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Today, we hear a lot about alternative energies, sustainable energies, renewable energies and, of course, the word green, green, green. We know solar, wind and hydro power get a fair amount of attention when alternative energies get brought up. But what does it all mean and what does it mean for the electrical contractor?

We're constantly told of the need for alternative energies, even with oil prices down to levels not seen in years. While the price of gas has fallen considerably, the cost of utilities has not seen a dramatic fallback, or even much of a fallback. Utility bills are still high and are not expected to come down anytime soon — if ever. Hence, the need for energy efficient products continues as well as the need to seek and use alternative energies.

While there is a tendency to roll one's eyes when alternative energy is mentioned or even "green" products, the fact is electrical contractors can and will make money by pushing alternative energies and green products. In fact, many contractors already are making money.

Understanding the issues

Sustainable energy is generally defined both in terms of relatively low CO2 emissions as well as the ability to either renew, or to tap into, an almost infinite energy source. These two features are the hallmarks of an alternative energy source.

The key sources for alternative energy, excluding nuclear power are:

• Geothermal energy.
• Wind Power.
• Biomass.
• Solar power.
• Hydro-electrical Power.

Geothermal Energy. Geothermal energy is an excellent source of heat and energy, though it's still in a formative stage as an energy source. Of course, it is not really viable if one has to drill down a long way to capture the heat from the earth's molten core. The reality, though, is that for commercial and industrial applications, geothermal energy is being used. Even some high-end residential homes have geothermal ponds and equipment.

Wind Power. The wind's energy can be transferred into electricity by the use of wind turbines. These wind turbines are not fundamentally different from the windmills of old. Their large blades catch the wind and are turned, just like any other windmill. The difference is that these blades turn a shaft that uses magnets to generate electricity.

Biomass. This is basically the same method of energy generation as with fossil fuels. The only real difference being that the fuel has not been fossilised over millions of years and is from a renewable source. Just about any form of organic matter can be used as biomass, whether it is animal products, wood products, rubbish or even refined vegetable oils such as sunflower oil.