While alternative energy sources seem to be the in-thing today, not all the press it has gotten is good. Everything has pros and cons. However, it’s just as important to distinguish fact from fiction when weighing common perceptions about alternative energy. Here are some of the most common misconceptions:
They are always cheaper than non-renewable energy sources
Misconception: Sources of renewable energy can provide savings. However, the operative word is “can.” For example, various vehicles on the market today use a blend of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. The cost of such hybrids can range from about $23,000 to over $60,000. This is based on several factors, such as whether the vehicle is a sedan or an SUV, whether it’s a basic model or one with tons of extras, and so on.
Fact: The initial cost of using renewable energy sources are typically higher than when using non-renewable energy sources. Consider that a “hybrid” vehicle can have a price tag that’s $10,000 or more than a comparable vehicle that operates exclusively on gas. Also, consider that hybrid vehicles still use non-renewable energy sources. So, due to the technology available, there’s somewhat of a compromise when choosing them. The good news is that sources of renewable energy can indeed pay for themselves. However, this is based on several different factors. How much of the energy source is available? What’s the initial cost of the energy source? How much energy is needed? Such factors will determine the bottom line when using sources of renewable energy. For example, an 8-kilowatt solar panel system can cost $70,000 USD or more. So recouping the initial costs could take decades.
They never produce any pollution when we use them
