Alternative energy production relies on fuel sources that have no associated cost, unlike fossil fuels like coal and oil which must be mined or extracted. The comparative costs that are charged to the consumers for the final product of electricity are still lopsided favoring fossil fuels, and many do not understand the reasons behind a method without fuel costs ultimately being more expensive than one with fuel costs. The answer to this question lies in the technology that drives the wind and solar methods, and also provides the ability to advance and to reduce costs. The fossil fuel industries have remained technologically the same for many years, the processes being relatively simple. Costs associated with transport and storage of electricity are the same across all industries as the product produced is the same. One method of production does not result in “better” electricity to your home, and in reality there is no difference whatsoever aside from the costs and environmental damages that are produced. The fossil fuel industry has costs that are relatively set, aside from the prices that must be paid for the fuel sources. The green energy industries, on the other hand, have the ability to technologically advance to drive down the costs associated with production.
If there is no cost for fuel, and the costs associated with transport and storage are the same, then why is it that the machinery associated with wind and solar production costs more over time than that used to produce fossil fuels? It is mainly due to the ongoing need for maintenance and replacement of expensive computer equipment that is in the field attached to the windmills and solar panels. The majority of costs associated with these methods comes at the time of initial setup and then extends over time with replacement and maintenance of that equipment. Wind turbines and solar panels are targets for lightning strikes, and the damage associated with the direct point of strike is relatively small compared to the surge damage costs. Blades and panels struck by lightning can be replaced at relatively minimal expense, but the associated surge that travels along connected power lines and overloads the control equipment produces a far larger cost or repair. These failures are where the potential for driving down maintenance and replacement costs can be realized, by introducing effective industrial surge protection devices into the setups in the field. Through electrical protection, the surge related damage can be minimized, as modern SPDs can completely stop the electrical overflow before it ever reaches equipment that it can damage. The most advanced SPD technology available from Raycap even needs no maintenance, no replacement or replugging of surge protection modules after may they have been sacrificed after a strike. Systems can minimize the expected damage costs while keeping the production going for longer periods while the sun is shining and the wind is blowing. This simple integration can bring the charges that consumers must bear down below those that are associated with fossil fuel production, representing the future of clean energy. Once the production methods cost less and do less damage, there is no reason to use anything else.