Did you know? Sustainable Energy Goals (SDG goals) for 2030 aim to sustainably increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
With the increasing demand for sustainable energy, Indian energy sources are becoming more renewable. Two such energy sources in demand are wind and solar energy. This shift towards finding clean alternatives is prompted by the energy crisis and the crucial need to meet future energy demands in India. This article gives you a comprehensive analysis of wind energy vs solar energy in India.
How is Solar Energy Generated?
Solar panel systems generate electricity from the array of photovoltaic panels connected to them. It converts the sunlight that hits the solar panel into direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted to alternating current (AC) for household use.
Installing 10 to 30 solar panels with a capacity of 250 to 400 watts and an efficiency of around 20% in India costs around INR 36,000 to INR 44,000. The costs may also differ based on energy needs, location, and complexity.
How Does Wind Turbines Generate Electricity?
Wind turbines generate electricity by converting the kinetic energy of the wind into alternating current (AC) electricity through their rotating blades and a generator. This energy resource is more suitable for commercial or industrial scales and has an efficiency rate of 50%.
The efficiency of wind turbines is 30% higher than that of residential solar panels and can operate at any time of the day.
Solar Vs Wind Energy Comparison
The use of solar energy has seen tremendous growth in recent decades, and despite concerns about the area size required, it takes less than 100 square feet of shadow-free space to generate 1 kilowatt of power.
Let’s delve deep into the advantages and disadvantages of both solar and wind energy.
Advantages of Solar Energy and Wind Energy
In order to encourage citizens to transition to more clean energy resources in place of conventional fossil fuels, the government offers various installation subsidies for all renewable energy systems.
Here are the advantages of solar energy and wind energy to be aware of when you are going for a clean alternative.
| Solar Energy | Wind Energy |
| Pollution-free, inexhaustible and domestically produced. | Inexhaustible energy and domestically produced. |
| Suitable for areas with large open spaces like rural. | Suitable for areas with large open spaces like rural. |
| Low maintenance and predictable energy source | It can operate in cloudy weather and day and night. |
| Scalable for individual or large-scale use | Non-finite, scalable renewable energy. |
Disadvantages of Solar Energy and Wind Energy
The usage of wind energy in India is one of the oldest forms of clean energy sources. It has some advantages over solar power beyond its advantage in generating energy both day and night.Â
Here are some of the disadvantages of both solar energy and wind energy.
| Wind Energy | Solar Energy |
| Unpredictable energy sources. | Operates only in day and weather-dependent. |
| Prone to damage during harsh weather conditions | Solar panels require special care. |
| Installation locations are remote, which leads to expensive transmission. | Site locations can be challenging. |
| Turbine noises can lead to noise pollution | Battery storage and inverters are expensive. |
Advantages of Solar Energy Over Wind Power
When comparing advantages while choosing wind and solar power, solar energy has several long-term benefits over wind energy.
- Solar energy systems can be established to generate energy on a massive scale, as they have a more predictable energy source than wind.
- Installation of solar panels is comparatively easier than solar panels and more residential-friendly. It can be installed on the ground on houses, while the wind turbines require a barrier-free vast land.
- Solar panels require less maintenance and can work effectively for up to 30 years.
Wind Energy Vs Solar Energy – Which is the Better Option?
When choosing between solar and wind energy, various factors need to be considered such as energy needs, locations, and its sustainability for each. Solar energy is better suited for residential use, whereas wind energy is more inclined towards commercial or industrial use.
Yet another factor is solar panels are relatively cheaper and best suited for areas with ample sunlight throughout the year. In contrast, wind turbines require vast, barrier-free space, which makes them more suitable for rural areas.
Both solar energy and wind energy will spearhead global efforts towards cleaner and sustainable energy production. If technology advances and continues to grow at the same rates, it will replace dependence on fossil fuels for energy production.
