In optimal installations for both, does wind ever beat solar?
I just published this detailed post on solar pv vs. wind turbines for installations of the same cost:
http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profiles/blogs/residential-solar-pv-vs
I'm starting to come to the conclusion that except for a few spots in the U.S. (mostly in AK, HI, or on top of mountains) residential wind will always lose to solar PV assuming optimal locations for both (i.e. no shading on solar panels, no obstructions blocking wind) and the same capital outlay at the onset.
I'm going to work on another blog post highlighting this fact, because it is rarely covered by most news media who don't even know the difference between a kW and a kWh, let alone know how to do the analysis themselves.
What I'm looking for is someone who can tell me I am missing something in the analysis? Any thoughts?
Tags: comparison, solar, vs., wind
Views: 21
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Mark Richardson on -
@Chris - I'm not sure it's entirely fair to simply "halve" the cost of a PV system, particularly one that small, simply based on nameplate capacity. You still need to install all of the BOS components, etc.
@Leo - I sincerely doubt that articulation alone can double PV production, especially that far north. Articulating optimization tends to be more effective at lower lattitudes. I suspect that a PV system in MN gains a significant percentage of production efficiency simply because it is COLD there. Systems loose a lot when the heat increases.
Great to see this discussion!
-
-
Permalink Reply by Leo Klisch on -
I agree Mark. My wild guess on doubling PV output has no place in a serious discussion like this. That's how misinformation gets its start.
-
-
Permalink Reply by Leo Klisch on
-
Remember the PV system was tracking the sun daily and seasonally which for residential roof top installations would be difficult if not impractical. It appears that PV comes out better with tracking unless the residence has an above average wind site i.e. higher ground in west or southwest Minnesota.
-
- ‹ Previous
- 1
- 2
- Next ›
Home Energy Pros
Home Energy Pros was founded by the developers of Home Energy Saver Pro (sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) and brought to you in partnership with Home Energy magazine.
Latest Activity
Bud Poll replied to Bachi Brunato's discussion Boxing and Insulating Around Non-ICAT Cans"This is a topic I have discussed many times, but unfortunately cost is all too often the deciding…"
Sean Lintow Sr replied to Bachi Brunato's discussion Boxing and Insulating Around Non-ICAT Cans"If you can't talk them into replacing with IC rated...
Look into Tenmat - those are designed…"
Bachi Brunato posted a discussionBoxing and Insulating Around Non-ICAT Cans
I have a client with 16) 4" halogen recessed light fixtures in the attic.I'd like to cover the cans…See More
Dennis Heidner replied to Patrick Michaelyan's discussion Hot Upper Stories"Could you have them make a simple two line graph of the outside temperature, noting sun/clouds,…"
Bob Blanchette replied to Jose Macho's discussion Why Are Energy-Saving Home Inprovements Down??"You make some valid points, especially with the base rate charges. Increasing the base rate instead…"
Bob Blanchette replied to Jose Macho's discussion Why Are Energy-Saving Home Inprovements Down??"Amen, make energy show it's true cost instead of subsidizing it.
We have some of the lowest…"
Dennis Heidner replied to Jose Macho's discussion Why Are Energy-Saving Home Inprovements Down??"The press report really doesn't give enough information to clearly answer why they are…"
Edward Foskey commented on Edward Foskey's blog post Preparing to Update the Heat Pump"Gustavo,
Thanks for the input. I agree with you in that I will be waiting till my system's…"
Gustavo Melo commented on Edward Foskey's blog post Preparing to Update the Heat Pump"Any system that is out of warranty is really a coin toss as to whether it is financially better to…"
Dennis Heidner replied to J.C. Martel's discussion Disasters & sustainable energy"Such as Greensburg…"
Tom Delconte commented on Edward Foskey's blog post Preparing to Update the Heat Pump"Thanks, Ed, I get it now. I would just put in what my hvac guy tells me to put in: a $17,000…"
© 2013 Created by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
