When it comes to renewable energy sources, two of the most accessible are solar and wind. The sources are available to everyone on a daily basis.
We’re used to seeing solar panels used for domestic energy generation, but what about wind turbines?
Domestic wind turbines are becoming more popular, particularly in rural settings. However, solar panels and wind turbines offer unique advantages, differing in efficiency, cost and suitability for various locations. This article will compare and contrast solar panels vs wind turbines for residential homes.
Basics of domestic wind turbines
Domestic wind turbines use the kinetic energy from moving air to generate electricity for homes. On a basic level, these systems involve rotating blades, a shaft and a generator.
As wind blows, it spins the blades, which turn the rotor shaft. This motion drives the generator to produce electricity. Most domestic turbines have horizontal-axis designs with two or three blades.
Small wind turbine systems used in residential applications can range in size from just 400 watts to 20 kilowatts, depending on the amount of electricity you want to generate. To give you more of an idea, a 1.5-kilowatt wind turbine system can produce around 300 kilowatt hours per month in a location with a 14 mile-per-hour average wind speed.
Types of wind turbine
There are two main types of domestic-sized wind turbines:
- Pole mounted – These are free-standing turbines set up in a suitably exposed position. They typically have a generation capacity up to 6kW.
- Building mounted – These smaller systems can be installed on the roof of a home. They often have a smaller capacity of around 2kW.
Benefits of wind power
Wind energy offers a lot of great benefits to households, including:
- Renewable and clean energy source
- Potential for 24/7 power generation
- High efficiency in suitable locations
- Complements other renewable sources like solar panels
Basics of solar energy
You’re likely to be much more familiar with solar energy, but we’ll cover the basics so we’re all aligned.
Solar energy harnesses the power of sunlight to generate electricity. Photovoltaic (PV) cells form the basis of solar panels. These cells contain semiconductor materials, usually silicon, which absorb photons from sunlight. When photons strike the cell, they excite electrons, creating an electric field. This process generates direct current (DC) electricity.
Modern solar panels can use various technologies, but the most common type is monocrystalline silicon. These cells have a better efficiency rating than the likes of polycrystalline silicon.
A solar or hybrid Inverter converts the DC electricity produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) that can be used around the home. Advances in PV technology continue to improve efficiency and reduce costs, making solar energy increasingly accessible.
Benefits of solar power
Solar power offers many benefits for both homeowners and the environment when it comes to energy generation:
- Reduced electricity bills
- Zero carbon emissions during operation
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- Long lifespan (around 25-30 years)
- Silent operation
How are solar and wind energy integrated into homes?
Wind turbines integration
Wind turbines require an open area with consistent, clean wind flow. A good wind site location is free from obstructions like trees or buildings, which cause turbulence and aren’t optimal for the turbine. This is why many domestic wind turbines are sat on top of high poles and why large-scale wind turbines are huge and a long way from the ground.
It’s possible to install wind turbines onto a home, but it’s not ideal in most cases. Building-mounted turbines tend to be smaller in size, as larger models can cause vibrations through the building structure.
Ideally, wind speeds should be above 5.5m/s at 10 metres height for a wind turbine to be viable. Installation may require planning permission and may face restrictions in urban or conservation areas.
Solar integration
Solar panels tend to be installed on rooftops or in open areas with plenty of sunlight exposure. Although some of the latest panels can work in shadier conditions, the general rule of thumb is the more sun the better.Â
Solar panels require sturdy mounting systems to withstand weather conditions and maintain proper orientation towards the sun. Panels can be retrofitted onto existing homes or incorporated into new builds. It’s worth noting that you can now get solar tiles that look and act just like roof tiles, but contain solar PV technology. These tiles can be used to replace an entire roof..
Residential solar panel installations connect to the existing electrical system through an inverter, allowing you to use solar electricity straight away in your home, send it to a battery storage system or send it to the national grid.
Comparison: Solar panels vs wind turbines
Let’s take a look at the key areas of consideration when it comes to comparing solar panels and wind turbines.
Costs
The initial investment for solar panels and wind turbines varies quite significantly. A 4kW solar panel system for an average UK home costs between £7,000 – £9,000.
The cost of a domestic wind turbine can range widely based on size and mounting type. At the high end, a 6kW pole-mounted system can cost approximately £35,000 for equipment and installation. A smaller wind turbine is less expensive but also less efficient. For example, the 1kW Airforce turbine from FuturEnergy costs £3,295 (installation not included).
