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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