Solar Vs. Wind
We at D&M Alternative Energy recognize all forms of renewable energy. We feel that solar (PV) is the best option in most instances in our region.
Wind generators can be used as an good back-up for a solar (PV) powered home. The reason for this is that when the sun is not shinning there is usually a storm coming and the wind picks up. Also, during winter months when the daytime is shorter it is usually windy again, due to more frequent storms. You may have noticed that wind generators only seem to work well in stormy conditions. Generally, in the northeast this is true. There are exceptions to this, but most people that think they have adequate wind usually do not. Some exceptions include the very tops of mountains and along the coast. Look at the wind resource map at the very bottom of this page. Most of New York is in the white or poor range. If you happen to be in the yellow range of the wind map you are considered to have a fair wind resource. Purple is considered to be a good resource (tops of mountains and coastal areas). Remember, that for most wind generators to work you must have 12-15 mph of constant, unobstructed wind (free of turbulance from things such as trees and other structures).
The other map below shows the average available power from the sun per day, expressed as (Kwh/square meter/day), in our area. See Solar Map. As you can see, we are in the 4-5 range. This is plenty of sun to make solar (PV) worth while in our area. Consider this, Germany generates more power from solar (PV) than any other country in the world. Germany's average available power from sunlight is in the 2-4 range. In our opinion, solar (PV) is the clear choice for our region. If you are still not convinced please read the Pros and Cons of solar (PV) and wind generation below.
If you have any Questions or Input we would like to hear from you, please send us an email.
Pros :
Wind Generation :
- Lower initial cost
Solar Power :
- Can be used anywhere the sun can be found
- Extremely low, simple maintenance
- No moving parts
- Very long system life span, it is not uncommon to have systems last 30-50+ years
- 15-25 year warranty on parts
- 5 year warranty on labor
- Can be operated unmonitored for extended periods
- Predictable power output in all locations
- Easier to install compared to wind generators
- Silent operation
- Aesthetically pleasing (systems tend to blend into your roof quite well)
Cons :
Wind Generation :
- Most locations have a poor wind resource (most people that think they have sufficient wind, don’t) see the wind resource maps below
- Towering can be expensive for larger systems
- May require heavy equipment to erect
- Power output can be unpredictable
- Many people report considerable noise in high winds
- Many people report considerable ground vibration in high winds
- Moving parts will eventually wear out
- only 3-5 year warranty on parts
- Routine maintenance is required
- Maintenance is difficult on top of a tower and adds to the cost of the system
- Requires large battery banks
- Requires having a tower in your yard or on your roof (usually 50-150 feet tall, must be higher than the tree tops)
Solar Power :
- Usually higher cost than other forms of alternative energy generation
- Not always practical in shaded locations
