Wind generators or solar panels, which is better to choose?

I was prompted to write today's article by the fact that from time to time the question stubbornly continues to sound: What is better to use as an alternative source of electrical energy, a wind generator, solar panels? I am sure that for those who already consider themselves to be “alternative people” with experience, a similar question “cuts the ear”.

Indeed, in order to feel the answer to it one should at least a couple of years bit by bit such coveted Watts. Seriously speaking, this is tantamount to the question: What is the best way to use a hydroelectric power station or a thermoelectric power station? Where there is a river and its flow makes it possible to use a hydroelectric power station, the choice is obvious if only because its kilowatt will be cheaper. Well, where there is no river, it remains to put a thermal power plant.

Of course, each of the options is able to satisfy the fulfillment of assigned tasks under certain specific conditions. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we are forced to consider when choosing one that is more suitable for our requirements and intentions.

This applies equally to the choice of a wind generator or solar panel. Where objects are open, as they say, to all the winds, it begs use of a wind generator. But, by and large, this does not exclude the possibility of using solar powered home station.

Moreover, this feature of alternative sources should be used to your advantage. What I mean? Suppose you are going to provide yourself with electricity from an alternative source in the area of ​​systematic and regular winds. The choice of a wind generator or wind generators (the question of quantity, this is a separate question) is obvious to you. I agree with you. BUT!

Be sure to consider using a solar panel too. In what percentage to distribute the total power between them is a matter of calculation. More importantly, it should be noted that if there is seasonality in your area, then there will no doubt be periods when the productivity of the wind generator will decrease significantly, but the productivity of the solar battery will increase during the same period. Thus eliminating seasonal failure from the entire period of your power consumption.

The same can be attributed to areas with predominantly solar radiation. Not to consider using a wind generator would be at least unprofitable.

In other words, it is advisable to use a wind generator, solar panels together. In central Russia in the summer, the main burden falls on solar panels. This is understandable. Daylight hours are longer, the sun is higher. In spring and autumn, if you do not take into account the March reflections from the snow, especially in winter, there is no foliage on the trees, there is no space for wind. Then the windmill becomes King.

I always preferred solar panels. Silent toilers. There is nothing to break, no mechanical rotating parts. Nevertheless, I will never advise myself to confine myself to solar panels only. I admit that there may be areas where it is advisable to use only either a wind generator or solar panels. But this is more an exception than a rule.

Boris Tsupilo