Understanding how wind, solar, and storage fit into a dependable grid
A common question among renewable energy skeptics is: “Can we really count on wind and solar to keep the lights on?”
It is an important question. Reliable electricity powers our homes, barns and businesses, and everyone wants confidence that the grid will deliver. The truth is, no energy source, whether natural gas, coal, wind or solar, is perfectly reliable on its own. What matters is how they work together.
Where Renewables Add Strength
- Resilience during outages: When natural gas plants failed during the 2021 Texas storm, wind and solar kept producing some power, providing a lifeline. Similar stories came out of North Carolina after Hurricane Florence.
- Affordable power: Because wind and sunlight are free, the electricity they generate is often more affordable than new fossil plants. That helps stabilize long-term energy prices.
- Storage is improving: Batteries are growing quickly, allowing excess renewable power to be stored and used when needed. U.S. grid-scale storage grew more than 80% in 2023.
Challenges That Are Being Addressed
- Intermittency: Solar only works when the sun shines, and wind turbines need steady wind. Without storage or backup from other sources, renewables can’t always deliver on demand.
- Storage is not yet enough: While batteries are advancing, today’s storage can cover hours, not days or weeks. During long cold snaps or extended storms, that’s a limitation.
- Grid integration: Adding renewables requires new transmission lines and grid upgrades. These projects can be costly, slow and controversial in rural areas.
The Big Picture
Every energy source has strengths and weaknesses. The grid blends them together so that when one falls short, others can step in. Renewables combined with storage and modern transmission are becoming an increasingly dependable part of that mix.
For rural communities, the opportunity is twofold. Farmers can contribute to a diverse energy system while also benefiting from lease payments, tax revenue and new economic activity. The progress being made in storage, transmission and technology means wind and solar are not just reliable, they are part of a stronger, more flexible grid for the future.
A Balanced Future
Renewable energy is helping make America’s grid more affordable and adaptable. For farmers and ranchers, that means a chance to support reliable electricity while also creating new streams of income and keeping land productive. With continued investment and planning, renewables are not just reliable enough, they are part of building a grid that is stronger than ever.
REFA is here to help you evaluate the opportunities on your terms while protecting your land, livelihood and legacy.
Learn more about our membership benefits here.
