What is Alternative Energy?

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 energy in regard to 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 context of the term “alternative energy,” it implies that there’s something conventional.

When it comes to the production of energy within the United States, the vast majority of electricity comes from the burning of 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 alternative energy sources – alternative to fossil fuels – and includes sources like nuclear, hydroelectric, geothermal, wind and solar.

Choose and control your home energy

See if you qualify for solar

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
Do you own your home?
What is your average monthly electric bill?
Thanks for your interest in Sunrun! To help you go solar, we need your approval to contact you. By clicking above, you agree that Sunrun may call & text you about Sunrun products at the phone number you entered above, using pre-recorded messages or an autodialer, even if your number is on a "Do Not Call" list. Msg & data rates may apply to text messages. Consent for calls & texts is optional. You can opt out anytime.

Thanks so much! We'll call you shortly.

Sorry, we are not taking new customers in your area yet

 

Refer a friend and get $350

Why pursue alternative energy?

Climate change is a topic on 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

And 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 energy sources enter the picture. Consumers are increasingly searching for ways to help mitigate dependence on fossil fuels, opting instead to generate their own electricity. 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 generating your own alternative energy, generally speaking, the most common off-the-shelf technologies are wind turbines and solar systems for homes. Of the two, solar is by far the most common.

And 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 accounted for 39% of all new electric generating capacity, and accounted for 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 Simply put, there’s never been a better time to go solar.

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.

Sunrun

Recommended Articles

Where's Sunrun

Sunrun has hundreds of thousands customers powering their homes with renewable energy each month. Locate solar services in your state.

Plans & Services

Find the best home solar plan within your budget today. You can go solar and save for little to $0 down with Sunrun.

Brightbox Battery Storage

Brightbox™ Battery makes storing and managing clean affordable solar energy simple and easy.

Solar Panels

Solar power is yours for the making. Sunrun creates home solar panel systems that optimize for efficiency, durability, service, and value.

Sunrun News

From solar news to smart home energy saving tips, learn how solar is helping thousands save on rising energy costs.

Solar Education

Learn how to go solar simply with Sunrun’s solar education center, including articles, videos & FAQs.

Cost of Solar

As electricity rates are rising the cost of solar panels have never been lower. Switch to home solar and save with Sunrun.

Utilities

Find out more on how to lower your electric bill, how to read your electric bill once you go solar, and which green initiatives your utility is focused on today.