Green energy: solar vs. wind power

Green energy: solar vs. wind power

Green energy is a topic that has become increasingly important in recent years. With climate change and the associated challenges, renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly important. Solar and wind power are among the most established alternatives to fossil fuels and offer a green solution for generating electrical energy. But which of the two energy sources is ahead in terms of efficiency, costs and environmental friendliness?

Solar and Wind Power: An Overview

Solar energy

Solar energy refers to the use of solar radiation to generate heat or electricity. This energy source is inexhaustible and can be used locally, making it an attractive option for energy production. Photovoltaic systems that convert sunlight into electricity are widely established and can be installed both on buildings and in large-scale solar parks.

Wind energy

Wind energy is generated by using wind currents. With the help of wind turbines, also known as wind turbines, kinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy and finally into electrical power. Wind energy is used both on land and on the open sea, in so-called offshore wind farms.

Comparison: efficiency and productivity

Solar energy efficiency

The efficiency of solar panels is usually expressed as the percentage of incoming solar radiation that is converted into electrical power. Modern solar modules achieve efficiencies of around 15 to 20 percent. This may seem small at first glance, but it is because the theoretically possible efficiency is limited by physical limits.

The productivity of a photovoltaic system depends on various factors, including the location and orientation of the system, the type and quality of the solar modules and the climatic conditions. In Germany, the specific annual yield of a well-installed and aligned photovoltaic system is usually between 900 and 1100 kilowatt hours per installed kilowatt peak (kWp).

Efficiency of wind energy

The efficiency of wind power plants is also limited by what is known as Betz's law, which states that a maximum of 59.3 percent of the energy contained in wind currents can be converted into mechanical energy. Modern wind turbines achieve efficiencies of around 35 to 50 percent.

The productivity of a wind turbine depends heavily on the wind conditions at the location. On average, a wind turbine at a suitable location in Germany generates between 2000 and 3000 kilowatt hours per installed kilowatt (kW) annually, depending on the size and technology of the system as well as the local wind conditions.

Comparison: costs and profitability

Costs and economics of solar energy

The cost of installing a photovoltaic system has fallen significantly as the technology has become better and cheaper. Depending on the size and complexity of the system, installation costs in Germany are currently between 1,000 and 1,700 euros per kilowatt peak.

The operating costs for solar energy are relatively low. They mainly consist of maintenance and repair costs and, if necessary, costs for replacing defective components. The electricity generated can be fed into the public grid and paid for, which contributes to the economic efficiency of the system.

Costs and economics of wind energy

The construction of a wind turbine requires a larger investment. The costs depend on the size of the system and the location and are currently around 1,300 to 2,500 euros per installed kilowatt in Germany.

The operating costs of wind turbines are higher than those of solar systems because they require regular maintenance and servicing and are subject to greater weather and load influences. Even with wind energy, the electricity generated can be fed into the public grid and paid for.

Comparison: environmental friendliness

Environmental friendliness of solar energy

Solar energy produces no emissions while the systems are in operation and is relatively quiet. However, emissions and waste are created during the production of the solar modules. They also consume a considerable amount of materials and energy. However, this "gray energy expenditure" is compensated for over the course of the system's lifespan.

Environmental friendliness of wind energy

Wind energy is also a zero-emission energy source during operation. However, the construction of wind turbines can have some negative environmental impacts, including affecting bird and bat populations and visually degrading the landscape. There is also an environmental cost associated with the construction of the systems and their possible maintenance or renewal over the course of their operating life.

Conclusion

Both solar and wind energy are sustainable, green energy sources with their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of efficiency, cost and environmental friendliness. Ultimately, the choice between solar and wind energy depends on many factors such as location, local weather conditions and individual situation. However, the question is not so much whether solar or wind energy is the better option, but rather how they can be optimally combined to ensure a reliable, environmentally friendly energy supply.