Payback periods for both technologies depend on factors such as energy prices, usage patterns and local weather conditions. Solar systems often break even within 8-12 years. Wind turbines may take longer to pay off, especially in less windy locations, but can potentially generate more power in optimal conditions.
Energy generation
Solar panels and wind turbines have distinct energy generation patterns.
Solar panel output is relatively predictable, following daily and seasonal sunlight patterns. They generate electricity during daylight hours, with peak production usually occurring between midday and the early afternoon. However, their output drops significantly during cloudy days and is non-existent at night, requiring energy storage solutions for round-the-clock power.
Wind turbines, on the other hand, can generate power 24/7 if the wind conditions are right. Their output is less consistent than solar panels but can be substantial in windy areas. A well-sited 6kW wind turbine can generate around 9,000kWh per year, which is much more than the average household electricity use per year.
Wind energy production often peaks during winter months and at night, complementing solar energy’s summer and daytime peaks. This makes hybrid systems an attractive option for consistent year-round energy production.
Space requirements
The space requirements for solar panels and wind turbines are very distinct. Solar panels require substantial roof space, usually 20-30 square metres for a 4kW system. They’re well-suited to most homes with unshaded south-facing roofs, making them a popular choice in urban areas. Solar panels can also be installed on flat roofs and ground mounts if other roof space is limited or unsuitable.
For wind turbines to work effectively, they need lots of open space. Manufacturers often recommend installing turbines on free-standing towers 7-8 metres high and away from obstacles that could create turbulence. This requirement makes wind turbines more suitable for rural properties or large, open areas – not particularly practical for densely populated areas.
Building-mounted turbines require less space but are generally less efficient. The need for unobstructed wind flow means that surrounding buildings, trees and landscape features must be considered when planning a wind turbine installation.
Maintenance and longevity
Maintenance requirements and longevity are important factors in the overall value of renewable energy systems.
Solar panels are known for their low maintenance needs. They have no moving parts, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt or debris that might reduce efficiency. Inverters, which convert DC power to AC, need replacement every 10-15 years. With minimal wear and tear, solar panels can last 25-30 years with only gradual performance degradation – they often retain 80% or more of their original efficiency at the end of this period.
Due to their mechanical and rotating nature, wind turbines require more frequent maintenance. Annual inspections, blade cleaning and occasional part replacements are common maintenance tasks. Some components, like bearings or gearboxes, may need replacement during the turbine’s lifetime.
Despite higher maintenance needs, well-maintained wind turbines have a lifespan of 20-25 years. The more complex maintenance requirements of wind turbines should be factored into long-term cost and effort considerations when choosing between these renewable energy options.
Carbon footprint considerations
Both solar panels and wind turbines make use of a fully renewable energy source and come with zero emissions during operation.
However, it’s important to consider the entire lifecycle of these technologies, including manufacturing and disposal. Solar panels have a carbon footprint associated with their production, primarily due to the energy-intensive processes involved in manufacturing silicon cells and other components. However, they tend to offset this initial carbon debt within 1-4 years of operation, depending on the local energy mix and sunlight conditions.
Wind turbines come with an embodied carbon footprint from their manufacturing too, but their offset period for this is very quick. It’s thought most wind turbines balance their carbon footprint within six months of operation. This rapid carbon payback is due to their higher potential energy output in good wind conditions.
Battery storage compatibility
Both solar panels and wind turbines can be effectively paired with battery storage systems. Household batteries allow homeowners to store excess energy generated during peak production periods for use when the renewable sources are less productive.
For solar panels, this means storing energy generated during sunny days for use at night or on cloudy days. Wind turbines benefit by storing energy produced during high-wind periods for use during calmer weather.
The integration of battery storage brings several benefits including increased self-consumption of clean energy, more energy security and cost savings. A good storage battery will cost a few thousands pounds, but this will pay for itself within a few years. Read more on battery storage prices and how much you can save.
Wrap up on solar panels vs wind turbines
Both solar panels and domestic wind turbines offer viable renewable energy solutions for homeowners. Solar panels are more suitable for urban settings, whereas wind turbines can be highly effective in rural areas with consistent wind. However, domestic wind turbines are currently much more expensive than solar panels.
The choice between these technologies depends on various factors, such as your local climate conditions, available space and budget. In an ideal world, a hybrid system combining both technologies would provide the most comprehensive and efficient renewable energy solution.
