Solar and Wind are two sustainable Energy sources that you can use to power your home. But which is the better solution for you? This post compares the two energy sources to help you decide.

Cost of installation

Back in 2010, you could expect to pay around £20,000 for a 4kW solar panel system. Reduced manufacturing costs have meant that this cost has gone way down and now the average UK 4kW solar panel system costs about £6,400. There are many companies like All Seasons Energy Ltd that can further save you money by helping you look for grants. All in all, solar panels no longer cost a fortune to install. 

What about a home wind turbine? While you can buy small turbines for as little as £1000, you’re unlikely to spend less than £20,000 for a 5kW home wind turbine. In other words, to get the same amount of power from a home wind turbine as a solar panel system, you can expect to pay more than double. 

Energy yield

Wind turbines may be more expensive to install but they generally have a better energy yield. In fact, some wind turbines can yield 50% of the energy that passes through them.

Solar panels meanwhile only have an energy yield of about 20%. This means that in the right conditions, a wind turbine is likely to generate more energy per day than a solar panel system. 

Location and conditions

Of course, the location of your home (as well as where on your property you place the panels/turbine) can have an equally big impact on how much power you’ll generate.

When it comes to solar panels, a home in Cornwall is more likely to benefit from solar panels than a home in northern Scotland. This is due to generally clearer skies all year round, as well as longer daylight hours in winter when more energy is needed. Homes that are cast in a shadow are also not the best candidates for solar panels.

When it comes to wind turbines, you ideally want to be based in a relatively windy location. Homes located by the sea or located by large flat areas of land typically get a lot of wind. Properties in built-up cities on the other hand may not get enough wind to justify installing turbines.

Environmental friendliness

Solar panels produce no carbon emissions. However, the manufacture of solar panels does release emissions. It is still far superior to gas or oil of course. 

Wind power is arguably cleaner because running them doesn’t release carbon emissions, while installing them also releases few emissions. There are however concerns from ornithologists regarding the danger that they can pose to birds as detailed here at RSPB. 

Planning permission

Solar panels are typically classed as a ‘permitted development’ because they do not protrude much from a roof. This means that you do not need to get planning permission to install them. 

Wind turbines on the other hand can often require planning permission to install. This is particularly the case with bigger turbines that can cast a shadow onto other people’s property, create a noise or potentially be a danger in icy weather.