With electricity bills skyrocketing and fossil fuels quickly depleting, it would be safe to say that we have entered the era of renewable energy. More and more people are aware of considering renewable energy to support our need for a sustainable power source.
Other reasons to consider tapping into energy source alternatives are climate change, energy security, health, and environmental impact of using traditional energy sources, and more economic opportunities (new source = new opportunities in fields of installation, manufacturing, research, and development)
There are several alternatives for energy sources that are being developed and used worldwide, some of which are Hydro energy, Geothermal energy, Tidal energy, and Biomass energy. In the US, there are two popular renewable energy sources of choice --- Solar and Wind energy.
Before we dive in on comparing the two energy sources, let’s have a closer look at how electricity is being derived from these sources and some key information:
Solar power basically uses photovoltaic (PV) cells or concentrated solar power (CSP) systems in converting sunlight. PV cells use semiconductor materials to absorb the sunlight and then convert it to electricity, while CSP systems use lenses or mirrors to concentrate sunlight in a specific area, which will then heat up a fluid that produces steam and generate electricity. The average cost of solar installation is between $20,000 - $40, 000. The upfront cost could deter possible users but the good news is that there are now federal incentives in place that users can take advantage of.
Wind power on the other hand uses the blades of the wind turbines to convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity. The presence of the wind triggers the blades to rotate, which drives the generator to produce electricity. Wind power is not new to us, in fact, the earliest recorded evidence of wind energy being used dates to around 5,000 BC (during the invention of sails to catch the wind to propel boats). Around the late 1800s, electricity was already generated from using this kinetic energy. When implemented, wind energy can provide energy at any time of the date plus wind turbines harness a whopping 50% of the energy that passes through them. Similar to Solar, Wind power can also be grid-tied and the energy produced could also be stored in a battery.
Trivia: Did you know that according to US Energy Information Administration (EIA) “Wind energy” is America’s largest source of renewable electricity generation?
Wind VS Solar Energy --- How about BOTH?
As of 2021, wind energy actually outranks solar energy in terms of installed capacity. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), about 8.4% of total energy generated is from Wind Energy, while Solar accounts for 3.3%. However, Solar energy has been growing at a faster pace, largely through the declining cost of the said technology.
Both systems have their pros and cons. For example, location is a big consideration. If you live in a populated area, or areas with lots of obstacles (buildings, trees, and the like), it may affect wind energy production. In terms of consistency, a wind-based system could generate regardless of the time. While in terms of reliability, a solar panel may require less maintenance as there are no moving parts and so on.
However, when it comes to energy solutions, there is no “one-size-fits-all”. If you’ll ask me, what is better, wind or solar energy, my answer will be, how about both?
The continuous modernization of energy systems now allows owners the best of both worlds. A hybrid system could now be easily accessed whether for residential, commercial, or industrial needs. Both systems can now complement each other and the tandem could fill in the possible deficit of either system. This will then ensure that owners have renewable electricity flowing ALL THE TIME.
Non-intermittent electric power is not only within reach but a reality for owners of this type of system. An example of which is Nature’s Generator Powerhouse Gold WE System.
This system allows users to customize their own eco-system, meaning you can have not only solar panels, generators, and power pods but also wind turbines (and more) in one sophisticated system.
Let’s quickly take a look at what this system could comprise:
- The Powerhouse Power Panel - uses MONO PERC solar cell (new solar cell technology that has improved efficiency in harnessing energy from the sun)
- The Powerhouse Wind Turbine – adding this will allow an extra method of charging your Nature’s Generator Powerhouse through the energy harnessed from the wind (this is specifically made for the Powerhouse system).
- Nature’s Generator Powerhouse – this can single-handedly address all home power requirements because of its split phase 240V/7200W or 2 single phase 120V/7200W (combined) pure sine wave inverter
You can now completely go off-grid using this system. Imagine having solar panels that can gather energy during the day, and a wind turbine to harness energy even at night. In addition, you can even add as many power pods as you want to increase battery capacity for your system.
Final take on Solar and Wind Power
Using either Solar or Wind power could provide an alternative energy source BUT being able to tap into both is more beneficial for users.
A hybrid system that could harness both solar and wind power is not only environmentally sustainable, and cost-effective but more importantly provides reliability and consistency throughout the day and year.
Imagine combining the power of both solar and wind power – this would balance the intermittency of both sources e.g., it will not be affected by fluctuations due to weather conditions – if there is not enough wind in the area to generate power, you still have a solar panel as back up plan and vice versa.
If you are looking for a system that would provide you with energy independence, take the next extra step and apply due diligence in exploring not only one system but the many advantages of having both at your disposal.
* We want to give credit where credit is due. Professional writer, Michelle Gamana, contributed research and content to this blog titled: Solar and Wind Power Thank you, Michelle, for your contributions!
