But are they exactly the same in terms of efficiency, that is, how much electricity they can produce? They capture energy in very different ways, but one experiment carried out by Inland Power and Light arrived at the conclusion that solar is more efficient.
They compared a 35-foot wind turbine with a solar panel array, making sure that both could generate the same amount of electricity under optimal conditions. Both cost $22,000 as well.
Apparently the solar array generated five times more power than the wind turbine mainly because of the varying wind speeds that stops the turbine from generating power. Solar, it seems, is less intermittent than wind.
Another advantage of solar panels is that they are easier to integrate architecturally. But considering how much energy we need to run this planet, it’s good to have a choice. Surely under some conditions, wind will do a better job than solar and vice-versa. The point is to continue developing both technologies so they become increasingly efficient.
(Via Solarpowerpanels)
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Yes…it obviously depends on the site and each technology has its place. Not all sites are suited to both wind and solar power, so you use the best technology for that location. Comparing a wind turbine on a 35 foot tower is not a fair comparison either. To generate good power, a wind turbine needs to be at least 100 feet or more above the ground and even smaller efficient wind turbines for households are typically on towers that are over 100 feet. At 35 feet, you’re not going to get good wind energy production. Your bottom line is right – more development will lead to more efficiency for both solar and wind and they both deserve to be supported.