The Walleye
9
LIVING
GREEN
The Walleye
9
ENERGY AND THE SUN
By Larry Hogard
The geographical location of
Thunder Bay offers long daylight
hours and high wind velocities off
of Lake Superior. Alternative en-
ergy systems are dotted all across
this region, particularly in rural
areas. Take a drive down Devon
Road and count how many solar
panels you see. Or go for tea at
the Silver Islet Store and gaze at
the row of wind turbines along the
shore. Sun and wind are the pow-
ers that service these communities.
Energy that comes from the sun
is solar radiation. All energy on
earth is solar. This means all en-
ergy sources can be traced back to
the sun at one time or another.
Older, stored sun energy in the
form of coal and fossil fuels drive
our world's economy and the
global population relies heavily on
its refined products. However, oil
reserves are depleting and it is be-
coming more and more costly and
unsustainable to tap into what
remains.
Fresh sun energy, such as sun-
light and wind, is immediately
available and combined together,
almost always accessible. Solar and
wind power are the fastest grow-
ing energy technologies in the
world today.
Small scale power production
is viable, simple and relatively
non-invasive with respect to the
environment. However, making it
happen takes effort. Take a minute
and call up one of the local alter-
native energy retailers from the
phone book. You will quickly dis-
cover putting together an energy
system is more than a one step
operation.
The slow change that is hap-
pening among energy consumers
is subtle, but it is real. It is real
because of increased awareness
and education among the general
public and this change will con-
tinue because of the desire and
need to conserve energy and save
money.
Remember, the sun is the force
for all life on earth and thus, it is
the source for all the energy we
use. How can we achieve the abil-
ity to harness its power efficiently,
safely and sustainably and still
service everyone's needs? It can
be done, but not without techno-
logical change and a mind-shift
within government, industry and
individuals.
Our energy demands rely on
readily available energy. There are
many choices and combinations
of energy sources we can take
advantage of. The key to decid-
ing what resources we tap into is
education.
What is the first rule of educa-
tion? It is, `start from the begin-
ning.' Where is the beginning? It
is at the sun.
phot
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: Larr
y Hogar
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phot
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: Larr
y Hogar
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