Wind Versus Solar
The electricity needs of a single-family may be provided by a small wind turbine with a power between 1 and 50 kilowatts (kW). On the other hand, those same electricity needs may also be furnished by some small PV modules.
Which is, in this case, the better option: solar or wind energy?
In abstract, considering equally very good sunlight and wind resources,
small wind systems have some advantages over solar PV systems: the initial
investment is lower, and the energy output is at least equivalent to that of
solar PV systems. The costs of a solar PV system are often 20%-50% higher
than those demanded by a wind system with an equivalent output in terms of
electricity.
But this is indeed a very abstract reasoning. Wind energy systems are more
dependent on wind resources than solar solutions, and these allow a wider
range of applications and less constraints in terms of location.
The Location Issue...
The output of wind systems are very dependent on wind speeds. Places with low or medium wind speeds will produce expensive electricity. Besides, wind systems aren’t used in urban and suburban environments (due to reasons related with safety, obstructions and aesthetics).
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 for solar systems
efficiency, but not so determinant. Besides, PV solar systems can be
installed without problems in most urban sites
Solar energy has also advantageous features over wind systems: lower
maintenance costs, silent operation.
Cases Where Solar Is A Better Option
If you:
-live in a low-windy location
-live in an urban or suburban place
-live in a particularly sunny place
Cases Where Wind Is A
Better Option
If you:
-live in a remote open area
-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)
