Wind only starts to make economic sense when you look at it from a utility scale.
Wind turbine vs solar panel.
So which is the superior wind energy or solar power let s examine the solar vs wind debate.
Wind comes with a significant caveat however.
Compared to solar panels wind turbines release less co2 to the atmosphere consume less energy and produce more energy overall.
Wind is a more efficient power source than solar.
Denmark for example harvest 40 of all it s energy from wind turbines.
Wind turbine systems can run as high as 65 000 installed while the average cost nationally for a professionally installed solar panel system is about 8 to 9 per watt.
Turbines are very efficient devices for generating power.
Wind power has now reached 4 of total energy production in the world and some countries gain a significant part of their electricity requirements from wind sources.
Pro and con comparison of solar vs wind power.
Wind turbines can also generate power all around the clock.
Wind power is considered more efficient than solar because these systems use less energy release less carbon dioxide and produce more overall energy.
Solar has a 16 000 lower upfront cost 29 reduction and a 61 reduction overall.
Wind generators are mechanical devices and a certain amount of maintenance is required.
Their carbon dioxide emission is lower than that of the solar panels.
But the energy produced by wind turbines doesn t make it a clear winner.
The positives on solar panels are that solar panels require little maintenance last 25 years or longer and are completely safe.
In order to be effective wind turbines need to be situated high above any obstacles that would block the wind.
In addition wind turbines consume less power and create more energy compared to solar panels.
When considering a off grid or grid connect power system.
It really depends on your geographical location and energy requirements but given the substantial investment involved with either solar vs wind options.
Solar panels are easier and cheaper to maintain than wind turbines another advantage of solar energy is that solar panels and equipment usually require little maintenance over time.
In fact one wind turbine can generate the same amount of electricity per kwh as about 48 704 solar panels.
That means a 2 kilowatt kw grid tied system with no battery back up can run to 16 000 and a similar 5 kw system could cost upwards of 40 000.
The primary benefit of wind over solar power for your home is that wind turbines aren t dependent on sunlight.
Putting energy generation in context one wind turbine can generate the exact amount of electricity per hour as over 47 000 solar panels.
This means that they have the ability to generate power 24 hours a day whereas solar panels only generate power during sunlight hours.
Wind turbines however are much more prone to damage and need repairs more frequently.
The two main choices for renewable energy equipment are wind turbines and solar panels.