While you can save money using renewable energy, the technologies are typically more expensive upfront than traditional energy generators. To combat this, financial incentives such as tax credits and rebates are available to help alleviate your initial costs of renewable technology.
2. Intermittency
Though renewable energy resources are available around the world, many of these resources aren’t available 24/7, year-round. Some days may be windier than others,
the sun doesn’t shine at night, and droughts may occur for periods. Unpredictable weather events can disrupt these technologies, and the amount of energy we can
get from renewable power sources can be inconsistent. Fossil fuels are not intermittent, and power plants can be turned on or off at any time to provide an energy supply. Wondering if you should make the switch to renewables? Find out if an energy source like solar power is a good fit for you.
3. Storage capabilities
Because of the intermittency of some renewable energy sources, there’s a high need for energy storage. Storage technologies are available but can be expensive,
especially for large-scale renewable energy plants. It’s worth noting that energy storage capacity is growing as the technology progresses, and batteries are becoming
more affordable as time passes.
4. Geographic limitations
Geographic factors can also influence green energy production. Solar panels in Alaska will never be as efficient as solar panels in Nevada or solar panels in Colorado. On the other hand, geothermal energy is much more present in Alaska than on the east coast, and biomass coming from organic products is frequently used to heat homes and greenhouses.
5. Not 100% carbon-free
Using renewable energy has advantages and disadvantages; however, renewable energy does not come without carbon emissions. The entire carbon footprint with green energy comes from the production of renewable energy technologies, and the question of recycling solar cells and wind turbines is still to be answered. However,
as more green energy is sent through the grid, we will use more of it to produce renewable energy technologies. The effect is similar to exponential growth: the more
renewables you have, the less carbon is produced in making new solar panels and wind turbines.
6. Supply chain constraints
Renewables must have an effective distribution network created to transfer the energy where it’s needed on a large scale. These networks need non-renewable fuels to be generated, which offsets the benefits of renewable energy for a bit until it’s paid back. Additionally, politics can play a factor in installing renewable energy if it’s not a priority among local governments.
