
The IRENA Renewable Cost Database contains around 18 000 utility-scale renewable power generation projects and 11 000 PPA and tender results that provide new insights into trends in the costs and performance of renewables. IRENA’s cost analysis programme is designed to improve publicly available analysis and data on costs to allow policy makers and investors to make robust decisions about the role of renewables. The public debate around renewable energy, however, continues to suffer from outdated perception that renewable energy is not competitive, forming a significant and unnecessary barrier to its deployment. Solar PV module prices have fallen by around 90% since the end of 2009, while wind turbine prices have fallen by 55-60% since 2010. Renewable energy has entered a virtuous cycle of falling costs, increasing deployment and accelerated technological progress. Contrarily, utility stocks tend to fall out of favor with the market during times of economic growth.Data, research and resources on renewable energy costs As a result, utilities tend to perform well during recessions and economic downturns.

Utilities typically offer investors stable and consistent dividends, coupled with less price volatility relative to the overall equity markets. The movement towards "clean" energy, along with competition-enhancing legislation, initiatives, and investments in renewable energy resources, has some analysts forecasting strong growth for the utilities industry in the 2020s.The utility sector tends to do well as a defensive play against macroeconomic downturns.Typically, investors buy utilities as long-term holdings for their dividend income and stability.

Utilities earn a profit but are a public service and, as a result, have substantial regulation.The utility sector is a category of company stocks that provide basic services including electricity, natural gas, and water.
