When it comes to sustainability, both solar energy and wind energy outshine traditional utilities powered by fossil fuels. In fact, recent trends suggest that these two renewable energy sources in particular are on track to surpass coal as the primary means of powering homes.
But that brings you to an exciting choice: Between solar panels and wind turbines, which clean energy option is the right fit for your home?
Keep reading for a closer look at the key differences between these energy sources. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which one suits your circumstances.
Main Differences Between Solar Panels vs Wind Turbines
Modern wind turbines can achieve efficiency levels of up to 40% in converting wind into energy – that’s double the efficiency of solar panels, which hover around 20%. If we look at it purely from this vantage point, it seems wind turbines have the edge over solar panels, right?
However, efficiency is just one of the main factors to consider when deciding between solar panels and wind turbines. Let’s take a closer look at the rest of them.
Location Requirements
Wind turbines can generate power around the clock – but only if there’s constant, reliable wind supply.
You’re in luck if you live in the windy Central and Midwest regions. This includes states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Iowa – 3 of 5 states that generated the most electricity from wind in 2023.
Unfortunately, for most parts of the US, the wind simply isn’t strong or consistent enough to make wind turbines a viable option, as highlighted in the wind map above.
On the other hand, solar energy is accessible no matter where you are in the U.S. Sure, some areas get more sunlight than others, but the bottom line is, it’s always available – which means solar panels can and will work.
Energy Production & Space Requirements
According to recent data, one wind turbine can generate over 843,000 kWh of energy per month. Considering the average U.S. home uses 893 kWh per month, this means a single turbine can fully power 943 homes (with even a small surplus of energy remaining).
For a home to achieve the same 100% energy independence using solar energy, it would need around 18 individual 400-Watt solar panels (based on a median home solar system capacity of 7.2 kW and an average of 4.5 peak sunlight hours per day)
That number would surely raise a few eyebrows, with the thought, “That’s a lot of roof space or land needed to fit all those panels!”
However, if you think about it, a single wind turbine spanning 10 feet to 80 feet would need much more space for installation. In addition, it needs ample clear space for the wind to flow freely and, of course, to meet safety requirements.
So, in the end, wind turbines will likely need as much space as (if not more than) solar panels.
How about those smaller, cheaper roof-mounted wind turbines I see on Amazon? They seem more compact and convenient in terms of space.
We’ve come across such wind turbines, with many of them rated at 1 kW. This means that if it runs for 24 hours straight, you would have 24 kWh of energy daily, which could be enough to power your home.
Unfortunately, winds on rooftops are rarely strong or constant enough to harness this amount of energy. So, even though they save space, they probably won’t make a significant difference in your utility bills compared to the larger, standalone turbines or solar panels mentioned earlier.
Noise Levels
One reason wind turbines require more space is due to the noise they generate. Typically, wind turbines produce noise in the range of 35 to 45 dB when heard from 300 meters away. That said, the closer you are, the louder it becomes.
And all that is because of the wind turbine’s mechanical parts, which create a noticeable hum as they operate.
In contrast, under normal circumstances, solar panels don’t create noise at all.
Cost
Installing a solar panel system typically costs between $2 to $4 per watt.
Wind turbines, on the other hand, cost around $0.80 per watt, based on data from the Department of Energy – a much lower rate. However, this price reflects only the cost of the turbine itself.
Because wind turbines are generally much larger, a big portion of the total cost comes from installation. This includes preparing the site and building a strong foundation, which means you’ll have to hire specialists to ensure the installation is done right and meets safety standards.
Finally, both solar panels and wind turbines come with zoning and permitting costs. However, due to the complexity of installing wind turbines, you can expect these additional costs to be higher than for solar panels.
Maintenance
As mentioned earlier, wind turbines have more mechanical parts, which means they require more frequent maintenance. In fact, it’s recommended to clean wind turbines two to three times a year, which can add to the overall operating cost of wind turbines.
On the other hand, solar panel cleaning is practically hassle- and cost-free, since most of the time, all that’s needed is a simple wash with water. If you live in a rainy area, the rain might just do the job for you.
Should I choose solar panels or wind turbines?
For us, it all comes down to your location. If you live in a wide-open rural area or at a higher elevation where winds are consistent, wind turbines could be better for your home.
If you’re not, then solar panels are the better choice to reduce your utility bills. They’re easy to install on your roof or in your backyard, and you can keep a close watch on them throughout their lifespan.
And here’s an added benefit: If you’re thinking about selling a house with solar panels, you may find that they can increase your home’s value and make it more appealing to environment-conscious buyers.
Get Additional Savings With Solar
At Quote For Solar, we help you access competing solar quotes from top-rated solar installers in your area. Simply make a single quote request and we’ll give you three quotes from our network of pre-screened solar companies, so you can easily choose the best offer and maximize your savings.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more informative content on solar energy and sustainability!
