Fact Check: Renewable Energy Remains Reliable Even Without Sun Shining or Wind

Renewable energy refers to power generated from natural resources that naturally replenish within a short period—typically within a human lifespan—without exhausting the planet’s reserves. These sources include sunlight, wind, rainfall, ocean tides and waves, biomass, and geothermal heat from beneath the Earth's surface. They are accessible in various forms across the globe and are not only sustainable but also virtually limitless.

Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions and have a smaller environmental footprint. The conventional energy systems that currently dominate—based on coal, oil, and natural gas—are finite and cannot regenerate at the rate we consume them. Their extraction and use also release large amounts of climate-altering gases and pollutants, posing serious threats to ecosystems and public health.

Renewables, by contrast, typically demand less water and land, generate less air and water pollution, and lead to lower risks to wildlife and natural habitats. These factors make them a cleaner and more responsible alternative for powering our world.

Beyond environmental benefits, renewable energy also offers social and economic advantages. It can expand energy access, especially in remote or underserved areas, generate local employment, enhance national and regional energy independence, and create pathways for community-led energy initiatives and participation.

Amid this, a text is surfacing on social media claiming 'Renewable energy can only work when it's not cloudy or windy.'

The screenshot of the claim is mentioned below.

Fact Check:

The claim is misleading. Thanks to energy storage and smart grids, renewable energy can still be used even when there's no sun or wind.

While discussing this claim with a climate expert, he informed us. The belief that renewable energy only works when it's sunny or windy is a common misconception that overlooks significant advancements in technology and the diversity of renewable sources. Modern solar panels are highly efficient and capable of capturing not just direct sunlight but also diffused light on cloudy days. Similarly, wind turbines are engineered to function across a broad range of wind speeds. They operate reliably unless winds are exceptionally weak or dangerously strong conditions that are relatively rare.

Importantly, renewable energy isn’t limited to just solar and wind. Hydropower relies on the steady flow of water, making it unaffected by weather fluctuations like cloud cover or calm winds. Geothermal energy taps into the Earth's internal heat, offering a stable and constant source of power. Biomass energy, derived from organic materials, also operates independently of daily weather conditions.

Moreover, today's energy infrastructure includes advanced storage solutions such as batteries and grid-level storage systems. These technologies store excess energy generated during peak conditions and release it when production dips, ensuring a consistent power supply. Smart grid systems further enhance reliability by dynamically balancing supply and demand, shifting energy loads, and integrating power from various sources across regions.

Together, these innovations make renewable energy not only viable but increasingly dependable in a wide range of conditions.

At the time of publishing the article, Deyeess mentioned, Your solar panels use special materials like silicon to turn light particles (photons) into electricity. They don’t need heat from the sun – just light. This means your panels keep making power even when it’s cold or cloudy outside.

Think about getting a sunburn on a cloudy day – UV rays still reach you through the clouds. Solar panels work the same way. While they make the most power in direct sunlight, they can still create useful amounts of electricity in less-than-perfect conditions. You can count on your panels to generate power year-round, even during winter months or on rainy days.

Solar panels can produce electricity from both direct and indirect sunlight through special materials and components working together. A properly designed solar system will generate power even in less-than-ideal conditions.

In an article, The Sun mentioned that, Hive spokesperson, Susan Wells, said: “Many people assume that solar panels need direct, intense sunlight to generate electricity, but that's simply not the case. “Solar technology is designed to work efficiently even on cloudy days, meaning the UK’s weather is no barrier to harnessing renewable energy. "Modern panels capture daylight rather than heat, allowing them to generate power even when the sky is overcast.

Hence we found the claim is Misleading, While weather does affect solar and wind output, renewable energy systems are designed to handle variability through diversification, storage, and grid management. Renewable energy doesn’t just stop when it’s cloudy or not windy.