It took a movie like "An Inconvenient Truth" to get the general public to realize that we are heading for some rough times on earth. Whether you agree or disagree with the premise of global warming, the fact remains that currently the world is dependent upon non-renewable energy sources. That dependency can and will eventually deplete the earth resources that give us our energy sources.

Renewable energy sources simple means the energy sources being used do not deplete, rather just the opposite, they are renewable. Which means you can continue to use these energy sources knowing that you are never going to deplete their sources. These renewable sources will continue to provide energy. Once the system is in place to operate, that is.

Currently, there are 3 types of renewable sources energy projects that are being heavily investigated to continue the worlds mass amount of energy usage. These renewable sources are solar energy projects, hydro or water energy projects, and wind energy projects.

Solar energy projects have been experimented with for years and years. The sun is a great source of both heat energy and light energy. Currently, the sun has the capability to provide the most renewable sources as there is little to do and it is always there.

Solar companies will be quick to point out that solar energy projects have many advantages over other forms of renewable sources. The solar energy projects for one are cost-effective and environment-friendly. Solar companies point out that they are usually lower maintenance systems, thus saving your time and effort. Finally, solar companies state that solar energy projects usually give you the quickest return on your investment, as the returns start right away after the project is in place.

Many people have experimented and continue to do so with solar energy projects. Every day people make solar heat collectors for both heated air and heated water. Several experiment with solar cookers making them as simple as cardboard boxes to more permanent metal types. Use of sunlight to light inside of houses via solar reflective tubes from the roof has become popular too.

The earth is covered with more water than any other substance. This make hydro energy projects easy to experiment with. Hydro energy projects can be something simple at home to very large energy projects that utilize dams to create electricity to an entire city.

For the home user, hydro energy projects can range to single experiments to large projects as well. If access to a lake, you can use an underground water system and a heat pump to both heat and cool your house instead of gas. If you are near flowing water, then you can create a number of different type hydro energy products to capture energy. From turbines to produce electricity to the old water wheel concept to drive systems or connect to generators. Using water has gained popularity because of the sheer amount available, making it one of the great renewable sources.

Wind energy projects have been utilized by man almost from the first time he felt it hit his face. Wind has been captured or used as sails to move boats, windmills to grind grains and eventually to pump water, move heavy items, and even as a source of generating electricity. More and more are creating a wind power home.

Wind energy projects are also easy to maintain once implemented. Using wind turbines to produce electricity can be scaled to use by a single home or larger systems to help supplement a whole community. They range in size from 5 feet in diameter to as large as 100s of feet in diameter. Using the wind as renewable resources makes sense in areas that have a constant air flow. Sometimes you only need to go a few feet above ground to catch an air stream.

For now, these are the main 3 types of renewable sources that are being heavily investigated. From large governments to the single home owner, these can be utilized now to reduce the dependency of non-renewable energies that can be eventually depleted. Perhaps it would be worth looking into on your own some renewable sources energy projects.