In terms of net energy gain, are biofuels more efficient than photovoltaics?

Question

Take into account energy cost of manufacture and transport for both i.e.:

- Manufacture of photovoltaic cells

- Fertiliser

- Harvesting and refining

- Cables

Answer 1

It actually depends on the geography. As the photovoltaic cells are photo sensitive i.e. active only in bright sunlight, you can't use it everywhere in the world. In middle east, most of the parts will suit photovoltaics than biofuels. But if in South Africe / Srilanka, you will be simply wasting time & money if you go for photovoltaics.

Answer 2

Nothing has energy gain, per se. Biofuels and photovoltaics both have energy output, but it is always less than the energy input.

A Solar array is expensive, but produces almost free power, but only when the sun is shining on the array. And that can vary depending on geography and weather.

Biofuels get their energy from the sun, but indirectly. They are very expensive to make, and usually diminish the world's food supply.