Renewable Energy FAQs

Understanding the facts about renewable energy and its affordability, reliability and integration is crucial for making informed decisions about our energy future.

Renewable energy is still new to many, so it’s natural to have questions about its types, reliability and efficiency.

Let’s explore common questions and answers to better understand its role in our future.

What types of renewable energy systems are there?

Renewable energy systems generate power using naturally replenishing resources like the sun, wind and Earth’s heat. According to the U.S Energy Information Administration, wind is the most common renewable source in the United States, followed by hydropower and solar energy.

• Wind: Uses turbines, located either onshore or offshore, to transform wind into power.
• Hydropower: Generates electricity from the energy of flowing water, often using dams or run-of-river systems.
• Solar: Converts sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) panels or generates heat using solar thermal systems.
• Geothermal: Captures heat from beneath the Earth’s surface for electricity generation or direct heating.
• Biomass: Burns organic materials like wood or agricultural waste to produce heat or electricity.

Is renewable energy affordable?

Renewable energy has become more affordable in recent years. Solar panel prices have dropped by nearly 90%, onshore wind by 70% and battery costs by more than 95%. The cost of solar energy alone has fallen from $359 per megawatt-hour (MWh) to around $40 per MWh making it one of the most affordable power sources available. (A MWh is a unit of energy that provides enough electricity to power approximately 750 homes for one hour.)

As renewable energy expands, costs are expected to keep falling. In recent years, renewables accounted for most new power capacity worldwide, adding hundreds of gigawatts annually.

Is renewable energy reliable? For example, does solar still generate power on a cloudy day?

Solar and wind are two of the most common renewable energy sources, but they’re also intermittent, meaning their availability changes with the sun and wind. What happens when these resources aren’t available?

Several factors help keep renewable energy reliable.

• First, using a mix of sources makes the power supply more stable. For example, geothermal energy and hydropower (which aren’t affected by the weather) provide consistent energy.
• Second, battery storage is improving, allowing extra power from sunny or windy days to be saved for later.
• Third, “smart grids” help manage electricity flow, directing energy where it’s needed most. Backup systems add another layer of security.

Together, these technologies ensure a steady and reliable power supply.

Does switching to renewable energy mean an increase in power outages?

Switching to renewable energy doesn’t increase power outages. To effectively integrate renewable energy, modern technologies, such as battery energy storage systems, smart grids to manage electricity flow and reliable backup systems are needed. When renewable energy is combined with these upgrades, grid reliability increases and outages can be reduced. For example, installing rooftop solar and battery storage in homes and businesses can provide power locally during emergencies.

How does renewable energy increase energy efficiency in the home?

Renewable energy systems can offer clean, sustainable power and lower your utility bills.

• Residential solar: Harnessing the sun’s power can reduce electricity costs and lessen demand on the grid. In some areas, excess solar energy can be sold back to the grid through “net metering,” putting money back into your pocket.
• Energy storage: Pair solar with a battery system to store solar power for use at night or during peak demand, further reducing costs and easing pressure on the grid.
• Geothermal heating and cooling: Tap into the Earth’s consistent underground temperatures for efficient heating and cooling. According to energy.gov, these systems can reduce energy consumption by 25% – 50% and reach peak efficiencies of 300% – 600% on the coldest nights.

Want to explore your options? Contact your local utility to see what incentives and programs are available.

Do residential renewable energy systems require a lot of maintenance?

Residential renewable energy systems are known to be low maintenance.

• Solar panels need occasional cleaning and periodic checks of the inverter, with minimal long-term upkeep.
• Geothermal systems require regular filter replacements and occasional inspections of the underground loop and heat pump.

Will solar panels damage my roof?

Properly installed solar panels are safe for roofs and shouldn’t cause damage. When they are mounted on secure racks with specialized brackets, they evenly distribute weight. Plus, they can extend a roof’s lifespan by shielding it from UV rays and temperature variations.