Renewable energy is an important part of creating a diverse energy mix and, as a result, a more resilient grid. It is therefore important to understand the different kinds of renewable energy available and their pros and cons.

In this guide, we will dive into solar, wind, hydroelectric power, and more to give you an overview of the most common renewable energy options. Let’s get started.

solar farm

How does solar energy work

As a community solar provider, it’s no surprise that this was the first one on our list. Solar energy converts sunlight, an abundant natural resource, into electricity. When sunlight hits the surface of a photovoltaic (PV) panel, it energizes the electrons inside. As these electrons move within the cell, they create an electrical current. This is how the sunlight gets converted to electricity! PV systems are often installed on rooftops or fields, typically in areas that receive a lot of direct sunlight to maximize their ability to produce clean energy. Let’s dive into some of the benefits of solar energy, as well as some of solar's potential drawbacks.

What are the benefits of solar energy

One of the pros of solar energy is that it is a virtually endless resource. As long as there are functional PV systems installed to convert the sunlight, solar will continue to be a viable source of energy. Furthermore, because there is a virtually endless supply of sunlight, solar is a viable addition to our energy mix. With the right infrastructure, solar can be a cost-effective and reliable energy addition. There are also financial incentives for solar installation and development, at both residential and commercial scales, further supporting the deployment of solar energy.

What are the downsides of solar energy

One of the cons of solar energy is that residential solar can come at a steep upfront cost. Over time, it can lead to significant electricity cost savings, however, the upfront investment is not a viableoption for many. Furthermore, there are a number of conditions tied to direct sunlight access that may impact one’s ability to install solar on their roof or property. It is important to consider that these conditions are less of a barrier for large-scale solar farms and apply primarily to residential solar installation. Subscribing to one of these larger solar farms through a community solar program is a great solution for those who do not have the right type of roof for solar, rent their homes, or do not wish to undergo costly installation.

wind farm

How does wind energy work

Wind energy relies on the natural power of the wind for electricity generation and is a great energy solution along coastlines or other high-wind areas. When the wind blows, the blades on wind turbines spin, and this spinning drives a generator that produces electricity. Like solar, wind energy makes use of an abundant natural resource. Let’s explore some of the benefits of wind energy and any potential drawbacks.

What are the advantages of wind energy

Wind is an abundant natural resource and the cost to operate wind turbines once they are installed is low, thereby offering long-term savings on energy. Much like large-scale solar farms, the development of wind farms can also facilitate economic growth through the jobs created for the construction, operations, and maintenance of these farms. Not to mention, wind farms can coexist with agricultural land and can, therefore, provide an additional income source for landowners.

What are the disadvantages of wind energy

Much like solar, one of the primary downsides of wind is that the initial installation comes at a steep upfront cost. Although maintenance costs are quite low, this initial investment can be a deterrent. Additionally, how much wind power a wind turbine produces depends on how much wind there is, which can make it an inconsistent source of power generation and establish the need for energy storage systems as backup. Wind turbines can also have a notable visual and auditory impact on landscapes and the communities that surround them, which can often lead to opposition. Intentional siting of wind turbines can help alleviate some of the primary concerns, making it worth considering.

Hydroelectric Dam

How does hydroelectric power work

Hydroelectric power relies on the flow of water to generate electricity. Bodies of water are redirected to flow through turbines in a dam, spinning them and activating a generator. This generator converts the energy from the spinning turbines into electricity. This process is like that of wind turbines! Hydroelectricity is often revered as an energy source that is stable and reliable. Let’s explore the pros and cons in greater depth.

What are the benefits of hydroelectric energy

Hydroelectric power stands out for its reliability as compared to other renewable energy options. Unlike solar and wind, the flow of water through dams can be easily controlled to ensure that energy production needs are consistently being met. This makes hydroelectricity an excellent addition to the grid. By providing energy at a stable rate, it works to support grid reliability.

What are the drawbacks of hydroelectric energy

One of the main cons of hydroelectric power is that its construction can disrupt wildlife and natural habitats. These changes can have a trickle-down effect on a range of native species and adversely affect biodiversity. In addition, hydroelectric dams involve extensive construction, which comes at a steep cost and involves a more complex logistics and planning process than wind or solar. However, as hydroelectric technology continues to develop, efforts are being made to mitigate the risk to local ecosystems and native species.

geothermal power plant

How does geothermal energy work

Geothermal energy leverages the Earth’s natural heat as a source of power. Geothermal energy is accessed by digging wells to access hot water and steam underground. This steam is used to propel turbines which are connected to generators, creating energy! Heat from the Earth’s core is abundant, making geothermal energy a reliable source of energy.

Pros of geothermal energy

One of the primary benefits of geothermal energy, setting it apart from solar and wind, is its efficiency. Geothermal energy is not weather-dependent, making it a more reliable year-round option.

Cons of geothermal energy

The exploration and drilling associated with developing geothermal plants often require a significant upfront investment of resources, creating a barrier to entry for projects. Furthermore, while geothermal energy is not tied to the seasons, it is limited to geographic areas with significant accessible underground heat, which can be restrictive.

All in all, there is a range of different renewable energy options and every day, renewable energy technology continues to develop. This creates scalable renewable energy solutions that can strengthen our energy grid and improve its reliability.