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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable Energy EnergySage
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable Energy EnergySage
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Table of contents
Here are some of the most important pros and cons of using clean, renewable
energy:
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Renewable energy won’t run out. Renewable energy has high upfront
costs.
The use of fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants that
lead to respiratory and cardiac health issues. With renewable energy, you’re
helping decrease these pollutants' prevalence and contributing to a healthier
atmosphere.
The use of fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants that
lead to respiratory and cardiac health issues. With renewable energy, you’re
helping decrease these pollutants' prevalence and contributing to a healthier
environment.
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
The United States has a diverse geography with varying climates, topographies,
vegetation, etc. This creates a beautiful melting pot of landscapes but also
means that some geographies are more suitable for renewable technologies than
others. For example, a large property in a rural area with open space may be an
excellent place for a residential wind farm or a large-scale solar farm. At the same
time, a townhome in a city covered in shade from taller buildings wouldn’t be able
to reap the benefits of either technology. There are other options if your property
isn’t suitable for a personal renewable energy technology. If you’re interested in
solar but don’t have a sunny property, you can often still benefit from renewable
energy by purchasing green power or enrolling in a community solar option.
Solar power uses energy from the sun to generate electricity and heat.
Tidal produces electricity with special generators that leverage the surges
of the ocean created during rising and falling tides. Hydrogen: utilized as
fuel and electricity when separated from other elements like oxygen.
Nuclear energy, while not technically renewable, is often lumped in with the
abovementioned sources. Nuclear power has the potential to provide
electricity generation on a massive scale with zero emissions, making it an
intriguing part of our energy future.
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