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Solar vs Wind Electricity Production
Which is the better option, solar or wind energy?
In a location that is simultaneously very sunny and very windy,
wind systems are often the best option: the initial investment
is lower, and the energy output is at least equivalent to that
of solar PV systems (the costs of PV solar energy are often
20%-50% higher than those demanded by a wind system with an
equivalent output in terms of electricity).
But there are other questions that should be addressed. Wind
energy systems are very dependent on wind resources – much more
than solar systems from solar resources – which can turn solar and
hybrid solar-wind systems the best
solutions.
The
Location
The output of wind systems are very dependent on the wind speed.
Places with low or medium wind speeds will produce more expensive
electricity. Besides, wind systems aren’t used on urban and
suburban environments (due to questions related with safety or
wind obstructions or aesthetics), which turns solar PV systems
the only true green option.
Cases where solar is a better
option
If you …
- just want a system to heat residential water or to heat your
pool
- or if you live in a low-windy location
- or if you live in an urban or suburban place
- or if you live in a particularly sunny place
… then solar technology is probably the best solution.
See, for details:
Solar water heaters
Solar PV systems
Prices of PV solar systems
Advantages of a solar PV system
Solar PV (photovoltaic) systems (for electricity production) are
less dependent on sun resources than wind systems are on wind
resources. The number of sunny days is important, but not
necessarily determinant in solar PV systems implementation. PV
solar systems can be installed without problems in urban sites,
even in latitudes with low solar resources.
Solar energy has extremely low maintenance costs, and is silent
and non-obstructive and can operate without monitorization.
Cases where wind is a better
option
If your goal is electricity production and you live…
- in a low density, non-urban location and
- if your home is in a windy location (the average wind
speed should be at least 11 to 13 miles per hour/6 meters per
second)
… then wind power is probably the better option.
See, for details:
Location of wind turbines and wind farms
Advantages of wind power
generators
Small wind power generators allow a relatively low cost
investment and a good performance in terms of watts/hour if wind
speed preconditions are accomplished.
Besides, small wind turbines have low maintenance costs and
large wind turbines and projects (wind farms) may provide energy
for thousands of households (though demanding a large initial
investment).
See, for details:
Basics on
Wind Generators
Basics on Solar Energy
See, for more information:
Wind Energy Basics
Wind Resources and Maps
Wind Electricity Costs
Wind Electricity Payback
Solar Hot Water Prices
Solar PV Prices
Solar Costs and
Payback
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Urban Wind Electric Generators
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