For wind and solar to compete with oil, coal, and natural gas, researchers will have to find a practical, cost-efficient way to store their power when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing. Both wind and solar power have grown rapidly in the last decade - but they only account for a small percentage of the world’s energy generation capacity. Plus, transparent solar panels are being developed to retrofit roofs, windows - and even your phone, laptop, or tablet.ĭespite the advantages of green energy, there’s still the question of its economic sustainability. They might even be used to generate power for future high-speed transit systems. They can be bought or leased at an affordable rate. Solar panels can be installed on the rooftops of buildings, schools, and businesses. They aren’t suitable for densely populated areas, which means they’re mostly located in rural regions - far from the cities that are most in need of their power.įor suburban or urban regions, solar panels are a more practical option. In fact, one wind turbine can generate the same amount of electricity per kWh as about 48,704 solar panels.īut the enormous power-generating capacity of wind turbines doesn’t make wind energy a clear winner. ![]() Compared to solar panels, wind turbines release less CO2 to the atmosphere, consume less energy, and produce more energy overall. Wind is a more efficient power source than solar. Which sustainable power source makes more sense for local and state economies? Check out this infographic that compares the good and bad of wind and solar energy. The Pros And Cons Of Wind And Solar Power When sunlight hits the photovoltaic (PV) cells inside solar panels, these cells transform the sun’s radiation into electricity. Solar energy is the sun’s radiation that reaches Earth. When wind blows over the turbine’s blades, its generator converts the energy of the rotating blade into mechanical power - which can then be converted into power to pump water, grind grain, or provide electricity to homes, businesses, and schools. Wind turbines capture that kinetic energy. This difference in atmospheric pressure creates wind, a kinetic (motion-based) form of energy. When the sun’s radiation heats Earth’s uneven surface, hot air rises and cool air settles. Wind is technically a form of solar energy. ![]() But can they both stand up to the giants of non-renewable energy, or is one sector a more promising investment? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of wind and solar energy. We’re betting on green energy’s top two producers to break our dependence on fossil fuels. They provide power to the densest populations and the most rural regions of the world. Wind and solar are the heavy hitters of renewable energy.
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