Solar Power More Efficient Than Wind Energy

Would you be surprised if I told you that solar power is more efficient than wind energy? After all, this is a solar blog! Most of us have driven past giant wind farms of slowly turning turbines or a utility scale solar farm with rows and rows of solar panels.

Which one is better at generating electricity? And why?

Solar vs. Wind? Solar wins!

You are not the only one wondering about the comparative efficiencies of both solar and wind. In fact, in my home state of Washington in the Pacific Northwest, researchers at Inland Power and Light conducted an experiment pitting solar vs. wind, for title of most efficient renewable resource.

Admittedly, the experiment was somewhat imprecise. They used a single 35-foot wind turbine against a solar panel array, both of which were capable of generating the same amount of electricity under perfect conditions (and, coincidentally, each of which cost $22,000). And the results? Drum roll please….

The solar panels generated 5 times the power of the wind turbine! The reasons were primarily due to the fact that wind power is only effective at breezes of 3-12 miles per hour. Stronger gusts actually prevent wind turbines from capturing the energy because they are designed to brake to prevent the gearbox/hub from being damaged. While solar panels can suffer from decreased efficiency on overcast days, they are still able to generate some power.

Turns out others have conducted their own solar vs. wind experiments, too (or have at least debated the pros and cons of each):