Which is the best option, solar panel or wind turbine?

Question

I need to reduce my electricity bill, my area is tropical and rather windy. Which of the two gives more kWH for money invested?

Answer 1

Some valid thoughts so far.

  First of all you should consider that the initial investment will take time to pay for itself, pretty much like buying a Hybrid vehicle.

  You'd need an ARRAY of either, not just a single unit, and all the needed hardware, etc. to make it work.

  I live in South West Florida, and while it can be breezy at times, there is most often, more Sun. Obviously that doesn't apply at night, and would equate to "storing" the energy. Sun Hot water is common, but again the solar collection to power a house would be pricey.

Answer 2

Wind power requires more maintenance due to the fact that it is dynamic machinery (moving parts).

PV cells just sit and generate energy when the sun hits them (very little maintenance). The batteries needed to store energy for use when there is no sun are the component which needs service).

Both are expensive and "pay" only if you can't purchase electricity from the grid.

Answer 3

Alot depends on what you have the most of! For instance, if you live in a region that typically has a low rainfall (little cloud cover) you may look to the sun.

On the other hand if you live in an area with a lot of wind or hot air,say Washington DC!!!!!

  You get the Picture!!!

Answer 4

wind turbine then

Answer 5

Wind turbines might help I guess. I saw a show on TV showing how some people built them and how they worked. You're supposed to have quite a few of them for them to work (one can power a small fan when not moving fast). Solar panels are mostly used to just heat water. The kind used for household electricity supply are usually more expensive.