Question by GunXXX: What is the best energy source for residential use Solar or Wind Power?
Best answer:
Answer by Kelly L
A combination of both is best. especially if you are off grid, however both are nice if you are connected to the grid with an inverter, because pay back is quicker.
Theideas has some very good points, I took for granted you have already figured out how much solar input you have, and basically you need more than 10mph average wind speed for turbines.
Give your answer to this question below!
9 comments
No ping yet
theideasguru says:
July 30, 2012 at 4:48 pm (UTC 0)
Having built a passive solar home I have been down this path of inquiry. Before you can really get at the right answer some other questions need to be answered. How much sun, and what kind of sun does the area in which you want to build get? How much wind? Depending on your location active solar, passive solar or wind can be appropriate , or not at all.
ben_of_marlow says:
July 30, 2012 at 4:56 pm (UTC 0)
At this point wind mills are much more efficient than solar panels. Solar power just isn’t cost effective.
However, that doesn’t mean it always has to be that way. If more people start using solar panels, research can go into developing more efficient technology. Combining technological improvements with economies of scale can make solar power affordable and worthwhile.
EDIT: The absence of wind in an area does not matter because there is always wind somewhere. Those who use wind power usually set up networks to route electricity as needed.
Brother Otter says:
July 30, 2012 at 5:30 pm (UTC 0)
There isn’t a single answer for everybody. “Best” is determined by what generates the most power given the area you’re in.
There are places in the U.S., coastal and prairie mostly, where wind is a great idea. I live in Alabama – we get very little breeze here except when it storms.
Solar is fantastic in the southwest U.S – lots of high-angle sun and many days without clouds. Solar is more problematic in someplace like Alaska.
The right answer is to do your research. Start with the alternative energy supplier websites. In any case (solar electric/thermal, wind, geothermal, hydro), you’re getting into the generation business and will have some figuring to work up the most effective solution for your area.
FYI – there are a number of good reasons to install your own power generation. You have to decide how important it is to you. None of the systems are inexpensive and most have a 15 – 25 year payback.
Evita Rodham Clinton says:
July 30, 2012 at 5:53 pm (UTC 0)
Buying it from your local utility costs less, plus its always available after sunset when solar shots off, especially cold winter and summer nights when there is absolutely no wind.
enicolls25 says:
July 30, 2012 at 6:15 pm (UTC 0)
It depends where you live. Near a large body of water, wind would probably be more abundant. In the plains, solar would be much better.
Nicole n says:
July 30, 2012 at 6:17 pm (UTC 0)
Wind Power, Solar power can cost more, and unless it’s ALWAYS sunny, you can’t rely on it. A local ski/snoboard hill that I live near uses Wind Power for the ski lifts. It is a very good use of energy.
cdjack says:
July 30, 2012 at 6:43 pm (UTC 0)
Wind power kills the little birdies. Don’t do that you big meanies. Solar doesn’t seem to work very well when it’s raining out.
cosmicwindwalker says:
July 30, 2012 at 7:26 pm (UTC 0)
yes a combination is best.
the most affordable – if you are building would be passive solar – that means having your house facing the south or south west to make best use of the sun – assuming your largest windows would also be on the front of the house.
however with global warming people may want to reverse that trend of having the largest windows facing south or south west.
deb s says:
July 30, 2012 at 8:10 pm (UTC 0)
What do you preffer?motten or chichken?I thing both wind & solar energy will help earth from energy crisis,if all oil & coal reserves exhausted.Although.due to some logic we can preffer Solar energy.1)Low investment costs,2)No uncertainity(as wind flow may have),3)more consistense4)Easily available sourse.But must remember,if conditions satisfied,a wind-mill will generate more electricity…