energy. The “tide mills” have been used along the coastline of Europe and the U.S.

Hydroelectric

This is perhaps the most widely-used form of renewable energy, which produces virtually no waste. Water wheels, like the one on campus, have been used for centuries. In 2005, hydroelectricity supplied approximately 715,000 MWe, about 19 percent of the world’s electricity.