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Clean energy can light up the world just as well as traditional forms – while keeping Earth green. Photograph: Laura Weyer/Getty
Clean energy can light up the world just as well as traditional forms – while keeping Earth green. Photograph: Laura Weyer/Getty

Five alternative energy myths – debunked

Using new energy sources naturally raises questions about how they work and why they are better options than fossil fuels

Fossil fuels have powered our society for more than a century. But our energy mix is undergoing a transformation toward low-carbon alternatives such as wind and solar, in order to cut carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. Using these fairly new energy sources naturally raises questions about how they work and why they are better options than fossil fuels. Here are five common myths about renewable energy.

Myth #1: Renewable energy gets no love

Solar and wind energy are relative newcomers to our electric grid, so they have yet to become major sources of electricity. But their low-carbon footprints are winning fans among consumers and businesses. In fact, a solar energy system was installed every two and a half minutes across the United States in 2014. Utilities in many states are increasingly serving clean energy to their customers. In California, more than a fifth of the electricity comes from renewable sources, and that is set to increase to a third by 2020. Businesses, such as Target and Ben & Jerry’s, along with the homes of dozens of major sports teams such as the New England Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers, all rely on solar for part of their energy needs.

Myth #2: Renewable energy is expensive

New technology tends to come down in cost as it becomes more commonplace. The same has been true for renewable energy. For example, the cost of operating a wind power plant has dropped nearly 60% since 2009. New wind farms that come online in 2020 are expected to cost less to operate than coal or natural gas power plants. Solar is getting cheaper for consumers, too. The average price for a home solar energy system fell about 49% since 2009. More financing options, from leases to loans, are making solar energy more affordable — it can even lower your monthly utility bills. Renewable energy already costs comparatively or even less than fossil fuel power in some places in the world.

Myth #3: Renewable energy isn’t reliable

Just because wind and solar power plants can’t generate electricity around the clock doesn’t mean they cannot be reliable energy sources. Wind and solar complement each other because wind tends to kick up speed at night, causing turbines to generate more electricity, while solar energy production takes place during the day. The emergence of batteries and other energy storage equipment also makes it possible to bank solar and wind energy and give utilities the flexibility to use it whenever there’s demand, not just when the energy is produced. Other types of renewable energy, such as hydropower, geothermal and biomass, are able to produce electricity around the clock.

Myth #4: Electric cars are expensive

With far fewer models than gasoline cars, electric cars may not show up in automotive ads as frequently to catch your attention. But that doesn’t mean they are far more expensive. Four electric car models currently have a starting price of less than $30,000, before factoring in federal or state incentives. Consumers who love luxury cars can now choose electric BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Using electricity to power cars tends to be cheaper than relying on gasoline. Maintenance costs for electric cars also are projected to be less. With zero emissions and lower cost of ownership, electric cars are not just making their way to consumers’ garages; they also are being added to corporate and taxi fleets.

Myth #5: Electric car batteries have a short lifespan

Electric cars use lithium-ion batteries, which can pack far more energy and last longer than the lead-acid batteries that sit next to the engine of the gasoline cars. Instead of lasting a few years, lithium-ion batteries are projected to last more than 10 years. Electric car makers such as Nissan and Tesla Motors are offering eight-year battery warranties. After that use, batteries may not hold enough charge to provide the quick burst of power needed to run a car, but they should still be able to store plenty of electricity (70-80%) and could find a second life, such as storing excess electricity from rooftop solar panels. Battery and car makers also are working on boosting how much batteries can hold energy – which extends the driving range per charge – without increasing their size and weight.

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