Alternative Energy Industry 

The alternative energy industry deals with research, development and delivery of alternative sources of energy or renewable energy. Renewable energy is energy from sources that will last forever. Such energy can be replenished. Solar energy, wind power, biomass and geothermal energy are some examples of renewable sources of energy. 

The alternative energy industry expanded during the year 2008. There were only 60 companies in 2005. As of August 2008, there are at least 160 publicly traded such companies. Some of the popular companies are GE Company, First Solar, Siemens, SunOpta, Vestas and SunTech.

Wind power industry designs, manufactures, constructs and maintains wind turbines. The wind power industry started in 1979 when Danish manufacturers began producing wind turbines. The wind power industries include many kinds of industries. The wind turbine manufactures are involved with testing, manufacturing, operation and maintenance of wind turbines. The wind farm developers operate and develop wind farms. Wind farm finance companies provide loans to wind farm developers and manufacturers. Then there are the wind power research companies that provide the wind industry with the required research and development. Finally, there are the wind power-managing owners whose job is the operation, maintenance and administration of the wind farms under their control. They sell the electricity generated from their farms to public utilities for a price. 

The solar energy industry or the photovoltaic industry is yet another industry within the alternative energy industry. When sunlight is converted to heat energy, it is called solar thermal energy. When energy from sunlight is directly converted to electricity, it is called photovoltaic energy. One application of solar thermal l energy is as a roof mounted system to heat swimming pools. Solar thermal energy can also be concentrated and used to drive turbines that generate electricity on a large scale. However, such electricity requires large concentrators and turbines and is not feasible for residential use. Solar power by use of interconnected solar cells can also generate electricity. The interconnected solar cells are made into solar panels, which are then mounted on rooftops or other areas, which have direct exposure to sunlight. Solar power has long been used in space program applications and for the last 30 years is being used in commercial applications. Germany is leading photovoltaic installer, followed by Spain, Japan and US.

Biomass and biofuels are the other industries in the renewable sector. The alternative energy industry is labor intensive promising more employment

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