From heating to lighting, to power vehicles and our devices, energy affects every aspect of our lives. However, as environmental concerns grow, so too does the need to switch over to renewable sources of energy. Unfortunately, there is often a lot of misinformation about alternative energy which can lead to confusion. Here are 6 of the biggest energy myths and why you shouldn’t believe them.
1. Renewable Energy Is Too Expensive
Although this may have been true in the early 2000s. The price of renewable energy is now just as cheap, if not cheaper, than electricity generated from fossil fuels. In fact, since 2010, the price of all types of renewable energy has been steadily decreasing, whilst the cost of fossil fuels is on the increase. Investing in renewable energy sources is therefore a financially sensible decision and a worthwhile investment.
2. Wind Power Is Too Unreliable
Wind power is predicted to be able to power more than 30% of the world’s electricity. “It can be intermittent. However, as technology continues to rapidly develop, so too are better energy storage methods being developed to help ensure that energy can be stored at times of surplus and used later when power is in demand. Investment in better quality electricity distribution systems will also allow for surplus energy generated from wind to be easily exported to other areas which require it,” says Brian Mackie, a business writer at 1 Day 2 write and Writemyx.
3. Renewable Energy Requires Too Much Land Space
It’s true that both solar arrays and wind farms require a fair amount of space. However, when you compare the number of square kilometers that would be required to power a whole country, the proportion of land actually being used is fairly small. Moreover, as technology continues to evolve and become increasingly efficient, newer models of renewable energy require less land space in order to be able to generate the same amount (or greater) of energy.
4. Solar Panels Are Too Expensive For Ordinary People
There is a popular myth that solar panels and access to renewable energy are reserved for the wealthy, whilst the working classes are unable to access them due to high costs. However, solar panels have dramatically reduced in price and it’s now cheaper than ever to install them. Moreover, there are often government incentives (including financial support) available. Adding solar panels to your home can also help to increase its market value, meaning that it’s not only good for the environment but also a good financial investment.
5. Wind Turbines Cost More To Make Than The Energy They Generate
The result of an incorrect quote, this myth. Unfortunately, went viral on Facebook and has since led many to mistakenly believe that wind turbines use up more energy in being built than they generate. However, this is only the case if wind turbines are placed in a poor location.
“When placed on a good site, it’s estimated that a wind turbine can generate the same amount of energy that was invested in making it within three years or less. Newer wind turbines are increasingly more efficient, require minimal maintenance, and their locations are more carefully considered than ever before, making them cost-effective and a worthwhile investment,” says Michelle Coleman, a lifestyle blogger at Brit student and Next coursework.
6. Renewable Energy Will Lead To Loss Of Jobs
Many people worry that the introduction of renewable energy sources will lead to a significant loss of jobs. Particularly in areas that have historically relied upon fossil fuels as their main source of employment. However, renewable energy can actually offer the opportunity for many new jobs to create. As well as having multiple industries to specialize in (e.g., solar, hydro, and wind). There will also need to be further jobs created in construction, as well as subsequent sub-industries. The result, therefore, will likely be an increase in jobs being created.
Conclusion
It has perhaps never been more important than now to seriously invest in renewable energy. As well as becoming increasingly more efficient, renewable energy is also becoming cheaper and more affordable for all. By investing in renewable energy, you are also investing in the generation of more jobs. As well as the survival of our planet.
Michael Dehoyos is an experienced content marketer and editor at Thesis writing service and Write my essay, where he works closely with companies of all sizes to improve their marketing strategy concepts. He has also contributed to numerous other websites and publications throughout the country, as well as being a writer at Origin Writings. A committed environmentalist, Michael enjoys finding ways to live more sustainably and making his home eco-friendlier in his spare time.
