With the increasing awareness of global climate change, more people are relying on renewable energy resources as they cut their electricity bills and lessen their dependence on the grid.
Wind turbines and solar energy panels are two of the main contenders of green technologies, and both play important roles in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development. So, when choosing between the two, especially when considering energy production and effectiveness, a key question arises: Do wind turbines produce more energy than solar panels?
In this detailed guide, we are going to explore a wind power vs solar power comparison, evaluating their performance, costs, and environmental impact. I hope this writing will help you make a cost-effective and timely decision.
A Comprehensive Guide: Do Wind Turbines Produce More Energy Than Solar Panels?
Let’s take a deep dive to know the details of solar vs wind energy. I will compare these two sustainable power sources in terms of their working principles, energy output, cost, savings, pros and cons, environmental impact, and suitability with real-world data.
So, stay with us and learn about wind turbine or solar panels; which one should you go for?
In the beginning, have an idea about their working method.
How Do the Wind Turbines Work?
Wind power draws the kinetic energy of wind through the turbines to generate electricity. While passing through the turbine’s blades, the wind causes them to spin, turning this mechanical energy into electricity. As long as there is sufficient wind, the wind turbines can operate day or night.
Turbines of this renewable energy source come in a range of sizes to accommodate variety of requirements, making it scalable. Residential wind turbines allow homeowners to produce electricity locally, even though massive wind farms still dominate the landscape.
How Do the Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels, on the other hand, change sunlight directly into electric power. The photovoltaic (PV) systems of solar panels use semiconductors like silicon that generate an electric current when exposed to sunlight. That means they require direct or indirect sunlight for power generation. So, obviously, they will be affected by the weather and daylight hours.
However, solar panels allow you to store the excess energy in solar batteries for later consumption, making it a versatile renewable energy source.
In our solar panels vs wind turbines comparison, you will get to know about the efficiency and power generation capacity of the two.
Solar Vs Wind Energy: Efficiency Comparison
When the most efficient domestic solar panel on the market can convert 20% of energy captured from the sun, wind turbines can convert between 60% and 90% of their energy harnessed from wind. In addition, wind turbines have the ability to harness up to 50% of power compared to 20% for solar panels. Let’s be more specific! You will be surprised to know that one wind turbine alone can produce the equivalent amount of electric power in kWh compared to thousands of solar energy panels.
So, are wind turbines better than solar panels in terms of efficiency? The answer is Yes.
Solar Panels Vs Wind Turbines: An Energy Output Comparison
How much energy do wind turbines produce? Let’s see.
Wind Turbines:
In the UK, onshore wind turbines typically have a capacity of 2.5 to 3 MW, whereas some offshore turbines have a capacity of 12 MW or more. Depending on the location and wind speed, a standard household wind turbine (10 kW) can generate 8,000 to 15,000 kWh per year. Talking about utility-scale (2-3 MW) turbines, they are capable of producing at least 6 million kWh annually, which is enough to power about 1,500 households.
Now, what about the other competitors? How much energy do solar panels produce?
Solar Panels
As solar panels convert sunlight into electric power, and there is less sunlight in the UK compared to equatorial regions, it is obvious that the power production will be less here.
A typical UK home with a 4 kW solar PV system gets around 3,800 kWh/year, which can cover 40-50% of your average domestic needs. Besides, a domestic 6 kW solar panel system can provide 7,000–10,000 kWh per year in a sunny area, whereas for every MW installed, utility-scale solar farms can generate 1 to 2 million kWh annually.
So, when it comes to raw energy output, wind turbines produce significantly more energy than solar panels, making them a better option for large-scale electricity generation.
Wind energy leads the pack in this aspect, too!
Anyway, budget is a big issue when it comes to installation. That’s why you need to know about the installation cost to make the best compatible decision.
Wind Power Vs Solar Power Cost
Solar panels are much cheaper upfront while also having lower maintenance costs. You have to spend around £7,026 to set up a solar panel system for a three-bedroom house, whereas a wind turbine costs anywhere between £9,000 and £30,000.
So, is solar cheaper than wind? I will say yes, and with its rising popularity, there has been a gradual decrease in price over the past decade.
For your information, solar panel costs may fluctuate depending on the number of panels, the type of solar panel you’re going for, and the brand you choose.
On the other hand, the cost of wind turbines fluctuates much more than solar panels, as there are two options to choose from: pole-mounted or building-mounted. Pole-mounted turbines are free-standing and well-fitted in a high-up, exposed area; in contrast, building-mounted turbines are suitable for your home rooftop because of their smaller size.
Additionally, you have to spend some extra pounds if you want to go for a higher energy capacity. A 2.5kW system will cost you between £9,900 and £19,000, while the typical cost of a 6kW system is between £21,000 and £30,000.
Therefore, from this solar panel vs wind turbine cost discussion, I suggest you stick to solar power if you’re after more affordable renewable energy.
There are also a few more aspects to consider when you are about to go for a wind turbine or solar panel for your home.
