The good news is, a growing number of planned wind and solar farms feature an energy storage facility as an integral part of the project. The inability of wind and solar projects to operate in extreme winter weather conditions has raised doubts about the potential long - term benefits of the technology . While proponents of renewable sources claim they are the solution to the world 's energy needs , critics have pointed out that wind turbines have to be shut down at temperatures below -20C due to the buildup of ice on their blades , while solar panels are ineffective if they become covered in snow .
The inability of wind and solar projects to operate in extreme winter weather conditions has raised doubts about the potential long - term benefits of the technology . While proponents of renewable sources claim they are the solution to the world 's energy needs , critics have pointed out that wind turbines have to be shut down at temperatures below -20C due to the buildup of ice on their blades , while solar panels are ineffective if they become covered in snow .