Solar and Wind Power - A Question of Which is Better

Solar and Wind Power - A Question of Which is Better

Solar and wind power have certainly become the two most popular options in the search for a renewable source of energy. They definitely are not the newest ideas that are available as both have been in use for quite some years now. There still are some arguments, however, on the overall capacity and true potential of the two power sources as no one has yet been able to fully overcome the difficulties involved. Nonetheless, there are many questions and conclusions about which of the two would be a better investment, more energy-efficient, and cause the least detrimental effects on the environment in the long run.

Cost-Effective? One of the main concerns regarding solar and wind energy is the cost involved in constructing the plants and structures that are needed. But this is not the only factor that needs to be considered when trying to achieve a definitive conclusion as to which is really more cost-effective. The amount of energy generated, maintenance costs, and consumer payout also have to be recognized. A detailed analysis was facilitated by an energy company in Canada that compared the cost-effectiveness of solar and wind energy. This study concluded that wind power is slightly more cost effective than its solar counterpart. The test was conducted over a course of one year and wind power proved to cost just over $3 less per kWh produced.

But the results are still open to debate, as since both are renewable sources, they would continually produce energy with only costs of routine maintenance. Therefore, in due time, the cost per kWh for both systems would continually decrease.

Energy Generation. Aside from cost, when comparing solar and wind power, the amount of energy generated needs to be examined in detail. A solar panel can generate 350 milliwatts per day from a 70 milliwatts per square inch panel exposed to the maximum amount of sun for five hours. This would mean that to power a regular household, a solar panel that is 285 square feet is needed. The same amount of energy though can be produced by one vertical wind turbine.

Another key point would be the maximum amount of energy that can be generated in one day under less than optimum conditions. Solar power is obviously hampered by nightfall and cloudy weather, whereas wind power's limitations would in some way be geographical, as it needs to be positioned in an area that has constant access to wind.

Environmental Impact. Indeed, energy from the sun and the wind are highly environmentally friendly, one of the main reasons they are considered as the best sources of renewable energy. Nonetheless, there are still some risks involved. Wind turbines have generated a reputation for being unsightly and a great hazard to birds. On the other hand, photovoltaic cells require a huge amount of space, which can potentially harm the environment because of the need to clear big spaces of land. But because solar panels can be incorporated into already existing structures, like rooftops, this factor is less significant.

As the quest intensifies to find a more independent and clean source of energy for our society, the debate on which is a better option between solar and wind power may increase accordingly. However, ultimately, experts believe that the results would be best if both were used to complement the other. It really is not a matter of which is better, as we would be able to achieve more when the two are combined as compared to having them function as independent systems.

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