advantages and disadvantages of solar energy and wind energy
Answers
Advantages:
Solar power is pollution free and causes no greenhouse gases to be emitted after installation
Reduced dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels
Renewable clean power that is available every day of the year, even cloudy days produce some power
Return on investment unlike paying for utility bills
Virtually no maintenance as solar panels last over 30 years
Creates jobs by employing solar panel manufacturers, solar installers, etc. and in turn helps the economy
Excess power can be sold back to the power company if grid intertied
Ability to live grid free if all power generated provides enough for the home / building
Can be installed virtually anywhere; in a field to on a building
Use batteries to store extra power for use at night
Solar can be used to heat water, power homes and building, even power cars
Safer than traditional electric current
Efficiency is always improving so the same size solar that is available today will become more efficient tomorrow
Aesthetics are improving making the solar more versatile compared to older models; i.e. printing, flexible, solar shingles, etc.
Federal grants, tax incentives, and rebate programs are available to help with initial costs
Disadvantages
High initial costs for material and installation and long ROI
Needs lots of space as efficiency is not 100% yet
No solar power at night so there is a need for a large battery bank
Some people think they are ugly (I am definitely not one of those!)
Devices that run on DC power directly are more expensive
Depending on geographical location the size of the solar panels vary for the same power generation
Cloudy days do not produce much energy
Solar panels are not being massed produced due to lack of material and technology to lower the cost enough to be more affordable
Solar powered cars do not have the same speeds and power as typical gas powered cars
Lower production in the winter months
Solar power is pollution free and causes no greenhouse gases to be emitted after installationReduced dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuelsRenewable clean power that is available every day of the year, even cloudy days produce some powerReturn on investment unlike paying for utility bills.
Disadvantages
High initial costs for material and installation and long ROINeeds lots of space as efficiency is not 100% yetNo solar power at night so there is a need for a large battery bankSome people think they are ugly Devices that run on DC power directly are more expensive
Advantages and disadvantages.
Wind is a renewable energy resource and there are no fuel costs. No harmful polluting gases are produced. On the other hand, wind farms are noisy and may spoil the view for people living near them.