As the UK, and the world, transitions into a low-carbon future, renewable energy not just an idea anymore – it’s a necessity for everyone. Despite the dire need for it, renewable energy myths still run rampant, slowing down progress and creating mass confusion with consumers, policymakers, and businesses.
With this comprehensive guide, we aim to debunk the top 10 myths about renewable energy using data, expert insights, and real-world examples. Whether you’re an energy professional, homeowner, or policy advocate, this article will help to equip you with facts to counter these common misconceptions.
Myth: Renewable Energy Is Too Unreliable for Large-Scale Use
The Truth: Renewable Energy Systems, combined with storage and grid technology, are hugely reliable and scalable.
Yes, wind and solar are variable but they are not inherently unreliable. To balance supply and demand, modern energy systems use battery storage, interconnected grids, diversified energy sources, and demand-side management.
Demand Side Management or DSM is a strategy used by utilities to control electricity demand by influencing customer behavior and encouraging them to modify their consumption patterns.
The 2023 World Energy Outlook published by the International Energy Agency confirmed that renewables are able to reliably support the global electricity needs with the proper infrastructure.
Myth: Renewable Energy Is Far Too Expensive
The Truth: Renewable Energy methods are now the cheapest form of new power generation in most regions.
According to the Levelized Cost of Energy+ report published in 2024 by Lazard, renewable energy is ‘cost-competitive with conventional generation, which will lead to the continued displacement of fossil fuels.’
Renewable energy for homes has also never been more accessible with help from government backed grants such as the ECO4 scheme. Click the button below to see if you could qualify for free upgrades.
Myth: Renewable Energy Won’t Power a Country
The Truth: Many countries are already running primarily on renewable energy.
Iceland generates almost 100% of its electricity from hydro and geothermal sources. Costa Rica also operates at 98% renewable energy and has done for a few years. The UK regularly generates over 40% of its electricity from a combination of wind, solar, bioenergy, and hydroelectric sources.
For more on the countries that are leading the renewable charge click here: 11 Countries Leading the Charge on Renwable Energy
Myth: Building Renewable Infrastructure Creates More Emissions Than It Saves
The Truth: Renewable technologies have low lifecycle emissions and fast “carbon payback.”
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located in USA, the energy payback period for solar PV is anywhere between 1 to 4 years. Of course this is dependent on technology and the location of the system. Once this period is over, the system can produce emission free electricity for over 25 years!
Myth: Solar Panels Will Not Work in a Cold or Cloudy Climate
The Truth: Solar panels function efficiently even when the weather is grey and in northern climates
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) generate electricity from light rather than heat – in fact, cold temperatures can help solar panels work more efficiently.
Solar panels work well all across the UK and Germany. As one of the leading solar powers in the world, Germany has over 50 GW of PV installed, despite being positioned on a northern latitude.
Myth: Wind Panels Create too Much Noise and Harm Wildlife
The Truth: Modern wind turbines are quiet, and the risk posed to wildlife such as birds is minimal when compared to buildings and vehicles.
Noise levels of wind turbines are around 35-45 decibels at a distance of 300-500 meters. This noise level is comparable to the likes of a quiet offices or refrigerator, generally considered quieter than average city traffic.
They also cause fewer bird deaths than believed; cats and traffic are responsible for higher bird fatalities than windfarms.
Myth: There’s No Room for Wind and Solar Farms
The Truth: Renewables need less land overall than fossil fuel infrastructure.
Solar can be placed on rooftops of homes and businesses, car parks, and floating platforms.
Wind turbines are also usually situated on land shared with agriculture.
According to National Grid ESO’s ‘Future Energy Scenarios’, renewable energy deployment is feasible within the UK’s land area without displacing any key agricultural or natural spaces.
Myth: Jobs In Renewable Energy Are Not Sustainable or Local
The Truth: Clean energy jobs are thriving and span a range of skill levels.
In 2022, the renewable energy sector created over 639,000 full time positions (FTE’s) – and 8.4% increase since 2021 figures and a massive 19.9% increase from 2020. The figures are likely higher now and expected to grow even more by 2030 as the energy transition accelerates.
Myth: Renewable Energy is Only a Passing Trend
The Truth: Governments, businesses, and investors are committing a lot into a renewable powered future.
Over 140 countries have committed to net-zero targets, with most of them relying on clean energy.
Renewable energy is a huge part of the UK’s legally binding commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This is supported by political parties, and reflected in multi-billion-pound investment plans and legislation.
The long term mission? To give the British people lower energy costs, clean and secure power, with good jobs, to create security for our country.
Myth: Personal Choices Don’t Make a Difference
The Truth: Collective actions will ultimately drive systemic change.
Everyone one plays their part whether it’s installing a heat pump, solar panels, switching to a green energy tariff, or even advocating for the net zero goal. It’s every action that helps lower emissions and takes the demand for fossil fuels away.
Even small shifts, like reducing home energy waste or checking if your eligible for a government backed incentive can make a big difference.
Want to Bust the Renewable Energy Myths Yourself?
If you’re considering switching to a renewable energy system, we can help. Find out if you qualify for a government grant below with our easy to use form and discover the reality of a greener future.