Home Wind Turbine Vs Solar Panels
While choosing between the two, you should be aware of some key facts:
Go for wind turbines if you are living in a rural area and have enough space or land for a turbine to get high wind exposure. However, wind turbines are very noisy and visually intrusive. So, if you are concerned about noise and aesthetics, sonar panels are the better choice for you.
You should also go with solar energy if you have limited space and low wind exposure. Solar panels are more practical for suburban or urban regions due to their ease of installation and minimal space requirement.
Best Use Cases for Wind and Solar
| Use Case | Wind Energy | Solar Energy |
| Rural/Remote Areas | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good |
| Urban Rooftops | ❌ Not suitable | ✅ Ideal |
| Off-grid Homes | ✅ With batteries | ✅ With batteries |
| Large-Scale Farms | ✅ High yield | ✅ Moderate yield |
| Coastal Regions | ✅ Very effective | ✅ Effective |
| Cloudy/Northern Climates | ✅ Effective | ❌ Less efficient |
However, you may use both for maximum reliability.
Can You Use Wind Turbine and Solar Panels Together?
Absolutely! A solar panel wind turbine combination is an ideal setup. This hybrid system can ensure maximum uptime and efficiency.
Solar works well during sunny days, whereas wind complements it during overcast or windy nights.
Environmental Impacts of Wind Turbines and Solar Panels
The core reason behind the increased usage of renewable energy resources in the modern world is the shift towards a greener and cleaner environment. No matter whether it is a wind turbine or solar panels, both are key players in lowering fossil fuels as well as carbon footprints, which in turn helps us to combat climate change.
However, along with wind and solar energy benefits, there come some disadvantages as well.
Talking about wind turbines, they need resource-intensive manufacturing processes. Larger turbines may affect local wildlife, particularly bird and bat populations. Besides, their noise and visual concerns greatly impact local communities.
Solar panels are no different in this environmental concern. Energy-intensive mining procedures are required to produce solar energy panels. Clearing land may also be necessary for large solar farms, which could have an impact on nearby habitats. Because certain solar cells contain dangerous chemicals, disposal must be done carefully.
By the way, despite some environmental impacts, we can’t deny that both are far greener than fossil fuels.
Now, have a glance at the section below to know the advantages and disadvantages of solar and wind energy. You may consider it a summary or key point of the whole guidelines.
Wind Power Vs Solar Power: Pros and Cons
Wind Energy
Pros:
- Offer 24/7 power generation as long as wind is available
- More efficient than solar panels
- Easily designed for utility-scale
- Increase job creation and financial growth in local communities
- Installation flexibility over rural land, urban rooftops, or even water
Cons:
- Less cost-effective for residential properties than solar
- Higher upfront costs and more maintenance costs than solar
- Potential negative impact on local ecosystems and wildlife
- Noise and aesthetic issues
Solar Energy
Pros:
- Highly profitable with long-term savings on energy bills
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Well-designed for residential purposes
- Cheaper than wind turbine installation
- Lower maintenance cost
- No noise or aesthetic concerns
Cons:
- Generates power only when the sun is shining
- Less efficient than wind turbines
- Negative impacts on the ecosystem due to resource extraction for PV panels
- Not suitable for all types of homes
Now that you have gone through the whole write-up, it is time to decide. Well, I have a few more tips for you.
Which One is Better?
So, a wind turbine or solar panels? Is solar energy or wind energy better? Actually, it depends.
Both are clean, renewable energy sources that make up a significant portion of the energy makeup in the UK. However, before making a final choice, consider several factors.
In short, if you are okay with the high upfront cost and want to install it in a rural or spacious area with high wind exposure, go for wind turbines. It will meet your large-scale energy needs.
On the contrary, solar panels are more affordable and better options for residential areas, which can still supply a reliable source of energy on a cloudy day.
For certified and professional help with the decision-making and installation process, choose FutureCo. Get your free quote and clear all your confusion.
FAQ
Why is wind energy better than solar energy?
Wind energy is often better than solar energy because of its higher efficiency, nighttime power generation, and better scalability. Wind turbines also have the ability to perform well in cloudy and stormy weather, which is common in the UK.
Are solar panels better than wind turbines for UK homes?
Solar panels are better and well-suited for most UK homes due to their easier installation, lower noise production, and fewer planning restrictions. Wind turbines can be better for large rural properties with strong wind exposures.
Which one is cheaper: wind power or solar power?
Solar panels are typically easier to install and have a lower upfront cost for homes. On the other hand, wind power is more cost-effective in the long run for large-scale applications since it will provide you with more energy per pound spent over time.
What are the advantages of wind energy?
The advantages of solar energy include high energy output, reliable performance in a variety of weather conditions, and strong potential for widespread deployment, especially in windy regions like the UK and offshore areas.
Are solar panels harmful to wildlife and birds?
Though large-scale solar farms can negatively impact wildlife and birds, solar panels can be installed in harmony with the environment. They may occasionally encourage the growth of plants or provide animals with shade. Compared to fossil fuels, solar panels are significantly less dangerous to the environment and wildlife.