Overcoming the Challenges of Switching to Solar Energy
Switching to solar energy in Massachusetts has many benefits, but it’s not without its challenges. Any change to the source of your energy comes with obstacles, no matter how beneficial the outcome. At Renewables Worldwide, we are dedicated to helping as many people as possible gain access to solar energy. Our commitment includes understanding the challenges and how to overcome them. Solar power is becoming more common as a source of energy in Massachusetts and around the world, which means that the industry has more ways to overcome the challenges of making the switch to renewable energy.
Don’t let the challenges hold you back from switching to solar energy in Massachusetts. Here’s how we overcome the biggest obstacles.
Intermittency and Variability
Solar panels rely on sunlight, which is intermittent and varies depending on the weather conditions, time of day, and time of year. During the day, there is always some sunlight for the solar panels to absorb, but you won’t get direct sunlight all day, even with ideal placement and the best weather conditions. Energy storage is crucial to make up for the intermittent nature of solar power. The most common method of energy storage is batteries, and engineers are developing new and more efficient methods all the time.
High Initial Costs
The cost of switching to renewable energy is decreasing, but the initial costs still remain high. Investing in something new is always a concern for a business, but the use of solar energy will pay for itself over time. In some circumstances, there are incentives from the state or federal government that help offset the initial cost. Even without those incentives, the reduced cost of using solar energy will make up for the initial investment.
Technology and Infrastructure
Updating the electrical grid to accommodate alternative energy sources can be a barrier to switching to solar. However, in the state of Massachusetts, the community is invested in making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, solar energy accounted for 22% of the state’s net electricity generation and 61% of the solar energy generated in New England in 2022. With the state’s continued commitment to renewable energy, business owners can feel confident that switching to solar energy will continue to be a reliable choice.
