Solar panels become energy positive in about 2 years of operation. They last at least 25 years, and some will last more than 40 years.
Renewable energy needs to be 3 or more sources at once. This makes the system MORE dependable and predictable that what we have now. Germany is about as sunny as Alaska - and they are increasing their renewable production much more quickly than they thought they could.
The wind in South Dakota <i>alone</i> could power ONE THIRD of the lower 48 states. And the amount of solar we need to power the WHOLE lower 48 is pretty small:
https://www.good.is/infographics/sol...all-of-america
We have tidal and wave power, and biomass (things like methane from sewage and farm waste) and we already have storage, too.
Here is renewable potential PER YEAR vs the TOTAL reserves of conventional energy:
