Barriers to Adopting Renewable Power and Technology

Many people agree that renewable energy will power the future. However, there is a decided lack of adoption among many groups, including individuals, businesses, and governments. This hesitation could be partially due to the existing barriers to adopting renewable technology. Understanding what they are is the first step to overcoming them. Let's take a look.

High Upfront Cost

Most renewables have a significant upfront investment. Depending on the setup you are looking for, it can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars. For large-scale commercial installations, you can go even higher. For example, a grid-tied rooftop solar system costs about $20,000. Unfortunately, this investment puts renewables out of reach for many households and small businesses. The story doesn't end there, though. Green energy consulting provides companies with a comprehensive renewable strategy. There are also tax incentives and rebates that can help reduce the upfront cost. 

Fear of Insufficient Power Generation

When developing a renewable power source, concerns about having sufficient power for everyday activities and extra needs are common. After all, no one wants to wake up only to discover that their battery supply ran out overnight. A grid-tied renewable system, whether solar or wind, can help alleviate those concerns. It allows users to take advantage of renewable power when generation is sufficient but can switch back to traditional power sources when needed. In addition, if net metering is available, that can also further reduce some of the cost barriers to adoption.  This concern is similar to the range anxiety many new electric vehicle owners face. That held back the adoption of EVs, which are becoming more popular as charging infrastructure expands to meet the growing demand. It is possible that homeowners and businesses can also find peace of mind as backup sources expand in the future.

Unfamiliar Technology

It's perfectly normal for people to be wary of the unfamiliar, and since renewable technology is rapidly changing, a lot of it is very foreign to most people. This can significantly reduce the willingness to spend a large chunk of money on a system. Exploring this barrier starts with acknowledging that many aspects of renewable technology are new. They are also rapidly changing and evolving to meet demands. However, the basics of many current systems are years, if not decades, old.  For example, look at solar panels. A quick check of the development timeline shows that the first photovoltaic panels in the U.S. were developed in the mid-1950s. Over nearly 70 years, that technology has changed a lot; efficiency has improved; and PV cells have gotten smaller, thinner, and lighter — but the core principles remain the same. People concerned with a lack of understanding can benefit from educational programming designed to promote renewable technology. It is readily available in many communities as governments push for green technology adoption. 

Siting Power Generation

One of the most significant barriers is the typical "not in my backyard" mentality regarding large-scale renewable power generation. Many rural areas that would otherwise be perfect for a large solar array or wind farm resist their installation. There are concerns about runoff, noise, and a loss of character within the surrounding communities, among other things. Ultimately, no matter how much some people say they support renewable energy, they don't want to look out the back door and see row after row of solar panels.  This also carries through into residential renewable systems. For example, houses in neighborhoods governed by homeowners associations may have trouble getting approval for rooftop solar or wind turbines. Additionally, townhouses and condos often have restrictions about what is allowed, which can cause further issues.  Barriers to the adoption of renewable power are significant. However, solutions exist to overcome them. For example, developing a green energy strategy or taking advantage of tax credits can help reduce some of the upfront costs of installing a system. Much hinges on individuals and businesses prioritizing green energy and conservation practices.