Wind and solar energy has many benefits over coal and gas. Are there any downsides? If so, discuss.

Yes, the downside to using wind turbines is that they supply nothing on windless days and the downside to solar is that it works only when the sun is up. Another problem with solar energy is at current prices, the solar panels only perform well in terms of costs in sunny areas and southern latitudes (which enjoy more hours of sunlight each day). A strategy for maximizing the potential of wind and solar generation is to develop low-cost storage technologies so that electricity can be stored up on windy days for use on windless days and during the daytime for nighttime use.