Renewable energy is at the forefront of most discussions on technology, industrialization, modernization and even at household dinner tables.
There are many different ways that renewable energy can not only help you but the world around you. With everything though, there are trade-offs for being able to harness the sunlight to produce solar energy or the kinetic power of the wind using wind turbines. This article will help you to see some of the benefits of renewable energy along with their biggest downfalls.
Pros of Renewable Energy
Being part of the clean future that will follow, renewable energy has way more benefits than downfalls.
1. Renewable Energy is Endless
The sources for solar, wind, water and geothermal power are endless. The beauty of this energy outlet is that it has endless potential to produce clean power and never runs out. No matter where you live, there is a greener alternative that can meet your energy needs.
- Home solar systems allow you to power your home no matter where you live in the U.S. and can make you able to be independent of a power grid.
- Hydroelectric energy provides power through water turbines that rotate using falling or fast moving water. Chances are if you live near a river, lake, or any body of water, then some of your energy comes from a dam feeding a hydroelectric power plant.
- Wind turbines are a common feature of Midwestern American plains. The large wind farms can produce power at any time of day.
- Geothermal energy uses the heat provided by the core of our planet to produce hot water and clean electricity, and is a green energy source that never runs out.
2. Produces Environmental and Health Benefits
Renewable energy sources are better for mankind and also for the environment.
They don’t release greenhouse gases, can use limitless sources of energy, and compared to fossil fuels, they don’t pose health risks coming from power plants and mining processes of fossil fuels like coal, oil or natural gas.
There are also no risks of airborne contaminants from the production of solar and wind energy like there is with burning coal, oil or natural gas.
- Burning coal for energy and heat production poses multiple health risks such as respiratory and cardiac illnesses, and increases the risks of certain cancers.
- There are no health risks associated with green energy.
3. They Pay for Themselves! And Save You Money in the Long Run
An average solar PV system, is usually paid off within 8 years of usage. Afterward, having little to no electric bill means that you put a good amount of money in your pocket each year!
These systems allow you to produce most of your energy needs. In the long run, these systems make a great investment in your home and they help you to save money while having a clean and endless source of energy at your disposal.
Cons of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy will help mankind to reduce its use of fossil fuels, even if it has a few disadvantages.
1. High Upfront Costs
One of the biggest downfalls of renewable energy is still represented today by its high upfront costs. Installing solar panels is more costly than plain roof tiles. Building a large wind turbine uses a large amount of materials and manpower. Each of these clean tech systems have high start-up costs that can make them less appealing to many customers.
- The average costs of a home solar system is around $20,000.
- For an average geothermal system, and only if your home is in an eligible location, you will pay around $10,000.
- To build utility scale wind turbine that can power a city or town, you have to pay for each one between $1.3 and $2.2 million.
While the costs of renewable energy seem high now though, it is important to note that over the last 10 years alone, the costs have been cut in half for sources like solar power. These are outweighed even more by the tax cuts, incentives, and rebates for owners to go green.
2. Production Isn’t Consistent
No matter which green method you use to produce your energy, there are always days with no sunlight and no wind. This means that you’ll need a backup method for power generation or you have to remain hooked up to the grid.
While renewable energy sources can cover most of our power needs, we still have days when we do better with renewables and days when we will draw more energy from the grid because our renewable energy system will not be capable to generate power.
Conclusion
Renewable energy is here to stay a very long period of time.
Tell us what you think. Did we miss a pro or con of renewable energy? Do you have a home solar system that saves you money each month? How much? Are you glad you leaped? Comment down below.
