| The definition of renewable energy is dependent on | | | | bump is created by the difference in height between |
| the term renewable. An energy source that naturally | | | | the road and the lowered panel. |
| replenishes is considered renewable. Unlike fossil fuels | | | | Under the panel, 2000 watts of instant energy is |
| which take millions of years to form, wind, rain, water | | | | created for every passing car. With 1000 cars passing |
| and sunlight are self contained and naturally | | | | over the speed bump every day, 2,000,000 watts or |
| replenishing, thus renewable. | | | | 2000 kilowatts are produced every day. |
| Many people think solar energy, the most popular form | | | | Over the course of a month, that number jumps to |
| of renewable energy, is a new concept. The truth is | | | | 60,000 kilowatts. That is enough electricity to power 60 |
| solar panels were used as far back as the 1920s to | | | | average homes for an entire month! |
| heat water in lieu of more expensive electrical heating | | | | This type of kinetic energy harvesting is not limited to |
| systems. | | | | speed bumps. In Israel, roadways are being tested that |
| Renewable Energy Past to Present | | | | collect small amounts of energy as cars pass over the |
| When fossil fuels were unearthed, much of the | | | | special roadway surface. |
| previous solar energy use was abandoned for the | | | | The amount of energy is small, at an average of 400 |
| cheaper, more reliable fossil fuels. As these fuels | | | | kilowatts per kilometer (0.6 miles). While this does not |
| began to have an impact on the environment and their | | | | seem like a lot of energy, if the entire United States |
| levels diminished, a resurgence of the renewable | | | | interstate system were converted to kinetic energy |
| energy sources occurred. | | | | harvesting material, the 75,000 km would produce |
| Today, wind farms, solar electrical plants and solar | | | | 30,000,000 kilowatts of power. That is one very new |
| thermal plants are used to power entire towns and | | | | and innovative definition of renewable energy! |
| cities. | | | | The world is just beginning to see the potential kinetic |
| Alternative energy communities are also popping up | | | | energy has as a renewable source of electricity. |
| throughout the world with Canada being the first | | | | Tokyo is installing flooring that harvests energy from |
| country to boast of an entire community based on | | | | daily subway visitors. Dance clubs are utilizing the |
| solar energy. Technology is constantly changing and | | | | energy created from movement on the floor to |
| the future definition of renewable energy is also | | | | harvest energy. |
| changing. | | | | Even asphalt is being considered as a prime material |
| The Future of Renewable Energy | | | | for harvesting thermal energy in desert climates where |
| Everything that moves creates energy. This fact | | | | roadways can reach temperatures hot enough to fry |
| applies to wind, water and sunlight which are the most | | | | an egg. |
| commonly used renewable energy sources. However, | | | | There are an abundant supply of new and innovative |
| the movement of man is also being viewed as a | | | | renewable energy solutions available to help us to |
| source of renewable energy. | | | | transition our world to more sustainable and |
| Speed bumps that harvest kinetic energy are one | | | | environmentally friendly solutions. Even today there are |
| concept currently being tested by New Energy | | | | many new technologies that can help us to heat our |
| Technologies. The "bumps" are actually an inversion of | | | | homes, recharge our batteries and light our yards using |
| the typical motion inhibitors. These flat panels sink | | | | clean, green energy sources. |
| slightly into the ground when a car passes over. The | | | | |