Alternative power sources have been used by mankind for a very long time. Alternative power resources provided solutions to problems of heat and light during the early civilizations. Renewable energy resources like solar power and wind power were familiar to the people in early times. Many people built their houses in a direction where they could get maximum exposure to sunlight to get solar energy. Wind power was used for sailing of boats. Thus alternative power sources in earlier times were used to meet energy requirements and for transportation.
Alternative power resources in the present day are an economical and convenient means that can be used to meet the ever increasing energy demands. Development of alternative power sources is being made by the use of expensive and innovative technologies so that these sources can be used to meet the energy requirements of the nations of the world.
The use of alternative power is increasing day by day and is also being promoted because it is generated from renewable energy sources that will never end and therefore alternative power will always be available for use. The use of alternative power resources does not adversely affect the environment. These sources are also less expensive as compared to fossil fuels.
In a situation where the fuel prices are ever increasing and the reserves of coal and petroleum are fast declining, only alternative power sources have the ability and capacity to meet the energy demands of the world that were earlier fulfilled by sources like coal and petroleum.