Renewable Energy: Cheaper Than Ever

Renewable energy IS the sustainability discussion, providing a means to meet global power needs without depleting resources or exacerbating climate change. Technologies such as wind turbines, solar panels, and hydropower systems harness natural processes to produce electricity cleanly. With advancements in efficiency and infrastructure, renewable energy is no longer a concept; it's a major player in global energy markets.

Despite mostly widespread public and governmental support, renewable energy continues to face persistent misconceptions that hinder its adoption. One such belief is that renewable sources such as solar and wind cannot provide consistent or reliable power. In past decades, this concern had some truth due to the variability of sunlight and wind patterns. However, modern electrical grid systems, in combination with advanced battery storage solutions, have significantly lowered these issues by storing excess energy when supply exceeds demand and discharging it during periods of low generation (Smith 2021, 45). Many regions now operate smart grids capable of integrating multiple renewable sources alongside backup systems, ensuring that power delivery remains steady regardless of weather fluctuations.

One statistic which is frequently brought up against renewable energy is the increased bird deaths windmills cause, as seen in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a Stanford study.

This is not a factor, especially when compared to the fossil fuels in 2009. Another frequent misconception is that green energy is prohibitively expensive, a narrative often fueled by outdated economic data. More recent reports have shown that renewable energy costs have been falling steadily for over a decade due to technological improvements and market competition. (Dechezleprêtre 2020, 128). Today, the cost-per-kilowatt-hour for solar installations in several parts of the world is lower than that of coal, while on-shore wind energy, in many locations, can match or outperform natural gas prices in terms of affordability.

The three main renewable energy sources are wind, Hydro, and Solar. These are only a few of the many renewable energy sources

Mass production of solar panels and wind turbines has helped drive down manufacturing costs, while more efficient designs have improved energy output per unit. Government incentives, tax credits, and renewable standards have lowered the upfront investment required for homeowners, businesses, and utilities to transition to clean power systems, though this may be quickly changing.

Did you know Wind is a form of solar energy? The sun heats the Earth unevenly, which creates temperature differences in the atmosphere that cause air to move, resulting in wind

Maintenance expenses also tend to favor renewable energy over fossil fuel power plants. Wind turbines and solar arrays have fewer moving parts than coal or natural gas facilities, eliminating the need for constant mechanical upkeep and saving money over time. Once a solar panel or wind turbine is installed, its fuel—whether sunlight, water, or wind—is free indefinitely, shielding consumers from the quickly changing markets of global fuel and the geopolitical instability that often accompanies fossil fuel supply chains (Lee 2019, 213).

The long-term economic benefits of renewable energy extend beyond direct energy production. Reduced reliance on fossil fuels leads to lower levels of air pollution, which in turn decreases public healthcare costs by reducing respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and other pollution-related health issues.

Did you know Solar panels can have lifespans up to 30 years due to their lack of moving parts, and can even be recycled or refurbished at the end of their life

In addition, the renewable sector creates thousands of new jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and infrastructure development. These roles often provide stable employment and can restore local economies, especially in rural areas suited to large-scale wind and solar farms. Over time, these combined savings make renewables far more cost-effective than non-renewable options when factoring in both direct and indirect benefits.

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References

Dechezleprêtre, Antoine, and Misato Sato. "The Impacts of Environmental Regulations

on Competitiveness." Review of Environmental Economics and Policy, (2017). Accessed October 13, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1093/reep/rex013.

Smith, John. “Design and Simulation of Smart Grids for Improved Energy Distribution.”

American journal of mechanical engineering and technology. (2024). Accessed October 13, 2025. https://www.australiansciencejournals.com/ajmet/article/download/2138/2235.

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Simon Belda is a junior in high school, and they are in their first year with the Poudre Press. They are known for being a leader on the robotics team, and they enjoy experiencing the natural and mechanical worlds through photography. After high school, they plan to attend an engineering college for aerospace engineering.