Pros and cons of renewable energy - wind power, solar and biomass.

Disadvantages

• The strength of the wind is not constant and it varies. This means that wind turbines do not produce the same amount of electricity all the time. There will be times when they produce no electricity at all.
• Many people feel that the countryside should be left untouched, without these large structures being built. The landscape should left in its natural form for everyone to enjoy.
•  Wind turbines are noisy. Each one can generate the same level of noise as a family car travelling at 70 mph.
• Many people see large wind turbines as unsightly structures and not pleasant or interesting to look at. They disfigure the countryside and are generally ugly.
• When wind turbines are being manufactured some pollution is produced. Therefore wind power does produce some pollution.
• Large wind farms are needed to provide entire communities with enough electricity. For example, the largest single turbine available today can only provide enough electricity for 475 homes, when running at full capacity. This is clearly not enough

Solar power advantages and disadvantages

Solar power is probably the cleanest, most viable form of renewable energy available and it can be used in several forms to help power your house. Many gardens now use solar lights or solar garden water features. 

Advantages

• Solar energy is free although there is a cost in the building of ‘collectors’ and other equipment required to convert solar energy into electricity or hot water.
• Solar energy does not cause pollution. However, solar collectors and other associated equipment / machines are manufactured in factories that in turn cause some pollution.
• Solar energy can be used in remote areas where it is too expensive to extend the electricity power grid.
• Many everyday items such as calculators and other low power consuming devices can be powered by solar energy effectively.
• It is estimated that the world’s oil reserves will last for 30 to 40 years. On the other hand, solar energy is renewable.

Disadvantages

• Solar energy can only be harnessed when it is daytime and sunny.
• Solar collectors, panels and cells are relatively expensive to manufacture although prices are falling rapidly.
• Solar power stations can be built but they do not match the power output of similar sized conventional power stations. They are also very expensive.
• In countries such as the UK, the unreliable climate means that solar energy is also unreliable as a source of energy. Cloudy skies reduce its effectiveness.
• Large areas of land are required to capture the suns energy. Collectors are usually arranged together especially when electricity is to be produced and used in the same location.
•  Solar power is used to charge batteries so that solar powered devices can be used at night. However, the batteries are large and heavy and need storage space. They also need replacing from time to time.

Advantages and disadvantages of biomass

Biomass fuels derive from timber, agriculture and food processing wastes or from fuel crops that are specifically grown or reserved for electrical uses. Biomass fuel can also include sewage sludge and animal manure. Some biomass fuels are derived from trees. Because trees are abundant, these fuels are considered renewable.

Advantages

• Theoretically a renewable fuel source.
• When direct combustion of plants and trees are not used to generate energy , there is barely any environmental impact.
• Alcohols and other fuels produced by biomass are efficient, viable, and relatively clean-burning
• Available throughout the world

Disadvantages

• Could contribute a great deal to global warming and particulate pollution if directly burned
• Still an expensive source, both in terms of producing the biomass and converting it to alcohols
• On a small scale there is most likely a loss of energy, because energy must be put in to grow the plant mass.