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, regenerative energy sources are increasingly coming to the fore. Solar and wind power are among the most established alternatives to fossil fuels and offer a green solution to generate electrical energy. But which of the two energy sources has the front in terms of efficiency, costs and environmental friendliness?

solar and wind power: an overview

solar energy

Solar energy refers to the use of the solar radiation to produce heat or electricity. This energy source is inexhaustible and can be used locally, which makes it an attractive option for energy generation. Photovoltaic systems that convert sun rays into electricity are broadly established and can be installed on buildings and in large -scale solar parks.

wind energy

Wind energy is generated by the use of wind streams. With the help of wind turbines, also called wind turbines, kinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy and finally into electrical current. Wind energy is used on the country and on the open lake, in so-called offshore wind farms.

comparison: efficiency and productivity

Efficiency of solar energy

The efficiency of solar modules is usually given as a percentage of the incident solar radiation, which is converted into electrical current. Modern solar modules achieve efficiency of around 15 to 20 percent. This may seem low 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 on the location and the 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 oriented 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 the so -called Betz’s law, which says that a maximum of 59.3 percent of the energy contained in the wind currents can be converted into mechanical energy. Modern wind turbines achieve efficiency 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 creates between 2000 and 3000 kilowatt hours per installed kilowatt (KW), depending on the size and technology of the system and the local wind conditions.

comparison: costs and economy

Costs and economy of solar energy

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

The operating costs for solar energy are relatively low. They mainly consist of maintenance and maintenance costs as well as costs for the exchange of defective components. The electricity generated can be fed into the public network and remunerated, which contributes to the economy of the system.

Costs and economy 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.

The operating costs of wind turbines are higher than that of solar systems, since they require regular maintenance and maintenance and are subject to larger weather and stress influences. Even with wind energy, the electricity generated can be fed into the public network and remunerated.

comparison: environmental friendliness

Environmental friendliness of solar energy

Solar energy does not produce emissions while operating the systems 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 in the course of the system's lifespan.

Environmental friendliness of wind energy

Wind energy is also an emission -free energy source during operation. However, the construction of wind turbines can have some negative environmental impacts, including the impairment of bird and bat populations and the visual worsening of the landscape. In addition, there is an environmental effort through the construction of the systems and through their possible maintenance or renewal in the course of the operating time.

FAZIT

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