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Tips to choose between solar and wind energy generating systems for home use

With rising concerns about global warming and the ever increasing cost of conventionally produced electricity, homeowners today are not only purchasing appliances that help them save energy but are also interested in investing in renewable energy generating systems. These energy generating systems help homeowners reduce their carbon footprint and reduces the recurring charges of their electricity bills. However, when it comes to choosing the right system to power a few appliances at your home using renewable energy, homeowners are often find it difficult to choose between solar and wind energy generating systems. Obviously, both these technologies are tried and tested, but they both also have their share of advantages and disadvantages. Although the choice really depends on the use, a few factors by Dr. Prem can definitely help you make a sound decision.

Location:

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As you all might already be knowing, the success and failure of any wind or solar energy generating system largely depends on the type of location you are in. If you are in a place that receives ample sunlight throughout the year, you should probably invest in a solar energy generating system. This is because the wind speeds are usually low when it is sunny outside and hence, a wind energy-generating turbine won’t prove to be as successful. On the other hand, if you live at a place that is usually overcast then the best bet is to invest your hard-earned money in purchasing and installing a wind turbine.

Requirements:

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The cost per watt of solar energy is a little more than the cost per watt of electrical power generated by a wind turbine. However, solar energy generating systems are still a great option for those who don’t want to power their energy hungry appliances, such as refrigerators and microwave ovens on renewable energy. Hence, if you’re planning to illuminate your home on green energy, while powering a few appliances like your television or radio, solar panels will prove to be a better option. On the other hand, if you are more interested in reducing your electricity bills considerably then you should be looking forward to purchase a wind energy generator. Additionally, if you want renewable energy generating systems to work throughout the day and night, you should again install a wind turbine only, as solar photovoltaic panels won’t work during the night.

Maintenance:

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If you are interested in installing a renewable energy generating system that requires minimum maintenance, then installing a solar energy generating system will be ideal. Solar photovoltaic panels have no moving parts and hence, don’t require much maintenance. Moreover, solar panels are rated to function for at least a couple of decades and hence you don’t have to worry about performance issues with photovoltaics. The only maintenance that photovoltaic panels require is weekly or monthly cleaning, which isn’t much when compared to wind turbines. To the contrary, wind turbines have moving motors and parts and hence require regular, and in some cases expensive, maintenance.

Other considerations:

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Wind turbines aren’t as discreet in design and functioning as solar panels and also produce noise, which might not be ideal, especially if you live in an occupied neighborhood. Solar panels on the other hand have a completely silent operation and a discreet design, which actually can improve the look of your rooftop. Moreover, wind turbines are also susceptible to damage and causing damage in high wind conditions, whereas solar panels are not susceptible to any such damage.

Going by the above-mentioned considerations, we can safely say that if you are looking to generate a large amount of renewable energy at an affordable price, then choosing wind turbine over photovoltaic panels is a safe bet. On the other hand, if you want a maintenance-free way to generate renewable energy, then choosing solar panels will be a wise option.

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